Convention 2024 Class Descriptions/Advisories

In this session, a presentation will be given on a paper titled "An Origami-Inspired Mascot Design for China's National Stadium," which was published in the collection of the 8th International Meeting on Origami in Science, Mathematics and Education (8OSME). Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to fold the mascot model known as Yay Yay Chirp, a simple 22.5-degree design.

Fold balloons into many creations! With latex balloons, make hats, flowers, dogs or anything you can imagine. By inflating balloon with our pumps, make models twisting your own model. Learn about origami connections: the model term, using circle packing, and the act of folding, and being a creator. Use your imagination and you can create a complex model!

Notes:
- Be aware, balloons can make a loud noise if they pop.
- Do NOT take this class if you are allergic to latex.
- Sometimes it is hard to fold ballons if you have small bodies.

Jeff Raab and Frank Ling, two of the senior artists at Taro's Origami Studios, will share three new designs - an Empire State Building, a Flying Pig, and a two-tone Cat. Models include reverse folds, crimp folds, petal folds, and swivel folds. All three can be folded from 6" paper. If there's time left over, Jeff and Frank can field questions about designing, working as professional origami artists/teachers, or teach an additional model or two.

In this class, we will be learning how to fold this origami modular ring that I designed last August.

All folders are welcome to join the class and I will stay until everyone has finished the model. :)

Here you will learn how to fold a modular/practical model of my own design: "Connecting Card Pockets". Since it's an origami quilt, you can choose where to connect each unit and how many to connect. And, thanks to their corner pockets, you can attach a 3.5'' x 2.5'' card on each of its sides. It's perfect for displaying trading cards, including ATCs! Attach 10 cards to a strip of 5 x 1 units, 18 to a 3 x 3 matrix, 56 to a 4 x 7 matrix, and so on. What's better than using origami to organize and showcase your collection?

We will fold 30 four inch squares into a beautiful model.

In this class, we'll learn to fold a Sailboat designed by Haozheng Pei, using a simple but asymmetrical layout.

The model name translates to “Flower Shape Strip of Paper.” This modular from 8 squares is beautiful and has a pleasing puffy shape.

6 identical modules fit together to make a pretty cube with hearts on each face.

The Imprisoned Polyhedron Module is a simple module that can be combined in 2,3,6 or more units to create a 3d shape which appears to be polyhedron imprisoned by rails. The models are interesting and complex in appearance, yet fairly simple to make.

A Giraffe and Hippo will be taught, using a technique I developed for making 4-legged creatures using two sheets per model.

This recursive star design can be folded with as many layers as you want, but for time constraints during the class we won't fold as many as are pictured here. This star is 5-pointed, but can also be folded with more than 5 sides using the same structure.

This design is my adaption on the traditional fortune teller model. All corners of the model turn to hearts. It can be played like the traditional game as well.

Folding using Japanese decorative paper cords, simple designs everyone can learn. Books of designs are available for the students to look through and use, along with cords to make knots. Each class will start with the basic knots, but students are free to work on whatever they'd like from the books or their own imaginations.

What can you do with junk mail?
Three simple boxes to fold and keep on hand to hold anything from paper scraps, peanut shells, snacks, etc

We will be folding a lovely little 8-piece star by Carmen Sprung, and learning a few variations that are made possible with just a small change in the folding process.

The dragon bookmark is an origami that is used as a bookmark and is used to display as a dragon sitting on top of your book. It is an origami you can use whenever you read a book.

This model was designed during October 2023 and refined during the Pacific Coast Origami Convention in San Francisco. As a fairly new origami designer, the success of this model confirmed I was on the right track. I hope you enjoy!

We will break the folding session up into (2) parts; the first part will involve me teaching you how to fold the penguin's feet while the latter will be the entire model. I think this format will be successful as this section of the penguin has a pretty difficult collapse. While refining this model, this section required the most attention to get the model to stand and balance out the standing posture. Ultimately, a practice fold of this section can help produce a clean final model.

Phoenix with color change. High Intermediate model that will require reverse folds and sinks. All steps are well referenced, but may require some nimble fingers or a largish sheet of paper

This is a five-piece modular model of a rhododendron blossom.

This Saber-Toothed Tiger utilizes some asymmetrical squash folds and swivel folds, giving this an “intermediate” level designation. Diagrams for this can be found in the book Prehistoric Origami:

https://origamiusa.org/catalog/products/prehistoric-origami-0

A single square of larger kami is recommended (10"/25cm). With more practice you can use smaller sheets.

This will be a group discussion about special tools that we use to make folding more precise and produce a more attractive model. Attendees are urged to bring their best folding tools to “show & tell” the group.

