Origami Connect is OrigamiUSA’s program of online classes, which are open to anyone anywhere in the world, whether or not you are a member of OrigamiUSA; all you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone. An Origami Connect class is a live, interactive session with an origami artist, teacher, or technician. Our sessions are around 2 hours long and streamed live through the internet.
Origami Connect classes are taught in two sessions, Spring and Fall, with individual classes happening approximately monthly. See the class listing below. You do not need to be a member of OrigamiUSA to attend Origami Connect classes.
Live class size is limited to the first 100 registrants. All registrants will receive a link to the recording of the live event. Register early!
Origami Connect uses the Zoom platform to connect. You will need to install the Zoom client on your computer. Learn more about connecting with Zoom.
All Origami Connect presenters are experienced artists, folders, and/or teachers, and all Origami Connect events include a facilitator. Presenters are volunteers donating their time and talent to share the joy of origami and connect folders everywhere. Please support us to help us keep this program affordable and accessible to as many folders as possible!
Coming Up
Modular Rose created by Viviane Berty
This is a modular rose complete with calyx and leaves designed by Viviane Berty. Folding individual units is straightforward, but the assembly can be a little tricky, and unlike many modular models the folding continues after the assembly for both the Rose and the Calyx. For all the intricacies I think this is a lovely model and makes a great present. (Maybe think about making a few for the love of your life?)
Materials needed:
For the Rose -
5 squares of solid coloured paper for the rose itself – both sides of the paper are visible in the finished model – however to ensure the model holds together a slightly thicker/rougher paper is preferred – Tant is ideal. Kami/Foil should be avoided as it is unlikely that the rose will hold together properly.
For the Calyx -
5 squares (same size as the rose) but the choice of paper is entirely up to you – I prefer to use the same type of paper throughout. The leaves are each folded from a single square – I typically fold two, which should be the same size and (ideally) the same type/colour of paper as the calyx.
In terms of size of paper 3 to 4 inch (7.5 to 10cm) is perfect.
For the Stem -
A wooden stick – as sold by garden centres to support small plants – these are often green and are only a few (3-4) millimetres in diameter. Alternatively you could use something like a barbeque skewer, but you may want to paint it green in advance. If you can slightly sharpen one end of the stick it will make the final assembly a little easier.
Other suggested -
Little clips
Tool to open small flaps of paper
Chibi Monster
Fold this cute monster with nice color changes and fun folding sequence. The design avoids difficult steps (there are no closed sinks) and tedious pre-creasing (there are no grids or grafts). This tribute to Godzilla can be folded in many different kinds of papers and is suitable for almost any size. Chibi Monster is still unpublished and the Origami Connect will be the first public workshop of the model.
Paper needed: A regular color-white kami paper will work for the model. 15 or 24 cm (suggested) will be fine.
Lion
Join a new origami rising star designer, Rob Snyder, and learn to fold his Lion model. Rob is an American origami artist who started designing his own models in 2015. His original origami designs have been published in OrigamiUSA's The Paper and The Fold, the British Origami Society (BOS) magazine, and the OrigamiUSA annual Origami Collection. He has also contributed designs to a number of Nick Robinson's books. Rob creates models in the representational style, primarily designing animals, and he’s inspired by the natural world, as well as by depictions of animals in the art of children’s literature, cartoons, and tangrams. You can follow his work on Instagram @robsnyderorigami
Paper needed: A square of paper that is a different color on each side (for the color change mane), at least 25 cm (9 ¾ inches). Plain duo kami will work fine, or you can use a fancier paper, like the Deluxe Washi from the Americas Origami Shop.
CBP Box
CBP Box
Creator and teacher: Jane Rosemarin
Learn how to fold a two-piece box inspired by Thoki Yenn’s Crossed Box Pleat. The box was designed to have large planes to show off richly patterned papers. The model involves collapsing multiple creases at the same time and is a good introduction to the technique. We’ll also learn how to lock the inside points of a masu box and how to determine the size of a box bottom. Finally, we’ll examine some other models that can be made from the Crossed Box Pleat.
Paper needed:
2 sheets of 8- to 10-inch paper for the box and four sheets of 2-inch paper for the locks.
Joisel Rat
In celebration of the Chinese zodiac the year of the rat, learn to fold Eric Joisel's iconic Rat.
This is a great model that requires a larger sheet of paper than you would think.
We will be wet folding this model
Materials needed:
30cm tant or vintage paper easily purchased from www.origami-shop.us
A damp paper towel
Questions? Email us at origamiconnect [at] origamiusa.org.