Fold it right there! It’s World Origami Day!
Are you looking for something to do with your hands that ISN’T double-tapping photos of your dream holiday on Instagram, texting “Hi, how are you?” to the same four people every day or rage-scrolling your Twitter feed because the world news is ‘Bleh’? Do you want a creative outlet that’s cheap and easy to get into but also makes you look very impressive at parties? Are you looking for something you can do to alleviate your crushing boredom right this second?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you’ve found yourself in the right place at the right time! Why? Because it’s World Origami Day, and we’re about to teach you how to do some basic origami! Origami is the art of folding paper into interesting shapes, but it’s also a way to keep your hands busy without always being glued to your smartphone, which we believe everyone could do with a little more of. Are you ready to fold, mould, and create with PNA and origami? Let’s dive in!
What exactly is origami?
Origami is an activity that’s defined as “the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures.” Modern definitions of origami have expanded to include all types of paper folding crafts, regardless of their culture of origin. The earliest known Japanese reference to a paper model was by Ihara Saikaku in 1680. This mentions a traditional butterfly design used in the ceremony of Shinto weddings. People started giving folded paper alongside gifts or greeting cards in the Edo period. As origami arts progressed, it became frowned upon to use glue, cuts or markings on the folded paper. Purists insisted that accurate origami models should gain their structural integrity entirely through folding. In the 20th century, as the global village formed and people internationally exchanged more cultural practices among origami artists, the “New Origami” school formed. This is the origami you recognise today and included new types of folds like box-pleating, tessellations and wet-folding.
How to make an iconic origami paper crane
By far, the iconic paper crane model is the most recognizable (and one of the most doable for beginners) piece of origami art. And we’re going to teach you how to make one! Legend says that after you’ve folded a thousand of these, you’re granted one of your heart’s desires.
Because we’re not exactly origami experts ourselves, we’ll leave it to the professionals! Follow our absolute favourite guide for a paper crane made easy here! Be sure to check out Origami Tsunami’s YouTube channel for even more awesome tutorials, too!
Once you’ve folded your paper crane, the PNA team will be excited to see it. Upload it to Instagram and tag us on @pna_colouryourworld with the hashtag #PNAOrigamiChallenge for the chance to be featured on our page!
What do I need to do origami?
Paper! Seriously, that’s it – all you need to make hundreds of beautiful sculptures is a modest sheet of paper. WHICH paper you use makes a difference, though. The best type of paper is “Kami” – the Japanese word for origami paper. This paper already comes in a square, which is the basis of most origami model patterns. Kami paper is thin enough to fold easily but thick enough to hold a rigid shape when folded and won’t start warping or wearing away at the folds. Some Kami paper comes in plain colours, but you can get exciting varieties with textured patterns and sides that really show off your sculptural skills. You can get your hands on Kami origami paper at PNA stores! Use our handy store locator to find a location near you and get folding! We can’t wait to see the creations you’re about to show off!
Remember the hashtag #PNAOrigamiChallenge.