Star Bowl 2024 is now completely revamped and updated (to a 1.0 standpoint). Mainly some precreasing and a collapse. Generally straight forward and not too difficult. It is straight forward, but precreasing comfortability and accuracy will help. I will try to incorporate some step if possible; as this is a recent design. There are at least 3 variations shown in the photos below. Finally, there is an optional closed sink in the end as well.

An extremely intense class for one of my most efficient designs. This Swordsman was birthed from one of my first designs and features a plethora of details such as a full set of fingers and layered armor. This will be the hardest class I have ever taught at a convention before.

An attractive stylized cat in a midcentury modern aesthetic. Makes a great gift!

A relatively easy tiger with stripes for intermediate to high intermediate folders. The stripes are accomplished with reverse folds, swivels, and fine squashes. Most of the steps have references.

This action model was a fan favorite in the mid-nineties. It uses one sheet of square paper a heavier weight than Kami. Paper will be provided.

This six unit modular model can be transformed among a star, a ring, and a flower by sliding. I will show some variations if time permits.

Join us on a cruise to Antarctic, meet the penguins and learn to fold a 8-pointed modular star.

This delightful flower does require a sink fold.

I'm going to teach a vase of Bird of Paradise flowers from Origami All Kinds: Single Sheet and Modular Designs by Meenakshi Mukerji.

I will teach a turtle I designed this past March. I will try not to make any "slow" or "getting out of your shell" jokes but no guarantees. I will have diagrams on site for attendees to take photos home.

I think this is a magic Vase. The magic is at the end when it becomes 3D.

The complete title of this talk is "Conceptual Origami: The Model's Subject Comes First". Like in the rest of figurative origami, conceptual origami depends on the subject, but in this case it isn't given. The creator had to conceive the subject before designing the model. This origami subtype is not as known, yet has much potential as an art form, since it centers its attention on communicating with the observer.

In this talk, we will delve into its elements and traits, and if there's enough time, we will close with a practical exercise on the topic.

I will show you how to fold the Bell Cricket by Akira Yoshizawa along with some natural details for the cricket to hide in including blades of grass.

Roman Diaz taught his delightful model at Origami World Marathon 4. Although it was listed as Dog, he noted that he called it ‘Triangular Dog’ because it was made up of triangles. It is loaded with personality and charm!

This card features two cranes facing each other and makes a nice gift tag or card for an anniversary, shower, wedding, or Valentine’s Day. It is best folded from duo paper that is not too thick; 10” kami will make a small card that is the perfect size for holding one or two gift cards. There are a number of unusual squashes that make this a bit challenging, and comfort collapsing a bird base will help. Good landmarks and precreases make it a satisfying model to fold.

Come explore the delightful and unexpected connections between origami and math. We’ll focus on models where you are free to pick the locations of certain folds, with your choices helping to convey the generality of mathematical results. No mathematical background required - this is a class for everyone. Of course, teachers and parents looking to give their kids a mathematical edge will not want to miss this. Nothing harder than the basic Valley Fold will be utilized, but being able to handle “low intermediate” level folds will be beneficial.
We will be following exercises presented in the book Explore Math with Origami:

https://origamiusa.org/catalog/products/explore-math-origami

You will use many sheets of kami (6"/15cm) for these exercises, so be sure to have at least a dozen on hand.

A great modular box with a flower on the lid. The lid beautifully fits the bottom of the box.

Hildegards Schächtele is a delightful model designed by Carmen Sprung. There have been several variations of this including a Santa Box by Francesco Mancini, a “Valentine’s Box” by Wayne Brown, and a ”Tetrahedron Tree Box” box by Michel Grand. We will fold as many variations as time permits.

Mephistopholese and Mask of Pan

Laz cat. An intermediate model that does require a reverse fold but has strong landmarks. We will fold the base model and look at options to add flourishes and opportunities for wetfolding.

Folding using Japanese decorative paper cords, simple designs everyone can learn. Books of designs are available for the students to look through and use, along with cords to make knots. Each class will start with the basic knots, but students are free to work on whatever they'd like from the books or their own imaginations.

Origami has rich potential for learning mathematics. In this discussion session I will share some simple folds that I like to use in mathematics lessons. Participants are encouraged to bring things that have worked for them to share.

Origami Goose by Jo Nakashima.

I love, love, love this star. It requires 10 units but the folds are easy! Look how many I have folded. Patterned papers, especially asymmetrical patterns and duo, give surprising and amazing results!

This class will teach multiple ways to make and prepare paper for different types of origami models. We will start with a discussion on the different characteristics of paper and the value of using the appropriate paper for each fold. Example papers will be available to feel the differences along with finished models using different papers. We will then demonstrate the steps to make handmade paper from scratch. We will also demonstrate treating pre-made paper with methylcellulose to prepare it for folding, and explain ways to customize the paper for your needs. Time permitting, attendees will be able to try these techniques hands on.

