COcon 2026 Class Descriptions/Advisories

We're sticking the basics here, and I welcome ALL levels to this class. Although I'll be instructing, this will be more of a group activity. I'll field questions from the group during the class and answer them to the best of my ability. And I welcome answers from anyone else in the class. We'll work through a couple of traditional folds so you get a feel of what's to come during the weekend, and a nice start to the hobby.

This includes: terminology, bases, some traditional folds, techniques, and Convention.

This is a composite model of a Japanese crane created from four one-dollar bills, which holds together purely by folding. If you can fold a Waterbomb and a Crane, you can fold this!

This charming and detailed model of a platypus features a lifelike pose, webbed claws and a color-change bill. Made use John's hex base, the model is fun to fold and explores 30 degree geometry. Foldable from a variety of papers including kami, foil and others.

This class is an introduction to wet-folding faces. We will first talk a little bit about how wet-folding as a technique. We will move through short sections on how to fold individual features (eyes, nose, mouth) before folding one complete face as a class. I'll also hand out my zine "Notes on Folding Faces" that contains diagrams, instructions, opinions, etc.!

A cute sitting gnome that offers a fun folding sequence that mixes 22.5 design techniques with box-pleat maneuvers. The base of the gnome leaves room for multiple kinds of shaping.

Fumiaki Kawahata's modular model! You can toss to play with this model without breaking apart.

Get ready to fold a little luck! 🍀
In this class, you’ll learn how to create an adorable origami box topped with a charming shamrock—just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! This festive model is perfect for holding tiny treasures, sweet treats, or sharing a bit of Irish cheer.
Whether you’re celebrating the season or just love a clever paper surprise, this lucky little box is sure to delight!

[Co-Taught by Ani Chowdhury and Gabriel Shapps]
Wetfolding is a way to truly breathe life into paper. In this class, we'll cover everything from the basic technique to adding sculptural elements, painting, and anatomy study. We'll then apply this knowledge to create several sculptures related to the human face. Watercolor paper (the most common medium for this type of wetfolding) will be provided. With this material, students will be able to design their own wetfolds from scratch, based on a reference. This class assumes no prior knowledge of wetfolding, and concepts will be taught from scratch.

An origami chocolate chip cookie.

This intriguing geometric form is a prime example of John's approach to single-sheet polyhedra design in origami. Based on triangle grid folded on a hexagonal sheet, the folding sequence is intuitive yet surprising. The completed model is sturdy and holds together with a strong lock.

We will fold and assemble modular units to form this "open cuboctahedron" shape with some clever constructions along the way. The model requires fairly precise folding to fit together well and look its best, so be prepared to take some time to make accurate units.

Let's fold a crane whose wings join together in a heart.

This is a beginner class and we will be folding snails and roses. The rose is composed of simple folds which look intricate. Let's make some flowers for spring!

A classic and functional spinning top model that has an umbrella pattern on the bottom.

This is a sun model (or if you like, a 16-pointed star), best folded from 10" paper or larger. Has some 3D collapses and delicate swivel folds.

It looks simple but the folding sequence is interesting, mostly the same to fold both parts. (Need g*** to keep the flower and the leaf/stem.)