Shapes & Sizes

 

There are many different categories of origami, such as modular origami, practical origami, or decorative origami.  My favorite category is decorative, but unfortunately the most beautiful origami pieces are often the most advanced.  I've made many attempts at difficult origami pieces, only to have them end up as crumpled, shapeless forms.  I don't get upset though.  Instead, I just declare these failed pieces under a new category: modern origami!

Kimono

Kimonos are a traditional Japanese robe worn during special occasions.  They are made in a variety of designs and colors -- just like origami paper! -- so it seems fitting that we can make origami versions of them.  I've tried this piece in many designs and colors, and I have yet to find one that I didn't like.  Origami kimonos are great as present toppers, paper doll clothes, or strung along a decorative chain.  I would love to make a life-sized origami kimono one day, using extra large origami paper. 
(I will post instructions as soon as I can find them.  Sorry!)

Roses are red...

Real roses can be expensive, especially around Valentine's Day.  So why not give something a little more affordable, and that will last a lot longer?  In the image above, the left rose is folded using a different pattern than the center and right roses, but I think it looks just as beautiful.  I prefer the center rose because its petals have been carefully rolled over, similar to the petals of a real rose.  Bouquets of these flowers look spectacular, and to obtain the same aroma, simply spritz the bouquet with rose oil and Voila! -- a bouquet of roses that will last forever.  Just don't try to water them!

Kawasaki Rose Folding Instructions

Basket of Fruit

The paper used during folding completely defines what this piece becomes.  Here, by using red paper with black spots, the piece becomes a strawberry;  the green back-color of the paper lends itself well to the leaves.  If I had used blue paper with a black back-color, it would look more like a blueberry.  And if I had used red paper with circular patterns, it would look similar to a raspberry.  We can make larger fruit too, like apples, oranges, and pineapples, by using larger pieces of paper.  It's amazing how we can make most origami fruit using one folding pattern!

Fruit Folding Instructions

Ninja Star

The ninja star is most often folded by high school students, likely because of its easy folding design and cool shape.  Although I've folded it using flower-patterned paper (as seen above), this piece looks especially sharp when folded using silver paper or aluminum foil.  The latter material is quite an undertaking, since foil crinkles and tears so easily, but the outcome is worth it.  This is also a great piece to fold when you are standing in line or in a waiting room, to pass the time or impress others!

Ninja Star Folding Instructions

Water Lily

I folded this water lily origami piece using the wrapping tissue from a present I received, and I think it turned out beautifully.  I have tried folding it using normal-weighted paper, but the paper became too thick to fold by the time I reached the third layer of petals.  The tissue paper was thin enough to allow for multiple folds, and large enough that the final piece size was suitable.  I have been looking for large origami paper sheets for a while now, but no such luck.  If anyone knows where I could find some, I would be very grateful!

Water Lily Folding Instructions

Box Full of Treasures

I use this octagonal box to hold all my tiny origami pieces, like the lucky stars in the previous post, for example.  I didn't fold this box, and unfortunately I cannot find the folding instructions.  It was created by one of the members of the SFU Origami Club, a club which has since disbanded due to the members having graduated.  If anyone knows of where I can find the folding patterns for this piece, I would be very grateful; it is a beautiful piece that I would like to make one day.

A Shower of Stars

To me, nothing is prettier than a jar full of origami stars.  These sweet little pieces of art are a bit tedious to make, but are beautiful to look at, especially in large bundles.  To make them, you fold long strips of paper into pentagons, then pinch the corners to make them puff out.  The smallest stars are the hardest to fold, but create the best effect.  You can also string them on a thread to create adorable children's jewelry.  Happy folding!

Lucky Star Folding Instructions