The Origami Forum

Hi,

I got this great new origami book for xmas, however the author is using terms for paper size that I don't understand and was wondering if someone could help clear this up? I have had a look through the forums already and didn't see anything that helped

The terms the authour uses (but does not define anywhere in the book) are A4 and A3 paper. What size or what kind of paper is this?

Any help with this is appreciated.

Thanks!

Here's how to get A4 proportions from a square: http://www.barf.cc/Hzenv.pdf.

Ali, these instuctions for A4 paper are great, thanks so much!

Daydreamer, I'm a little confused on how to solve the mathematical formula on that link for A3 paper, but if I can figure it out, I'm sure it'll be mucho helpful, thanks!

ha lol u must be outside europe then as most european countries use A4,A5,A3 and so on i had the opposite problem when i bought an american origami book

Islandmassive,

yea I live in Canada, so the only kinds of origami paper I'm familiar with are square and star strips

I have also found the reverse to be true.

We have 4 specialist stationers in Windsor, England, and I went into each to ask for American Letter sized paper - my room is too small to accomodate a cutter/guillotine to cut paper to size, I fold on the back of an old encyclopaedia!

They all replied to the effect that "you can write a letter on any type of paper sir. The concept of 8½:11 ratio rectangles was similarly mystifying.

I wanted to fold Dr. Lang's Irish Setter from "Origami Zoo" as a Christmas present for a friend.

In the end my friend got a collection of Michael LaFosse Butterflies, from squares.

Happy Folding

InsomniacFolder wrote:my room is too small to accomodate a cutter/guillotine to cut paper to size

You should go for a self healing cutting mat (the smallest I own is 30 : 22 : 0,5 cm and fits perefctly into my bagpack) a metal ruler and a sharp knife. These tools arent expensive or large (a 30cm or 45cm ruler will do as well, you don´t need the 100cm one), so you can easily store them anywhere you want and cut any size you like.

If these things are still too large for you, you can buy this little envelope opener thingies. These thingies are approximately 6 : 2,5 : 0,5 cm large and fit into every pocket. First you need to precrease the paper (not too sharp) where you want to have your cut, then just cut with this little tool, that´s it. You can get them here or here or here,...

You should go for a self healing cutting mat (the smallest I own is 30 : 22 : 0,5 cm and fits perefctly into my bagpack) a metal ruler and a sharp knife.

This sounds like a good idea, and are even in my price range.

How easy is it to cut accurate squares etc, bearing in mind I balance a book on my lap and fold, and would cut, on the back of it?

I've only ever folded from 5⅞ inch kami or squares torn from A4 & A5 notepads.

Thanks for the advice, I apologise if I have now deviated from the original topic.

Happy Folding

Chronia wrote:yea I live in Canada, so the only kinds of origami paper I'm familiar with are square and star strips

Yay, another Canadian! It's getting to find Canadian on the forum lately