Downloadable Features - Origami Lessons    
 

What is origami?

Origami, the art of folding a single square of paper into a shape or object, originated when paper was first introduced to Japan in the 8th century. Originally used for religious ceremonies, origami became popular during Japan's Edo Period (1603 - 1868) when it caught on with mainstream society and quickly became a fashionable pastime for children and adults alike. The word origami is derived from the Japanese word for folding ori and the Japanese word for paper kami.

Today, origami is practiced worldwide both as an art form and a hobby - it's even used to teach geometry to schoolchildren! While one of the most popular origami shapes is the crane (the Japanese symbol of good luck and longevity), origami shapes range from simple such as a cup to complex items like an elephant, tiger, spider, dinosaur or even clipper ship. Beautiful and elegant, origami is easily mastered, and the wide range of available origami models makes the art of origami accessible to all. Innovative origami artists have even created their own designs, proving that with imagination and a single sheet of paper, anything origami is possible!

How can I learn?
Broward County Library has an online feature to teach you step-by-step how to make origami. You can watch the video and download an instruction sheet.

Lesson 1: House Click here to view a step-by-step photo tutorial.	Lesson 2: Cup Click here to view a step-by-step photo tutorial.	Lesson 3: Boat Click here to view a step-by-step photo tutorial.

Lesson 4: Star-Shaped Gift Box Click here to view a step-by-step photo tutorial.

How can I find out more?
Want to know more or find new origami projects? Check out a book at your local Broward County Library. Click here to view a detailed bibliography.

For more information, please e-mail marketing@browardlibrary.org