There are a number of online sites offering free instructions in the Japanese art of origami or paper folding. Paper folding is an ancient art originating in China or Japan. The pastime became popular in Europe in the 19th century, being introduced in the Kindergarten movement in Germany, and becoming a popular hobby in the UK during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Origami
This website is a database providing instructions for making over 400 origami models. The projects are classified by difficulty: simple, intermediate or complex, and the database can be searched by keyword. Each project is presented as a PDF file with graphics and step-by-step instructions, although the quality of the images varies from project to project.
Origami videos and articles
Origami videos and articles offers a range of free origami-related resources including a useful Beginner’s Guide containing details of basic folding techniques which will be needed for following more advance instructions. Also on this site are video instructions for a limited number of projects, and links to online stores for purchasing origami supplies.
Origami-fun
Origami-fun offers a wide range of paper-folding projects organised by type; for example origami flowers, origami birds and Christmas origami projects. This website is not particularly easy to navigate due to the large number of advertisements, but if you scroll down the page there are clear and detailed instructions and diagrams, also available as PDF downloads. Some projects also have very clear video instructions available on the page. This site also offers free patterns for printing your own origami paper; for example there is a choice of Christmas patterns available.
Origami-instructions.com
Origami-instructions.com offers clear step-by-step instructions accompanied by photographic images for a wide range of origami projects. There is also a useful introductory section explaining the basic folds which is useful for beginners. For impressing your dinner guests, there is a section on napkin-folding; as well as a dedicated section for kids’ projects.
Origami-club.com
This site offers a huge range of projects arranged by type on the homepage. What is unique about Origami-club.com is that each project is available not only as a series of step-by-step instructions and diagrams, but also as animated instructions which can be paused or sped up according to your own folding speed. This makes the projects very easy to follow. There are also links at the foot of the page to seasonal projects which are updated throughout the year: for example Valentine’s day projects or Easter origami ideas.
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Source:
Origami-instructions.com. "History of Origami" (accessed January 11, 2011).
Veronica Mitchell - Veronica studied veterinary medicine at Cambridge University before becoming a secondary school science teacher. She enjoys writing about ...
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