Origami In Motion

Most origami is static; once created, it just sits there.  But some origami is made to move and bend, either to mimic the original design or to create a new effect.  The most common movable origami, and often the first paper-creation we make, is the fortune teller.  By moving the corners back and forth, we create a hypnotizing effect that simulates the mysteriousness of predicting the future.  Another favorite is the flapping crane.  Its design is a little different than the traditional version, but the alterations allow the wings to move if you pull the crane's tail.  There are many more movable origami creations, I will have to post more about this another time. 

Go Big or Go Home!

Most origami art-forms involve folding pocket-sized creations, but there is also the art of large origami.  Large origami is exactly as it sounds: fold the same pocket-patterns, but use very large pieces of paper.  Although impractical, the sizes of some of these creations can be magnificent!  A favorite of large-origami artists is dinosaurs, as the origami versions mimic the sizes of the real beasts.  Just be careful to not leave your creation out in the rain!

May the Fold Be With You

Origami is often associated with feminine patterns like flowers or butterflies.  But few realize that origami can also be quite masculine.  For example, Star Wars origami has a huge following, with users creating all the characters from the series.  The pieces can be easy, like the Millennium Falcon or a Tie-Fighter, or complex like Yoda or an X-Wing Fighter.  They are also great gifts for a guy friend, because what guy wouldn't want an X-Wing of their own?

A Little Water Goes A Long Way

Wet origami uses heavy paper that has been dampened with water.  The damp paper allows the folder to create smoother, more natural looking edges and surfaces, resulting in more realistic final products.  The water makes the paper more malleable, but it also makes it weaker, so we use heavier paper to avoid tears.  The patterns are folded normally, but afterwards the folder spends a little extra time rounding and curving areas to increase visual affect.  The process can be difficult, but the result is worth it!