The Origami Forum

First of all, I am sorry for bringing the level of the forum so down! I see that are quite a lot of interesting discussions (which I barely comprehend due to my inexperience), but I need to start from somewhere.

I am, basically, just starting out at origami, which some people call "that paper folding thingy". Thus, I own a few basic (or at least I think it's basic) books, and have folded a few of the simplest models. However, it's obvious to anyone who ever tried to fold something that this "thingy" is not as easy as it may seems.

I have a real problem with some sorts of intermediate fold, such as crimping and sinking, if I am not mistaking their names, and am really curious about reproducing a model from its crease pattern and the design process behind a origami. Also, I must admit I am a little impatient.

Therefore, I am looking for some pointers in this art, probably in the form of book recommendations.

welcome to the board

hmm... your question is hard to answer. at least for me, because I don't know much about your folding talent. maybe it would be a good start to fill in your profile so that we know, where you are living. there could probably be somebody in your neighbourhood to meet for a weekly folding-meeting

where could you start? Hmm... a good answer would probably be: "go to http://www.origami.com/diagram.html and search for all the simple models".
if you're bored by the simple models, you can go on to the next level

Peter Budai has an amazing Basic-Folds PDF at his homepage:
http://peterbudai.tripod.com/
look under BASICS -> DOWNLOAD FOLDS
it should give you a good introduction into the basic folding procedures.

hope this helps


Christian

Dear moonpxi,

A good book to get that can answer alot of your questions (not if all) is Robert J. Lang's Origami Design Secrets. The first few chapters give you a good base for beginners to push off with then the rest of the book progresses into more complex stuff that is easily understood by beginners. (I wish this book was out when I started ) It costs a arm and a leg but you can most likely inter library loan it at your local library for FREE! That's what I did. Oh and don't think you are bringing down the level of the forum! This forum needs more people like you! It balances the forum out, and you'll learn alot more then you can get just from books. I just thought I would put in a bit! Oh and always have fun.


Funkee Folder

With all due respect to FunkeeFolder, I would not recommend Lang's Origami Design Secrets for the beginner. It is indeed a brilliant book, but it can be overwhelming in the explanation of the technical aspects of folding.

My recommendation is get a few simple origami books, which are easy to come by, fold your way through them, get annoyed that they are that simplistic and work your way up to more difficult stuff. Once you get to the point where you get annoyed with those books and start thinking "I want to fold [insert idea here]. but I can't find a diagram that looks right", then pick up Origami Design Secrets and do it yourself.

I second that recommendation -- don't start with Lang. Start with the library, and pick up any book that deals with basic folds, e.g., bird, waterbomb, frog, etc. Don't be offended by trying 'beginner" stuff, if you don't your failure to appreciate the art will be imminent.

After learning the basic folds, I'd put a strong recommendation in books by Montroll. If you can't find them at the library, they are for sale at most book stores for a reasonable price (approx $10) and they contain some very satisfying folds.

a few more words about the libraries:
that's, why I asked about moonpxi home country. here in germany it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get a new origami book in a library. they have only the standard german books (usually 3-6 beginners books). the libraries have neither the money, nore the possibilities to order english books. FunkeeFolder seem to think, it's the usual way in libraries to ask for a book, and they order it. maybe it's only that hard in Germany? can anybody approve or disapprove?


Christian

This is a good beginners' book:
Teach Yourself Origami by John Montroll
It starts with very basic models but gradually builds up to a high intermediate level.

Dear everyone,

I just did a little jump before looking move there! Please ignore me I tottaly did not think about the different country thing (how selfish of me actually! Please forgive me on this too!) Now that I think about it I probably was forgeting how I was when I first did origami, and I just jumped in to say something and did not think about it.
Oh but I guess I taking this to far, and probably went off subject.... I am tired maybe that has something to do with it! To much improv and acting wears me out!

Funkee Folder

I learned everything I know from origami.com (the site Chris recommended) so that's probably a good place to start. Although you say you're pretty impatient, try not to give up when you get stuck somewhere. Solving those steps by yourself is the fastest way to learn. Have fun

Hi,
I'm new to the forum and figure i could do a little imput here. Yea i don't recommend starting with lang's origami designs secrets either. I'm reading the book right now and i find it pretty difficult to digest. I consider myself to be an intermediate folder. Maybe a little of topic, anyone else trying to tackle the book?

-KinL

Does anybody know a good way of ordering ODS in the Netherlands, Europe? (without the use of a creditcard)

*edit* I just ordered the book from amazon. (the english one) All I have to do know is figure out what a postal order is. I think I'll ask my bank tomorrow. Can't wait for the book to arrive, yay!

I recomend a site that has free online videos:
http://www.expertvillage.com/

Free videos include:
http://hobbies.expertvillage.com/videos/origami-box.htm
http://hobbies.expertvillage.com/videos ... ai-hat.htm
http://hobbies.expertvillage.com/videos/origami-cat.htm

There are a bunch others that could help get you started.

Hi and welcome to the forum

Those are some very nice and helpful movies, thx for the link.
Are you the one who created those?

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. The word "origami" comes from the Japanese "ori," which means to fold, and "kami," which means paper.

To get started in origami, you only need two things: a square piece of paper, and folding instructions or diagrams. You can use any kind of paper, but paper specifically designed for origami has beautifully vibrant colors. Instructions and diagrams can be found in books and on the internet.

** Symbols **

Origami instructions use symbols to indicate how you should make your folds. Origami books will have keys, in the beginning, explaining the symbols. There may be some variation from one book or instruction sheet to another, but for the most part there are a set of standard symbols that all origami instructions use. Once you become familiar with the basic folds and the common symbols, you will be able to complete many different types of origami projects.

The following are some of the most commonly used symbols:

A dashed line represents a fold known as the valley fold. Fold the top of the paper towards you.

A dash-dot-dash line represents a fold known as the mountain fold. Fold the top of the paper away from you.

A single line arrow means that you should fold in the direction of the arrow.

A double line arrow means fold in the direction of the line, and then unfold.

A double-headed arrow is another symbol meaning fold and then unfold.

An arrow with a loop in the middle means turn the paper over.

** Technique **

The more precise your folds, the better your finished project will be.

Work on a hard, flat surface. When you start to make a fold, first do it loosely. Make sure all the appropriate edges and corners are lined up. Once you have the paper positioned exactly right, hold the paper taut, and move your thumbs along the paper toward the crease line until a crisp fold is formed. To make the fold even sharper, run your thumbnail along the edge of the fold.

** Make a cup **

Here is an easy project to get you started. Take a square piece of paper and place it on your work surface. If the paper is only colored on one side, turn the colored side down. Rotate the paper so that it forms a diamond, with a point at the top. Take the bottom point and lift it to meet the top point, and fold. You should now have a triangle with a straight edge at the bottom. Take the lower-right corner and fold it so that the point of the lower-right corner meets the middle of the edge of the opposite side of the triangle. Take the lower-left corner and fold it the same way. You should now have a figure that looks like a cup with a triangle on top of it. Take the top layer of paper from the triangle on top and fold it towards you so that the top point of the triangle meets the middle of the bottom edge of the figure. Turn the paper over and fold the remaining flap down in the same way, and your cup will be done!

for more great tips:
http://www.essortment.com/in/Crafts.General/index.htm