Nov 11: Celebrating International Origami Day (Even As We Reflect and Remember.)
November 11th, while for many is a day to reflect and remember, what you may not have known is that it is also International Origami Day.
[Image reads “International Origami Day” and depicts various origami butterflies.]
Origami and modular origami both only use strategic folding of paper to create designs or interlocking pieces without the use of glue, cutting or marking. Kirigami and kusudama are closely related to origami, still involving folding and manipulating paper, but do allow the use of glue, cutting and marking.
So in honour of both International Origami Day and Veterans/Remembrance/Armistice Day today I took some time to make some origami, modular origami, and kirigami poppies.
[Image consists of a few different paper poppies.]
Much like other hobbies and crafts, origami can be something of a meditative practice. It can also improve our patience and be exciting to discover how simple folds can transform a piece of paper into something so much more. No special tools or equipment are strictly required, even special origami paper isn’t essential, though origami paper will often give the most satisfying results. I personally also like to use a small cutting mat to work on along with my folding tool to create sharper folds when needed. But ultimately if you have paper and can fold it, you can make some origami!
There are three basic folds used in origami, a mountain fold, valley fold and a squash fold. But not to worry you likely already know how to do all three! Many origami shapes start with the same basic shapes and designs, such as the square base. While in the past Origami was an oral tradition, written patterns were created and today there are all kinds of patterns and instructions available online including videos.
[Image consists of a trio of origami cranes in varying sizes and colours.]
One of the most traditional origami forms would be the paper crane which is considered a symbol of peace, and it is said folding 1000 paper cranes would allow one’s wish to come true. I guess I better keep folding! What about you?
So, have you ever made any origami? Do you have a favourite shape you make most often?
Origami (folding only) or would you be happy using glue and trying kirigami or kusudama as well?
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Do you think you would make 1000 paper cranes to have your wish granted?
Sources:
https://www.origami-instructions.com/ (This is a great source for more origami information and fun patterns!)
https://origamiusa.org/wod
https://www.ipapyrus.co.uk/blog/2019/1/3/origami-and-kirigami-whats-the-difference
https://forms.gle/tSRzfxpQJvvYpZXh6 Feedback & Ideas Form, Share your ideas!
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So, have you ever made any origami? Do you have a favourite shape you make most often?
I obviously have made origami, I made everything in the post after all. As for me, my most common shape would probably be the origami butterfly I've been making since I was little. A few years ago I made hundreds of kusudama flower balls, but that's a fairly basic fold where you just make 60 basic petal' pieces then glue them all together to make the balls. Hard part to explain to someone was that the small ones take as long as the larger ones do if not longer because it's more intricate work.
Origami (folding only) or would you be happy using glue and trying kirigami or kusudama as well?
While I enjoy the pure folding forms, I've come to really enjoy some of the added range of that things like kirigami and kusudama have added to my creations. I'm already plotting making more of the 5 petal style flower I posted which involved kirigami for the flower and modular origami for the leaves.
Do you think you would make 1000 paper cranes to have your wish granted?
I know I've made over 1000 paper butterflies before, and well at around 300 paper flower balls, each requiring 60 individual pieces of origami, that was 18,000 of the same petal shape. So Perhaps it's time to see if I can make my wish come true with cranes.
@EmotionsListener
I am very impressed with your origami, and I can't even imagine making that many petals 😮
@EmotionsListener
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So, have you ever made any origami? Do you have a favorite shape you make most often?
Yes, I and my siblings used to do that as children. We never knew back then that they are called Origami but we just used to make them using colorful craft papers which were taught to us by our elders. And not to forget, those were the most beautiful days. Not because it was our childhood but because it was not overtaken by technology like in this era. Our favorite shape has always been airplanes. We used to make many of those with different colors of craft papers and used to make them fly in our rooms. Finally, it looked like a room full of vivid color airplanes flying from one end to the other.♥️
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Origami (folding only) or would you be happy using glue and trying kirigami or kusudama as well?
