Origami comes from the Japanese words ori, meaning "folding", and kami, meaning "paper." It is the art of paper folding,
which is often associated with Japanese culture. In modern usage, the word "origami" is used as an inclusive term for all
folding practices, regardless of their culture of origin. The goal is to transform a flat, square sheet of paper into a
finished sculpture by applying folding and sculpting techniques. Modern origami practitioners generally discourage the
use of cuts, glue, or markings on the paper. Origami folders often use the Japanese word kirigami to refer to designs that
use cuts.
F E A T U R E D L E S S O N
This wonderful piece is our featured lesson for this month.
Spear-Tailed Dragon
This lesson is taught by no other than the head of the Murakami House of
Origami. It contains 5 mini videos on how to complete each step of the
process. The Murakami House has been using ancient techniques that have been handed
down within the family since the Endo period.
Lessons:
1. Making the head and neck
2. Forming the body
3. Making the wings (part 1)
4. Making the wings (part 2)
5. Shaping the tail
This lesson contains bonus links to suppliers for materials used in this tutorial.
The basic origami folds can be combined in various ways to create intricate designs. The best-known origami model is
the Japanese paper crane. In general, these designs begin with a square sheet of paper whose sides may be of different
colors, prints, or patterns. Traditional Japanese origami, which has been practiced since the Edo period (1603–1867), has often
been less strict about these conventions, sometimes cutting the paper or using nonsquare shapes to start with. The
principles of origami are also used in stents, packaging, and other engineering applications.
M A S T E R C L A S S L E S S O N S
Learn only from the masters of origami
Wiley Fox
In Japan, foxes symbolize
intelligence associated with
the Shinto spirit Inari.
This particular origami is challenging to make but produces one of the finest examples of the Kitsami
Origami style.
9/10
SKILL LEVEL
Wiley Fox
Bloodhounds have been part
of humankind, especially in
hunting.
In this lesson, we will learn
to use two monochromatic
paper colors to produce a
simple but effective
Tsumisiru effect.
5/10
SKILL LEVEL
Wiley Fox
Owls have always been part
of lore, and it isn't surprising
that we also find them very
much in origami.
This lesson is famous for
combining two different
pieces into one without the
use of glue or adhesive.
7/10
SKILL LEVEL
Wiley Fox
The king of the animal world
finds its place among
important origami creations.
This particular example
utilizes curled tips,
popularized by the
renowned origami artist
Shintzu Omahari.
8/10
SKILL LEVEL
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