How to Do Origami

The only skill you need to learn how to do origami is making folds in paper. Origami is the Japanese name for the art of paper folding, stemming from oru, meaning to fold and kami, meaning paper. You can choose from hundreds of diagrams to produce nearly as many designs-from animals to boxes and envelopes-that can stand as pieces of art on their own or to be used as adornments for gifts or accents in your home.

Origami Papers
You can practice origami with just about any kind of paper, but you'll get the best results using origami paper, which is thinner than other papers but also strong so that it holds creases well. Origami paper is generally cut into 6-inch squares and is blank on one side and colored (solid or patterned) on the other. Professional origami artists often work in other media as well, using cloth, metal or cardboard to create their sculptural designs.

You'll find individual sheets and/or packaged sets of origami papers at stationery or craft stores to help you get started. Often, you'll find beginner instruction books coupled with papers so you can work your way through the book without having to buy paper separately. Alternatively, you can practice at home with paper that's easy to fold, but also holds creases. Copy paper, for example, would be a better choice than newspaper.

Folding Techniques
The folding techniques used to make origami crafts range from basic to mathematically complex. The most basic folding technique is called the valley fold and is as simple as folding the flat sheet of paper toward you. Once the crease is made and the fold is released, the resulting line creates a shape that's reminiscent of a valley. The reverse of the valley fold is the mountain fold, where the paper is folded away from you, then turned over so that when the fold is released the crease forms a ridge.

These techniques are combined with other folds to form different foundations from which countless origami designs can be built. Typically called bases, the four most common are the frog base, the fish base, the kite base and the bird base so named for the kinds of animal sculptures you can create from them.

Uses for Origami
Once you've made your origami crafts, what do you do with them?

• String them on fishing line, wire or colored thread along with beads to create mobiles
• Set them in the boughs of your Christmas tree as part of your ornament display
• Attach to gifts in place of ribbons and bows
• Use to present gift cards and other small gift items
• Give away as Valentines
• Use instead of traditional place cards at dinner
• Apply your newfound folding skills to napkins and dress up your place settings

Getting Started
Origami is easy to learn and with a wealth of books, kits and Web sites devoted to the subject, you'd be hard pressed to find reasons not to try it.

Basic Origami Envelope

1. Place your origami paper decorated side down and fold in half diagonally
2. With the top of the triangle facing you, carefully fold one side of the triangle's point down to meet the bottom fold
3. Fold the right edge of the triangle in, about 1/3 of the way
4. Fold the left edge of the triangle in, about 1/3 of the way, then fold its inner edge back to make a smaller triangle
5. Separate the pieces that make up this smaller triangle and pull its bottom corner toward the middle of the envelope. Flatten to form a small diamond
6. Insert your card or letter into the envelope
7. Fold the top of the envelope down and tuck the corner into the diamond shape you just formed to keep it secure