We tried both during our childhood. However, would love to try kusudama.
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Do you think you would make 1000 paper cranes to have your wish granted?
If wishes come true that way, why not? Hahahahaha
@lyricalAngel70
Sounds like origami was a way your imagination would take flight as a child! There are so many interesting paper airplane patterns out there where precision can be very important in how those creations are able to fly.
Kusudama can be very rewarding as well. After making hundreds of flower balls I have taken a bit of a break from kusudama, but I still enjoy it. Hopefully you can find some time to try some as well!
Indeed, if a wish is granted, that seems like a small task doesn't it!
Thanks for joining in the folding fun!
Thanks for the post, @EmotionsListener😁
Happy International Origami Day!
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So, have you ever made any origami? Do you have a favourite shape you make most often?
Yes, I have made. My favourite (and the only one that i know to make) is a boat. Just recetnly, I made one with my hospital token bill, hehe.
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Origami (folding only) or would you be happy using glue and trying kirigami or kusudama as well?
I am hearing about Kirigami and Kusudama for the first time,(thanks for the new piece of info <3) so I would like to look it up and try it out sometime for sure!
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Do you think you would make 1000 paper cranes to have your wish granted?
I think i would. IF it could make ANY wish to be granted, ofc!
@EmotionsListener
Here's one I made just now:
@MilaAvery
Well done! Now I'm almost tempted to make origami shapes to request.
@MilaAvery
That could easily be turned into a hat or a finger puppet. Well done 😍
Hi @Helpingheart23 ☺
Yea you're right. I used yo use it as a hst too at times, though it looked kinda funny wearing a boat on your head hehe. Thanks for your kind words ❤
@MilaAvery
Haha, that's adorable. My brother and I used to pretend to be sailors on a boat when we were kids and wear those origami hats. Come to think of it, my brother taught me so many things. I am so grateful to have these wonderful childhood memories, and I'll definitely mention that the next time I talk to him. So thank you! 💛
@MilaAvery
That sounds cool, though it sounds like there is quite a story behind the chosen material used to make your splendid boat?
I remember those terms were very new to me a few years ago when I was working on my first kusudama project, many people still call them all origami, guess the paper and folding are what people think of first/most. Some of the shapes you can create by expanding beyond basic folding can be quite lovely. (I will admit I'm rather enamored with the 5 petal poppy pattern right now)
It does feel tempting to make that 1000 paper cranes indeed. I know what I would wish for, do you?
Hey @EmotionsListener :)
There isn't any story behind it actually. I just found a piece of paper next to me which i was going to recycle. So i made a boat, that's all, hehe😁.
Yeah, those terms are new to me and i tried to make that crane and the result looked like the the crane had a fracture on it's face and neck💀. The ones that you made are so lovely, though. I would like to make them all some day.
Well, if i could make a wish, then I would wish for a 1 year vacation in Greece (for free obviously😉) and I would also like to go on a shopping spree (for free again lol).
What about you?
@MilaAvery
Found paper is great origami paper, I don't know how many various candy wrappers and such that have become origami, particularly little butterflies....
As for a wish - I've folded thousands of butterflies so why not cranes especially if that would grant me a wish. Might have to get started on those... Maybe I'll make 1000 white ones.
I was really into origami when I was younger, I remember filling jars with these little puffed up stars. I've been meaning to get back into it. Here's something I made recently
Hopefully this picture works :/
@rose987654321
Hey, me too. I used to make origami rainbow stars in a jar when I was a kid. Thanks for bringing back those memories with your reply. Really great sunglasses by the way 😊
@rose987654321
I have made stars before too, though they were one I was never entirely satisfied with, but it does remind me of the tulips I make that have to be "inflated" which can be fun.
Btw... Nice shades! 😎
@EmotionsListener
Cool post Emo 💛 the easiest for me is the heart shaped origami, but my favourite would be baby yoda.
@Helpingheart23
Hearts can be fun, I've seen various different versions of hearts too. Baby Yoda origami? I may need to go look for that one. I think one of the hardest ones I made was a dragon.
