Dollar Bill Origami

Dollar bill origami is the ancient art of paper folding, modified to use U.S. currency as a design element. Although the traditional shape for origami paper is square, there are many patterns for origami using other shapes, like circles and the rectangles of most paper currency.

Make origami money flowers out of dollar bills.

Modern origami techniques have expanded the types of materials that can be used in origami design. Now there are specialty "papers" that can be made from metal gauze, cardboard, and fabric. These new ways to fashion origami designs can add artistry and convenience to the different techniques of origami.

Dollar bill origami is colorful and can range from super simple to very complex. U. S. currency is 75 percent cotton and 25 percent linen, so origami designs made from bills are sturdy as well as colorful. The history of paper currency goes back to China in the 7th century, so even though using currency as a design paper in origami is a more modern trend, paper currency and origami have a common origin.

Dollar origami is distinctive and can be useful too. It can be used to decorate a gift, or be a gift in itself. It can be used as an icebreaker at a gathering, be used as a tip, or adorn a desk or coffee table as a display piece. With its fine, colorful filigree, currency can add depth and intricacy to origami pieces and still have a useful purpose once their life as origami has ended.

One important element of dollar origami is that its basic shape is rectangular, and at 2.61 inches wide by 6.14 inches long, the paper is relatively small. When selecting a design, many patterns have been developed specifically for use with bills. If you decide to make your own, take the overall dimensions and shape into account before you begin.

All traditional and most modern styles of origami avoid marking, gluing or cutting the paper. This is important to remember when making dollar origami because mutilating or defacing U.S. currency is a federal crime.

Working with currency instead of origami paper can present several challenges. Follow these tips for making origami using bills:

• Because dollar bills are essentially made of fabric, they have less fold "memory" than other types of paper, so be sure to press your creases firmly.
• When planning your project, be sure to consider which side of the dollar bill to use. The two sides of the U.S. dollar can look very different, and will give you a unique finished project. They will also act like duo origami paper, paper that is a different color or shade on each side. This can also be used to your advantage in design.
• The borders of U.S. currency are much lighter than the overall bill, and can be used as a design element too.
• Even though money origami is considered unique from a design perspective, the same basic origami folds are used. Before you start making dollar bill origami shapes, familiarize yourself with these basic origami-folding techniques:
  • Valley fold
  • Mountain fold
  • Pleat fold
  • Rabbit ear fold
  • Squash fold
  • Crimp fold

Additionally, look at the swivel fold and sink fold before making origami with dollar bills.

Dollar origami is a fun, easy way to learn the art of paper folding. It will give you a new appreciation for your money.

• Origami Business Card Holder
• Simple Origami Bird Directions
• Origami Paper Folding into Pots
• Origami Background And History
• Origami Facts

• Slideshow:Origami Money Flowers
• Dollar Bill Origami
• How to Make an Origami Dragon
• Online Origami Diagrams
• Money Lei Origami

• Make an Origami Dollar Bill Ring
• Origami Money Shirt with Tie
• Money Origami Instructions
• Money Origami
• Folding Money into Shapes