Learn Origami

Basic folds

Most of the designs that you will learn will use a square piece of paper ? and most will be done with origami paper, so the directions will show a colored (or gray side to indicate color) and a white side.

Also, most patterns will have an arrow that points you in the direction of where the fold should go. We have talked about the different types of arrows earlier in the book.

The following folds are reasonably simple. It may take a while to get the terminology down, and the way they show up on the directions, but with a little bit of practice you will most certainly get the hang of it.

There are 10 folds you should know as an apprentice origami artist, but two (or three) that you should become very familiar with. All of the folds are:

* Valley fold
* Mountain fold
* Petal fold
* Rabbit ear fold
* Squash fold
* Inside reverse fold
* Outside reverse fold
* Crimp fold
* Sink fold

We'll go through all of these in some detail, and they will get you well on your way to making some of the fantastic creations you see in origami.

After mastering these basic folds you should learn the basic bases. It is from these bases that most creations are made and knowing them can give you an infinite base on which to build your skills.

The main bases you should learn are:
Preliminary Base
Fish Base
Bird Base
Waterbomb base

Bases are important

Bases are like the foundation for a house ? if they aren't built very well, then the chances of you building a long lasting piece of origami decrease.

Practice your bases so you can make the best origami designs. You will need good knowledge of these bases as we move into the next chapter on making some of your favorite pieces.

Jeremy Hansen is a recognized expert on everything Origami and author of the book "Origami Secrets Revealed: Everything You Need To Know And More". For more great information like this you can check out his website at http://www.m5info.com/origamisecrets.html

In The News:


Work begins on new crafts, home décor store
Statesville Record & Landmark
The home décor and craft store, built by developer Magnolia Property Group, will be adjacent to Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse store on NC 150. Vincent Parker, spokesperson for Hobby Lobby, said the company felt like Mooresville was an “underserved ...

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Hobby Lobby Grand Opening June 4, Shelves Being Stocked
Patch.com
By Debbie L. Sklar Hobby Lobby known to be a place where all things crafts and hobbies converge under one roof is expected to have its grand opening on June 4. According to Earl Kortemeier of Hobby Lobby, the store located in the former Mervyns space ...


Orange City Hobby Lobby opens Friday
Daytona Beach News-Journal
The ribbon cutting for the national arts and crafts retail store is 9 am The DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event that is open to the public. The store is open after the ribbon cutting; however, grand-opening events are Monday, ...


AboutMyArea

Craft Fair Leads The Way For Small Rossendale Businesses
AboutMyArea
Small businesses in Rossendale are making good use of their own unique talents, turning hobbies into businesses. Crafty Craft Fairs return to The Bacup Hub, Burnley Road, Bacup on 27th May from 11.00am to 3.00pm for The Bacup Craft Fair.

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Intermountain Catholic

Soaring Eagle math teacher retires after 11 years
Intermountain Catholic
She is excited to spend more time with her husband, who is already retired, as well as on her many hobbies. "I've put off doing crafts and sewing that I haven't had time for," she said. "And we're looking forward to traveling; starting with just ...


Students Learn About Bug Candy, Hobbies at Exploration Day
Patch.com
The Libertyville school held its seventh Exploration Day so that students could learn about careers, crafts, hobbies and sports skills. This year's theme was "Cougie World Tour." Cougie is the name of the schools cougar mascot.


Los Angeles Times

Marie Kolasinski dies at 90; Christian activist ran OC crafts business
Los Angeles Times
... which occupies a warren of rooms jam-packed with homemade knick-knacks, quilts and craft supplies. It also runs scores of classes on traditional hobbies, such as knitting socks and making porcelain dolls, and runs a flourishing mail-order business.

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Next on the list is to organize your things!
Gaston Gazette
Things are like your kids toys, your hobby and crafts, your purse or backpack, the vehicle, your pet stuff. Organizing your kids toys can be first, and don't forget your toys. Think about your hobbies and the equipment involved.


John Howell White, chairman of art education, KU
Reading Eagle
... has chaired the Department of Art Education and Crafts for 10 years. Prior to that, he taught at Sewickley Academy in Pittsburgh and the Crossroads School in Santa Monica, Calif. Hobbies: White paints in egg tempera, watercolor, acrylics and oil.


Spiegel Online

Backlash against ConsumerismHandicraft Sites Turn Hobbies into Big Business
Spiegel Online
Unlike other platforms such as Ebay, however, these sites emphasize offline links between the makers and consumers, hosting DIY blogs and offline crafts workshops. Successive years of climbing sales show they have tapped into a bigger trend.

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