Printable Origami Paper

For convenience and variety, you might consider using printable origami paper the next time a paper folding mood strikes you.

DIY: Origami paper printed and cut from home.

Historically, paper folding in both China and Japan was a pastime reserved for aristocrats. Given the short supply of paper at the time, only the wealthy could use it for such recreation. However, as paper became more common, so did paper crafts among the people.

By the 17th century, recreational origami had spread throughout Japan. Any piece of paper could potentially be an origami model -- from newsprint to small scraps of kami (the Japanese word for paper).

Fast-forward to today and origami is practiced the world over. As for paper sources, you can now add printable origami paper to the mix.

A simple click away, designer paper can be downloaded and printed in less than a minute. Indeed, any piece of plain white computer paper can transform into a beautiful print for a favorite origami model.

Certainly one of the advantages to using printable origami paper is that it's available when you need it.

These days, origami kami can be purchased from any local craft or hobby store. Yet, if your supply should run out – you could always try computer paper.

The consistency and weight of the two papers is similar, making computer paper a good, convenient substitute when needed. Being plain in color though, you may wish to spruce it up. If so, a printable pattern may be the answer.

Still, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when printing your own origami paper:

1. Does the pattern hold up to folding/creases?
2. How much does one sheet of printed paper really cost?

As noted, computer paper shares many of the same characteristics as kami origami paper. As a result, it is indeed an acceptable choice for paper folding. However, what about the pattern once printed? Do creases result in white lines or tearing?

The short answer is "No." Both the color and pattern of printed computer paper seem to hold up well to folding and creases. Any consequent white lines are no more than you'll find with store-bought papers.

As for the cost, you need to consider the ink. Ink remains the costliest part of any home printer. While printers are generally one of the least expensive peripherals, the price of ink cartridges can quickly add up.

Thus, origami paper printed from your home computer may seem to cost nothing, but if you factor in the cost of color ink – nothing turns into something.

Tip: To avoid overspending, only print papers for final projects, not for practice. For practice, plain white computer paper will work fine.

While store-bought origami papers come pre-cut in perfect squares, print-it-yourself papers need to be cut. The best way to do so is to use a paper cutter or trimmer, such as this rotary model by Fiskars. Scissors will also do the job; as would gentle tearing from a crease. However, for perfectly straight edges, a paper cutter/trimmer is preferable. What's more, from a single piece of computer paper, you could quarter the remaining 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" portion into four 4" x 4" pieces. Considering this, the cost of printing a single sheet of origami paper reduces by 75 percent!

If so, take a look at the following sites. Each offers numerous patterns, and all are free to print. You'll find many online patterns are unique and not available in stores –- another plus to consider. Files are saved in PDF format.

• thekhans, Origami Papers: A collection of patterns ready for download. When printed out, each paper measures six inches square.
• Canon Creative Park: Browse through more than 320 patterns, including designs for the holidays.
• Origami Club: The club lists hundreds of origami paper patterns, including solid colors, prints, and Japanese designs. Find origami models, diagrams, and animations.

• 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

• Money Origami
• Category:Origami Slideshows
• Printable Origami Fortune Teller
• Instructions to Printable Origami Animals
• Main Page