WHAT IS ORIGAMI Origami is the art of folding paper into different shapes Through folds a flat two-dimensional paper can be transformed into a three-dimensional work of art The art of origami is believed to have started hundreds of years ago in Japan In Japanese ori means to fold and kami means paper A person who practices origami is called a folder Some origami projects involve just a few simple folds More elaborate designs can take much more time and skill to complete DOLLAR BILL ORIGAMI Origami is a popular art form around the world Using dollar bills to fold origami is especially popular in the United States Think of creative ways you can show off your origami skills For example at a restaurant you can ask your parents to leave a server’s tip folded into a simple origami shape Did You Know Paper was invented in ancient China The Chinese used pulp made from bark and a plant called hemp to create sheets of paper Over time people began to fold paper including paper bills to create different shapes Today origami is a popular craft for people of all ages and skill levels 4
TECHNIQUES GETTING STARTED The only material you need to create dollar bill origami is paper money You can use real dollar bills or play money It is best if the paper bills are new but you can work with old bills too A coin is a handy tool to crease your folds When you work with real money try not to tear the bills Wash you hands well after folding money Dollar bills that have been used have been touched by many people Dollar Bill quarter coin Play money Dollar bill A Note About Measurements Measurements are given in US format with metric in parentheses The metric conversion is rounded to make it easier to measure Tip It is best to work with new crisp dollar bills 5
ORIGAMI TECHNIQUES Origami is made using different kinds of folds Valley folds mountain folds outside reverse folds and pleat folds are all needed for the projects in this book Follow the following steps to create each kind of fold You can practice making the folds with scrap paper before making dollar bill origami Ask an adult if you need help Valley fold A valley fold creates a bend in the middle of the paper It makes a V-shape 1 To make a valley fold lay the paper on a flat surface 2 Bend the bottom of the sheet upward to meet the top edge 3 Line up the edges Make sure the corners are lined up too 4 Hold the edges together with one hand 5 With the other hand pinch a sharp crease Valley fold mountain fold A mountain fold is made in the opposite direction of a valley fold It looks like a pointed tent Instead of folding the bottom of the paper up fold the top down Then follow the same steps used to make a valley fold Mountain fold 6
Spread out pleat fold Pleat Fold Outside reverse fold This fold allows the paper to change directions It is often used to make the head of a bird or the feet of animals The outside reverse fold wraps over the rest of origami project in the direction of your choice A pleat fold it made up of several valley folds and mountain folds It looks like an accordion or a staircase Outside reverse fold Make a valley fold followed by a mountain fold Continue alternating these two folds for the desired length of the pleat fold The folds can be stacked together or spread out to look like a fan Pleat fold 7
