Free Easy Origami Instructions
From LoveToKnow Origami
Crafting nifty little paper animals, flowers and jewelry is simpler than ever these days with all of the free easy origami instructions available online.
About Origami
Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. While the basic technique has been around since the seventh century, origami methods and materials have evolved tremendously in the last century. In ancient Japan, origami was used for practical and formal purposes, most notably in religious ceremonies. However, as time progressed origami became more of a mainstream art form, gaining popularity in Western regions of the world. What was once a practice reserved exclusively for Japan's elite, is now a hobby embraced by people from varying ethnicities, socio-economic groups and skill levels.
Origami Creations
In the years immediately following its inception, origami was reserved to create concrete shapes, such as cranes and boats. However, in just the last few decades, origami has evolved into a paper-folding phenomenon. There are now more than 80 different types of origami, including:
- Modular or 3D origami
- Dollar bill origami
- Edible origami
- Business card origami
- Fabric origami
- Action origami
- Metal origami
- Abstract origami
- Towel origami
- Tea bag origami
What's more, origami has expanded beyond simple birds and boats. Today, origami enthusiasts have come up with ways to turn a single sheet of paper into amazing creations, such as:
- Fish
- Cubes
- Pinwheel
- Candy
- Frogs
- Stars
- Furniture
- Cups
- Dinosaurs
- Flowers
- Trains
- Planes
- Boxes
- Jewelry (including rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and pendants)
Where to Find Free Easy Origami Instructions
One of the main reasons origami has become so popular is due to its increased accessibility. The advent of the Internet has made finding free easy origami instructions practically effortless.
Easy Origami from LoveToKnow
Here are a few tutorials from LoveToKnow Origami that you may find useful as you're developing your paper folding skills:
Online Resources
Some of the most popular online origami resources include:
- TinyShiny.com: This website offers hundreds of colorful diagrams and simple origami instruction free. It caters to beginners, but also features select projects for advanced paper folders.
- Origami Resource Center: It is considered the most comprehensive website dedicated to origami on the World Wide Web. The site not only provides free detailed instructions on how to create various origami creations, but it also features the latest information on everything related to hobby that is sweeping the globe.
- WannaLearn.com: This popular site features step-by-step illustrated origami guides and tutorials on origami folding, with instruction on folding origami animals, dinosaurs, plants, flowers, and much more free.
- OrigamiUSA: The site presents diagrams and detailed illustrated guides on a wide range of origami topics, which can be freely downloaded and used for personal enjoyment.
- Origami-fun.com: A fan favorite, Origami-fun.com includes hundreds of printable instructions free. There is a printable PDF version of every diagram on the site, which makes it easy to share the instructions with your family and friends.
- docstoc.com: This site allows you to access simple origami instructions for free. The vast collection of detailed, illustrated guides comes courtesy of a long-time origami expert.
- Paperfolding.com: Everything you wanted to know about origami is featured on this site, free of charge. Paperfolding.com features excellent details on the different types of origami and provides concise instructions on a variety of origami folds (such as valley fold, mountain fold, petal fold, squash fold and reverse fold) and bases (including preliminary base, bird base, waterbomb base, and fish base).
Video Instruction
If you prefer video presentations to basic diagrams, then you might consider viewing the following popular online resources, which offer comprehensive origami instructions for free:
- BlogOrigami: The site offers simple origami instruction in video format.
- Howcast.com: The how-to videos on this site are straightforward and make paper folding fun.
- Instructional Online Videos: This site features an entire collection of step-by-step origami video instruction.
- Origami Video: This site takes the mystery out of origami by offering easy-to-follow instructional videos.
Origami Warning
The Internet is an incredible resource when it comes to finding free origami instruction. However, it's important to explore individual sites before settling on just one, as looks can be deceiving. Not all origami websites offer free instructions. Some require that you sign-up for a newsletter or that you register on the site prior to accessing origami projects, diagrams and other resources. While not all of these prerequisites require parting with money, some do demand sacrificing your time to complete long surveys and other questionnaires. Upon completion of these tasks, you will then be given access to the instructional area of the website.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 4,406 times. This page was last modified 15:06, 10 November 2009.
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