What does a swan, a plane and complex geometric shapes have in common? Do you give up? The answer is that they can all be made from paper. The ability to fold paper into different shapes is the long practiced tool of origami. It is a wonderful way to teach geometry and to give people something to do as a hobby. It can be as simple as a paper airplane or it can be incredibly intricate that involves multiple pieces of paper all shaped to fit together to create one stunning figure or image. If you are not familiar with this practice and hobby, this article can help answer the basic questions you may have and shed some light onto a hobby that most are fearful of when first beginning.
What is origami?
Origami is a traditional Japanese art of paper folding. More often than not, it is used to create models by means of geometric folds and crease patterns. A common goal is to utilize a single piece of paper, without the need for gluing or cutting. Models can also utilize multiple pieces, each formed from one sheet of paper, to form a modular assembly. In these cases, units are assembled without thread or glue to create complex pieces.
Does origami use special paper?
The only true requirement for origami paper is that it is capable of holding a crease. Typically, origami paper, or “kami”, is sold in squares, with one side colored, the other white. Commercially produced packages provide sizes from one inch to ten or more, and occasionally multi-colored and patterned sheets are found. Standard copy paper can used for simple folds, and makes a great learning medium. Specialized papers such as foil backed and tissue foil can also be used for complex models, but may require the individual to produce them.
How young can a person be to learn origami?
In Japan, Kindergarten students start learning how to shape figures and objects out of paper. So there really is no age limit. The child has to understand the basic principles of the paper folding and be able to follow simple directions. If he or she can do that then you can start at whatever age you think is most appropriate. It will all depend on that individual.
What are origami tessellations?
In order to understand what origami tessellations are you first have to understand what a tessellation is and how it is formed. Tessellations are two dimensional items that come together to form a cohesive object. The most common form of a tessellation is the tile in your bathroom. Each is fitted together so that there are no gaps or overlapping pieces. Origami tessellations work the same way. Each two dimensional piece of paper that is created into a shape is fit together to make one larger piece.