ANCIENT PAPER FOLDING Origami is an ancient form of art using paper The word comes from the Japanese words oru meaning fold and kami meaning paper Origami artists make models of animals plants people and many more amazing things Origami wouldn't exist without paper Paper was invented 2 000 years ago in China Around 500 CE Buddhist monks brought paper from China to Japan Japan is where the art of paper folding became what we know today as origami At first only the richest people in Japan could practice origami This was because paper was very expensive at the time So most people couldn't afford it
Then as the paper industry improved paper became less expensive More and more Japanese people were able to make origami People began to make origami models as decorations and sent them to others as gifts Origami was also used to teach math Origami remains an important part of Japanese culture But now origami is also practiced all around the world in many different ways Anyone can become an origami master including you
ORIGAMI PAPER Most origami is made from one square piece of origami paper This paper is often thinner than regular paper The paper's thinness makes it easier to fold multiple times But it is possible to make origami with any paper you have on hand Origami artists are known to work with all kinds of materials You can make origami using leftover wrapping paper or scrapbook paper Some people use paper that would otherwise be thrown away or recycled This includes newspapers magazines and junk mail Origami squares are usually 6 by 6 inches 15 by 15 cm If you are cutting your own origami squares you can use these dimensions Or you can make squares that are larger or smaller Just make sure that all four sides are the same length VI
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES bone folder craft stick marker tape scissors glue TIPS TRICKS Follow the instructions very carefully It is important to do the steps in the correct order Also remember to be patient Work slowly and don't worry if you make a mistake Just unfold the paper and try again It takes a lot of practice to become an origami expert
