Summer Origami Projects

Almost anything from animals to people, miniature houses, even household furnishings can be created with simple paper folding techniques.

Origami is the ideal craft for children and adults alike. It's a great no mess, no fuss, rainy day activity that can keep both younger children and teenagers occupied for hours on end.

Select Origami paper that provides a wide range of rich designs and textures. Traditional patterns in Japan often include vibrant colors such as deep blues and purples, reds and golds. Images are elegant and may feature graceful birds, flowers and other ornamental patterns. If Origami paper is difficult to find in your area, you can purchase on-line. You may also wish to purchase inexpensive wrapping paper in a variety of colors and patterns, then cut into squares to fit your project specifications.

To get started, you will want to master some of the basic paper folding techniques. These include the squash fold, the pleat fold, the kite fold, as well as the valley and mountain folds. For more help with the basic techniques, check out the Origami Club web-site. Here you can find instructions on how to fold animals, people, houses and more.

Once you have mastered the basics of Origami, let creativity soar. This summer you may want to undertake a detailed Origami project. Design an elegant Origami city, create a wildly detailed underwater exhibit, let cows and horses roam free on an Origami farm, or fill a zoo with wild animals of every size and shape. You may even try a lavish castle, complete with towers, horses, and knights in armor. Projects such as these can be begun in the early weeks of summer and expanded throughout the months, to become elaborate masterpieces, that will be a great source of pride and achievement for those who assist in creating them.

Oriland is the worlds most famous Origami Web-site. Here your creativity will get a giant boost, as you discover endless ideas for summer long projects. Everything from theme parks to restaurants, from dinosaurs to flowers, towering buildings, to tiny tables for two (complete with miniature foods served up on elegant tea sets) all made of paper- put together in a wonderful, creative "world of Origami".

Robert J. Lang is an internationally known Origami artist. His web page features some of the most interesting and exciting Origami artwork ever created. His compositions range from wildlife and insect creations, to geometric designs and archetectural wonders. The web-site offers a wealth information and education about Origami design and artistry. You may also come up with some great ideas of your own with a spark of inspiration from this world famous artisit.

From Aero planes to roses, toys and units, the Origami Interest Group provides a web-site complete with detailed instructions on folding almost anything you can imagine. Files are available are gif and ps formats, and can be easily veiwed on-line. Use this wonderful resource to help you create the Origami environment of your dreams.

Polyhedrons, tetrahedrons, dodecahedrons and more, with instructions and tips on how to create elaborate geometric designs, are the focus of Jim Plank's amazing Origami web-site. Peruse the pages of this marvelous resource to learn how to create these intricate designs, or just to admire the artist's work and creatvity. This web-site also features contributions from other artists, and a wealth of information about the art of Origami itself.

If you find that Origami is something you and your family enjoy, you might want to consider including others in your project. Starting a summer Origami club is one way to introduce other members of your community to this beautiful art form. Meeting at a library, or other public building, your creation under construction can be on display through out the entire building process. The public will enjoy watching the project expand from one or two simple pieces, to an elaborate setting, complete with all of the accesories that compliment the scene. An origami club can meet as often as it's members like, and is generally open for everyone to join. Projects for both beginner's and experts are available, with experienced paper folder's there to help those who are just learning the basics of the art. Individuality is displayed in the contributions of each member, while the scene as a whole blends together, to form a one of a kind masterpiece, which can remain on display for the public's enjoyment. To get started, talk with your local library or other organization about the possibility of an Origami Club meeting in their facilities.

Whatever project you choose, whether it be on individual, family or community level, let bright colors and intricate shapes work together to bring life-like realism to your summer project. As you plan your display consider all of the flowers, plants, trees, wild-life, inanimate objects and people that might be added to your main theme. If working in a group, assign simpler projects to younger children, while letting grown ups and teens take on more challenging pieces. Let creativity and individuality abound in every area of your design, to create a project that is unique to your family or group of budding Origami Artists.

Bronzing or shallacking are simple ways to preserve your completed Origami projects. Once the finish is applied, your unique creation will last for years to come.
The experience of having contributed to such a wonderful and detailed art exhibit will last a lifetime.