One hobby where saying "I fold" is a good thing? 😉
In my country there is online bookstore that sends you small origami templates every time you buy something. 
Welp. That was fun.
Those origami pieces are beautiful, well done for having the patience to complete them 😊 I especially love the star! ⭐️
@StormForeshadow
That's a cool insert in with your books. Although I'm surprised they don't send you some of the patterns for origami bookmarks. One of my favourite bookmarks is actually origami that slips over the corner of the page you are marking so doesn't hang out of the book and doesn't fall out easily. I may have a half dozen of them I've made kicking around.
Otherwise well done, congrats on having some origami fun!
@EmotionsListener
So, have you ever made any origami? Do you have a favourite shape you make most often?
I've attempted making flowers on three occasions, only one survived lol. I gave it to my friend. I used to make the tiny origami frogs as a child. Maybe I should learn how to make a cat
Origami (folding only) or would you be happy using glue and trying kirigami or kusudama as well?
As long as I have some detailed instructions I'm happy to try any of them - it's fun but my skill level is uh very poor so always a varied outcome 😆
Do you think you would make 1000 paper cranes to have your wish granted?
I'd love to have a wish granted, but I'm not sure I have the ability for that many paper cranes. It is incredibly impressive for whoever does manage.
I know this isn't very much, but I tried my best to make a little paper heart. It's all I could manage.. Who knew folding paper could be so challenging 😮
@SleepyShyCat
A cat may give you the motivation to learn more origami for sure. I find a lot of the patterns can be a bit confusing at first, and the first time I make things I always use my least favourite paper - somehow that almost guarantees that they will work out. 😼
I'm sure your flower was lovely, I know a lot of different flower patterns some that are more intricate others that are challenging in other ways, so who knows maybe you can find another flower pattern that you might enjoy even more.
The one style of kusudama flower balls I made tons and tons of is actually a fairly simple petal pattern, then it's just the assembly. This one is a half sphere so only required 30 petals - I found some sheets of scrapbooking paper to use as my origami paper so it's actually huge. - I used paperclips to help hold it together while I was assembling.
I remember I used to find making cranes so daunting, I guess after folding so much other origami they became less so. I've learned patience is the most important skill, though precision can also go a long way.
Your heart is great, it is a hobby that can take time to build up confidence, but if it's something you want to try, fold your heart out! (Next time I get my paper out I may have to try making a special cat for you!)
@EmotionsListener
Cats can motivate me to do almost anything lol
I absolutely love that flower! Very pretty 😮
Maybe I'll have a go at following some beginner patterns and see how I go 😸
@SleepyShyCat
I found an origami cat pattern to try and now have a cat sitting in my kitchen where my other furry feline won't try to eat the paper! I hope you have found a pattern or two that you could try!
I loved doing origami as a kid, I remember following origami tutorials on the very old computer with small screen with my siblings haha. Amazing what people can create!
@Kyoshi
It can be amazing to see what a simple piece of paper can become with a bit of patience, folding and imagination!
There's a thread here that is doing the 1000 cranes. I just started doing origami because of that lol. I've done the cranes and the mouse and dinosaurs lol
Through the origami I discovered the kirigami but haven't had a chance to try it yet
I really enjoy it tbh - it helps calm the anxiety I get alot :)
@mytwistedsoul
Indeed it can be another of those activities that helps us focus on something relatively simple (or complex for some of the fancier pieces) and put down other worries for a while.
I'm glad that you enjoy it, I used to be more intimidated by complicated pieces but I guess with practice comes confidence? I hope you will get a chance to explore some kirigami as well.
As to the 1000 cranes, I would happily fold them but they really are not my favourite origami form, I wonder if the universe would grant a wish for 1000 origami butterflies instead, I know I've folded over 1000 of those!
Thank you for joining in the fun!
@EmotionsListener Oh I haven't tried the butterfly yet! I'll have to check that one out!
I would think there should be some wish granted with making 1000 butterflies :)
