We will fold pixel units and practice joining them together. As time allows, we will also talk about hems (i.e. how to avoid jagged edges when pixel units aren't joined to other units) and other idioms necessary to fold boxes, purses, animals, etc.. Other topics we might touch on include folding pixel units from squares, creating reinforced pixel units, and coating with Triple Thick (for preservation).
- Note: we will only fold pixel units and practice joining them. No complete model will be attempted; but students will be equipped (in class) with everything they need to know to complete a box with a lid on their own, and/or other models of similar complexity.
Those wishing to be exposed to pixel units before the conference (or afterwards) are invited to attend my free pixel unit zoom classes. The October meeting is listed on the Origami USA website [ https://origamiusa.org/calendar-event/origami-max-pixel-units-pst-friendly ].
Reference Material:
https://origamiusa.org/files/ousa_class_files/2025/PCOC/PixelUnitsPrinci...
https://origamiusa.org/files/ousa_class_files/2025/PCOC/pixelLore49_.pdf
https://origamiusa.org/files/ousa_class_files/2025/PCOC/pixelUnit02.pdf
https://origamiusa.org/files/ousa_class_files/2025/PCOC/unitOrigamiPCOC2...
The teacher will provide the necessary paper in class.
- This is a modular/composite requiring 4 sheets.
Paper will be provided for free (with an optional tip jar for those that wish to help me defray my costs). Students wishing to bring their own paper can cut 15 cm kami paper down to 11:15, or cut 8.5:11 inch paper down to 8:11 inches. (Pixels units require a rectangular ratio such that x/y <= 11/15.)
One rectangle is needed for each pixel unit. If you want to practice joining, a minimum of 4 sheets is recommended. The box base in the picture requires 28 pixels (12:16.3 cm), and the lid requires 33 pixels (8.8:12 cm).
Pencil and paper for taking notes (and writing on pixel units) are highly recommended.
Optional (but helpful): paper cutter, metric ruler, tweezers, dental inspection hook tool, long toothpick(s), calculator (calculators capable of doing math using ratios preserved as ratios are especially helpful).
Pixel units have been described in a number of publications; in particular, whenever a pixel unit model was diagrammed, the instructions for folding the basic unit were typically included. See Gilad's origami site for some examples: https://www.giladorigami.com/origami-database/pixel+unit .