Is Origami Easy?
At first, we all think just folding paper cannot be that difficult at least until it came to making artful pieces of folded paper. Today I want to make origami feel easy but that depends on how well I can show you how to do the basic folds. Once you master these, then projects will be so much simpler. After all, easy origami is a paper craft that we should all enjoy.
There are more paper craft articles that are perfect for those of us who love to work with paper. Read “Perfecting Paper Flowers” and “Stencil Craft” to start. There are lots more in our posts for you to enjoy. There are also FREE downloadables in my resource library for your unlimited use.
Reading the Masters of Easy Origami
I spent the day at the library looking up everything possible on origami. There are literally hundreds of books available but very few have clear instructions. I did come across 3 I know you should read as they have a lot of the basic steps included.
3D Origami Fun!: 25 Fantastic, Foldable Paper Projects
Animal Origami for the Enthusiast: Step-by-Step Instructions in Over 900 Diagrams/25 Original Models (Dover Origami Papercraft)
Mind-Blowing Modular Origami: The Art of Polyhedral Paper Folding: Use Origami Math to fold Complex, Innovative Geometric Origami Models
These are not the only books available. Click on one of the links and you can do your own personal search for more.
Basic Folds for Easy Origami
To help with this part of the post I created a cheat sheet of origami folds. You can download it from the resource library and use it as a guide in any of your paper folding project. Thanks to the Ori
Kite Fold
Fold a square piece of paper diagonally in half and then unfold it. This will leave a crease down the center. Thanks to the origami center for the folding images.
Hold the paper with the crease running up and down and then fold in each side to form a kite shape.
Valley Fold
Another basic fold which simply means fold inward.
Mountain Fold
A basic fold when you fold outward
Inside Reverse Fold
Make a valley fold then unfold the paper. Open up the fold and push the center in to make a mountain fold.
Outside Reverse Fold
Pleat Fold
A series of valley and mountain folds to form pleats.
Squash Fold
Take any flap and make a valley fold then unfold it. Lift the flap and squash it in the middle to for a flattened kit shape.
Blintz fold
Fold you paper in quarters, open it up and fold the pointed edges toward the middle.
Petal Fold
This fold is a little more complicated with a number of folds as shown in the diagram below.
Easy Origami Project
Now that you know the basic folds, it is time to start your project. For today, we will be creating a paper flower. This design is by Darren Scott (his webpage no longer functions but he deserves the credit for his work.
The file for this project is in the resource library – the image below is what you will be making.
Video Easy Origami Inspiration
Although you can see the images for folding sometimes it is much easier to watch a person do it in front of you. Don’t worry if you do not get it right, it does take a lot of practice!
Origami basic folds instructions (Henry Phạm)
3D Origami Basic Folds | Learn Origami | Basic Origami Folds | 3d Origami Folds
DIY How To Fold an Easy Origami Magic Circle Fireworks. Fun Paper Toy Not Only For Kids
Last Word on Easy Origami
I am still practicing all the folds and make new designs. I particularly love making the paper flowers and plan to make more in the coming weeks. Mastering easy origami folds is key to making any project. I found that my folds were off a bit to start and I was not an accurate folder – I think this will still take time to master but this craft is fun for the whole family!
Don’t forget to download the easy origami cheat sheet from my resource library. You can use this cheat sheet to make your own designs at any time.
ARe you a master folder? Don’t forget to take photos of your makes and share them with me in the comments below or on my Facebook page.
Until tomorrow…
Bette
Please pin this image to your Pinterest boards. I truly appreciate your help in getting this blog article to crafters. Thanks again and Happy Crafting!
