I'm doing an origami panel at Momocon!

Android raptor · Post by **Android raptor** » March 13th, 2007, 12:52 am

But I need some advice, mostly on what types of models to teach. I'm thinking some simple traditional i.e. crane, waterbomb, tortoise, etc, but there are a few in some books I have and origami-club.com that I would like to teach as well. Is it okay to make copies from books to teach a class? I don't know how long they want the panel to last, but I do know that they're expecting around 20 people to show up. I'm going to get the paper tonight, and I'm also going to charge the guests a small fee (1$ at most) to pay for said paper. Any thoughts/advice?

halogen64 · Post by **halogen64** » March 13th, 2007, 4:07 am

Do you have any details on Momocon?

I would suggest traditional. I find they have the most meaning or relevance to origami and anything more complicated tends to lose people. I have trouble teaching the preliminary base to most people. I would also suggest you write up a little background or something about origami to hand out to participants.

JeossMayhem · Post by **JeossMayhem** » March 13th, 2007, 6:49 am

Hm... I was employed at an art camp last summer to teach a bunch of unruly elementary school kids origami. I got their attention by presenting examples of some of models of varying complexity, and then gave a short history lesson on the art.
I then moved on to teaching the crane and a paper airplane, which went well with the help of the older kids, but what was really a big hit was basic modular origami. Once you teach a few how to make the unit then they can easily help others, reducing stress on yourself... it's easy to fold, assemble, and to remember.
Then the hard part is deciding who gets to take the ball home.... *sigh*

I guess making copies out of a book is ok... but don't take my word for it. Maybe it's safest to collect the copies after the class...?
One final piece of advice that you most likely already understand - Never cease to stress the importance of accurate creasing!! Nothing grinds my gears more than seeing someone crumple their paper in ball out of frustration....

Watusa · Post by **Watusa** » March 13th, 2007, 6:53 pm

i run a really small origami club at my school, and for some reason the waterbomb has been the biggest hit, although the flapping crane version went down pretty well too.

Android raptor · Post by **Android raptor** » March 13th, 2007, 9:22 pm

Yes, I plan to teach mostly simple traditional models. And that's a good idea to bring in other models! I think I'll do that as well. I want people to be able to keep the diagrams and some paper, though (guess I should bring baggies for them).

akugami · Post by **akugami** » March 13th, 2007, 9:32 pm

Android raptor wrote:... guess I should bring baggies for them

why not trying to fold the baggies with them?

another idea about the right models to teach could be an occasion as easter a harvest festival. you could explain how to fold a basket, a bunny or some eggs ...

Android raptor · Post by **Android raptor** » March 15th, 2007, 9:29 pm

I don't think can fold a bag, because the panel is only going to be an hour long and the paper won't be big enough. However, I might try a waterbomb base rabbit for Easter.

akugami · Post by **akugami** » March 15th, 2007, 10:04 pm

what about some flowers, too? and may be a simple butterfly to rest on it ...

polop · Post by **polop** » March 16th, 2007, 12:21 am

I taught a lesson in japan to about 40 beginers for an hour and a half period. I taught the kawasaki rose. And at the end we had organised to give real flowers and some paper ect and they made a small bouquet each though we had to charge reasonably to get nice fresh flowers. you could try somthing like that

Android raptor · Post by **Android raptor** » March 16th, 2007, 10:20 pm

I think we'll have time to do 5 or 6 traditional models. Crane, jumping frog, cicada, and ninja star are definite on the list to do. Possibilities are the swan, Samurai helmet, waterbomb rabbit, fox, butterfly, waterbomb, and lily. Any ideas on what to narrow it down to?

Post by **origami_8** » March 16th, 2007, 11:12 pm

Action models are always great, so if anything can jump, flutter, spin... it will be a hit, look here for inspiration:
http://www.geocities.com/foldingca/action.html

Android raptor · Post by **Android raptor** » March 16th, 2007, 11:20 pm

Just got all the models I think I'm going to use from origami-club.com. They are a simple penguin (to start off), cicada, jumping frog, ninja star, Samurai hat, butterfly, fox, and of course a crane. I don't think we'll have time for more...

Post by **origami_8** » March 17th, 2007, 12:02 am

The fluttering butterfly? I love this one.

I also like this heart: http://newmedia.purchase.edu/~Jeanine/o ... iheart.htm

Android raptor · Post by **Android raptor** » March 17th, 2007, 12:14 am

Naw, not the fluttering butterfly, just a traditional butterfly. I don't want to do more than 8 models because I doubt there will be time. But I think I made some pretty good choices for beginners...