The Origami Forum

Hi everyone!

I've been asked to do a smaller origami exhibition in 2 weeks. At home I fold from kami but I always think that my folded models at conventions look childish compared to the other models there because of the paper and the kami colours. I'm living in Sweden and I've been to art supply stores but I only find white paper and white thick paper (for watercolours) or paper in only A4 sizes there, so no origamipaper. Now I'm wondering what kind of paper you use? What names can you give me so I can google and look at ebay? (I've read some paper threads here but thought I needed a more specific answer). I'd like patterned paper for boxes and earthly coloured papers for animals. My kami paper is mostly just the basic colours which I find a bit too colourful. (I can't find any pictures online from my corner of the exhibition at the BOS convention in Bristol 2004.. there you could see the difference between my kami models and the rest of the exhibition).
Regards,
Anine

I buy my paper moreover on the net, you should look at http://www.origami-shop.com, I'm sure you will find your happiness there.

Origami-shop is great if you're in France...if you're in the US...conversion rates and obscene shipping costs kind of ruin it...50 bucks for fifty sheets?

I already knew that France was the nicest place to live in but you just killed my last illusions : I have been believing for a long time that US could afford a buck for a sheets because they invented origami with dollar notes

Anyway I'm sure Uncle Sam has got similar website

Anine, what you could do is do the same thing Paul Jackson does, get some colored crayons and just rub on the colors. You can get some good results doing it too!

I think Paul Jackson uses pastels...

Some random names of paper in no order:
Elephanthide, lokta, mulberry, Tant, Kraft, Washi, Kami, Copy paper, Hand-made paper, Banana, Tissue, foil, kozo, unryu,


http://www.passionorigami.com sells larger paper in France.

http://www.origamido.com sells very high quality handmade paper in the US.

http://www.kimscrane.com has a variety of paper.

http://paperjade.com/

http://www.sasugabooks.com

lokta, mulberry and other papers from http://handmade-paper.us/

Also, you can try garden shops, florist shops, butchers, hardware stores, craft stores, candy stores, giftwrap stores, and possibly local colleges as sources for different types of paper. Sometimes interesting paper is seasonal, such as during Christmas or Easter.

And, you might consider learning to make your own paper....

I don't remember a Sticky with names of papers and descriptions ??

- Hank Simon

HankSimon wrote: http://www.origamido.com sells very high quality handmade paper in the US.

I thought they only sell the paper in person at conventions?

this can certainly be clarified by more experienced people who show at exhibitions, but i do believe a fair number of the best looking models have been finished with methylcellulose (MC) wet folding, which is what gives them that slightly glossy sheen.

Robert Lang has some informatio about paper on his website: http://www.langorigami.com/info/paper/paper.php4

FrumiousBandersnatch Posted:I think Paul Jackson uses pastels...

Yeah my bad, thats what I meant to say, though crayons give kool effects too with a shiny finish.

Origamido sometimes sells paper leftover from batches. I've had the best luck by calling them. They only sell to US customers.

- Hank Simon