The practice of origami, or paper folding, has long been one of
the most popular of hobbies, and origami is certainly one of the
oldest of all crafts.
The exact origins of the art of origami are still shrouded in
mystery. It is known, however, that paper was first developed in
China during the first century A.D. By the sixth century A.D.,
Buddhist monks had brought this new invention to Japan. It is
unclear, however, whether the art of folding paper we known
today as origami originated in the Japanese or Chinese culture.
It is widely recognized, however, that it was the Japanese who
raised origami to a high art form. The very word origami is a
Japanese word. The term oru translates to "to fold", while the
term kami translates to "paper".
Many schoolchildren use the art of origami to make gifts for
family members and friends, and origami is one of the simplest,
and least expensive, crafts for teachers to do with their
students. In addition to those ever present paper airplanes
(often made without the teacher's approval), origami is often
used in school to create elaborate birds, animals, boats and
toys.
Birds are a frequent subject of origami art, no doubt due to the
special place birds hold in Oriental culture. In addition, there
are a host of origami animals that can be created, and virtually
any object can be created using the origami skills crafters have
learned.
As with any type of activity, the art of origami has its own
unique language. As one becomes familiar with the art of
origami, one will also learn such terms as "mountain fold",
"valley fold", "square base" and "bird base. The various bases
and folds used in origami can be combined to make a wide variety
of different objects using a limited number of basic techniques.
This makes origami one of the most versatile of all craft forms.
Origami is one of the least expensive of all crafts to pursue.
After all, the only thing needed for origami is paper and some
skill and imagination. For those in search of a more elaborate
origami experience, craft stores, both on the internet and in
the brick and mortar world, sell wonderful origami kits that
contain everything needed to create some truly unique and
wonderful origami creations. From special paper to full patterns
and instructions, these origami kits are a great way for any new
origami enthusiast to get off to a great start.
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