How to fold beautiful origami flowers this Spring
Origami is the ancient art of paper folding. It originated in Japan in the 1600s, although other folding techniques already existed in China and Europe.
The goal is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques, and in modern origami you should do so without cutting, gluing or marking the paper.
The best known origami model is the paper crane. In Japanese culture, it is believed that its wings carry souls up to paradise, and it is tradition that 1000 paper cranes will make your wishes come true or give you 1000 years of happiness. This is why using 1000 paper cranes has become popular at weddings around the world.
Award-winning British paperfolder and writer Nick Robinson said: "I think origami is popular because you create something from nothing, and people like that.
"Paper starts as a blank sheet, or a leaflet or a newspaper, and you can create something wonderful. And that is really enjoyable."
Paperfolder and fellow-member of the British Origami Society Judith Laing added: "When you practice origami you are activating your whole brain. It has long been known that origami has many benefits like developing eye hand coordination, sequencing skills, attention skills, patience etc.
Origami has scientific relevance and has been used in the development of car airbags (folded with origami software), solar sails for satellites, foldable optical lenses for space telescopes and heart stents.
"I love folding paper. It’s peaceful, and very rewarding when you have finished a model."
What do I need to do origami?
All you really need is some paper and your hands, but there are other items that can make it easier.
You can buy origami paper, but the type of paper doesn’t really matter. It just needs to be sturdy enough to hold a shape and stay creased. You could used different coloured or even pattered paper to make beautiful origami models.
Some experts like to fold paper in the air, but most people will use a flat surface of some kind.
Purists also argue that no tools should be used, but you can get paper creasers, known as bone folder, from most craft shops or websites.
You will likely want to have some scissors, to trim paper if it is the wrong size, and a ruler.
Tips and tricks from the experts
Nick's main tip is to start small. He said: "You don't need special paper or anything, but the thing I would say most people get wrong is that they try and do something too complicated too fast and it puts them off.
"If you were taking up a different hobby, like playing the piano, you wouldn't expect to be able to play some complicated melody right away. You would start with scales and learning the ropes.
"It is the same with origami. I would advise beginners to start small and try something without too many folds at first.
"And don't be put off. It is all about practise."
How do I fold a paper flower?
There are lots of different types of origami flowers, so first select the one you would like to prepare.
Judith believes flowers are the most rewarding models to make: "Flowers are my favourites. I believe that ‘every flower has a life’ so I prefer to leave them in the garden.
"I have origami flowers in the Spring, summer, autumn and winter. Snowdrops, cherry blossom, tulips, lily of the valley, roses, hydrangeas, even Christmas cacti."
Nick has shared some diagrams suitable for beginners from his own books abovr. For more inspiration and ideas here to his website.
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