Want to take better pictures of your origami models? Here is a quick lesson on how to use lighting and composition to improve your photos. You may be surprised at what's possible even with just your phone camera!

This intriguing geometric form is folded from a single-sheet, developed with a grid of triangles. A new development in John's ongoing work in single-sheet polyhedra. Amaze your friends!

This classic twist fold will amaze your friends. Folded from a rectangle using copy paper, the result is a cool action model. Wendy will teach a method to get good clean folds that make the twisting easier. Students will need to fold into thirds and make precise sharp creases.

A modular eight-pointed star that looks good folded from origami paper, memo cube paper or even duo paper. The front and back are almost the same.
Some variations will be shown like the "Star Wheel" in the Origami Collection 2024 (p. 105). What else can you come up with?

This is a modular star made from 8 units with a flowery color change due to the circular paper. it's an adaptation to the circles of a star made from squares. If there is time I will show it as well.

Time to RUMBLE! Learn to fold my variation of Hideo Komatsu's pureland Kamizumo, aka Sumo with color changes. I taught this intermediate level model before but now I have made it even better for fierce but friendly tussling. Using 6 inch (15cm) squares, we will fold at least two wrestlers and you'll receive a dohoyo (wrestling ring) for action-packed play.

"Triple D" is the Double Dodecahedron Dissection. The model consists of a ring of 24 edge-connected, alternating tetrahedra and pentahedra that can be folded up to make either a pentagonal dodecahedron or a rhombic dodecahedron. It is a modular, made from 60 squares and 12 silver rectangles. We will probably not finish the model in class, but everyone will know how to make the modules and connect them before the end. Free math lesson included!

I'll teach two versions of this sweet Tato box. Other versions can be found at origamimuseum.org

We'll learn how to fold a special, color-changing, asymmetrical hippocampus designed by Haozheng Pei.

The Baby Flasher Hat is an origami hat that can be compressed down to a smaller version, one that can be held easily in your hand. It is very similar to Jeremy Shafer's other Flasher Hat. In fact, it is the same model but with fewer repetitions, so it is not much easier, just less time-consuming, to fold than the Flasher Hat.

A favorite of anglers. The base for this fish design, like the form of the fish itself, is irregular.
Note: this class will likely run longer than the allotted time.

The state bird of my home, Georgia. The Brown Thrasher sports straight tail feathers and a longish curved beak. This fold is from a flexible base that could easily be adapted to other bird species.

Super complex class that is a box pleated model, requiring experienced shaping and being comfortable with multiple sink folds and spread squashes.

This class introduces caring and sharing origami in unanticipated ways, from crying children, heartbreaking situations, dissolving anger and saying "thank you". Come learn and share. We Will share a few simple models most can be folded from found materials. I Hope that the class participates by SHOWING and sharing their own special origami that they fold to quiet the screaming child, and origami to say thank you, I love or care about you when words are hard to find. If you know where your special origami is diagrammed please be prepared to share that information.

I'll be teaching a whale I designed while on a whale watching trip. As the name suggests, it's based off of a fish base. There are a lot of points in the folding sequence where you can adjust the model, and other opportunities later to shape it to your liking.

A cute horned owl from a partial windmill base! Intermediate but a very straight forward fold. Some pre-creasing in the beginning then collapse city with a few maneuver and voila!

This "Hydrangea" model is a variation on Shuzo Fujimoto's iconic "Crowding Butterflies" tessellation. This modification and accompanying leaf design were created by Takenao Handa, and diagrams appear in NOA Magazine, Issue 573 (June 2023). One might argue the added dome effect makes the original Crowding Butterflies model look even more like an actual hydrangea, especially with the added leaves.

The collapse is perhaps the most challenging aspect of this tessellation, hence the complex difficulty rating. Otherwise the pre-creasing and subsequent folds post-collapse are relatively straightforward and not too difficult.

Flower is folded from a single square. Leaves are folded from a 1x2 rectangle. Paper for both will be provided in class. Note that the leaves do not actually attach to the flower, but just rest underneath the domed tessellation.

A modular star from 6 sheets of square papers. The base form is easy. Will explore the different elements of the model that can be changed for many possible variations. Bring at least 12 sheets of 3” or larger square paper for basic model and 2 variations.

Is it a cube? Is it a rose? Yes! This model makes an amazing transformation from a simple-looking cube to a beautiful flower. Class is more than 45 minutes, but less than 1:45, so students either will be able to get out earlier, or be able to likely make 2 models.

Rona's Modular Book/Album is made from several rectangles, including squares, with all sheets of paper the same size. The size of the book will be half the width and half the length of the rectangles. You will be able to orient the book as Portrait or Landscape. You may choose how many inside pages to have. You may use it as an album or an autograph book or something else.
Storigami for 3 year olds will fold a dog head and picture frame. The dog can bark and do a trick with math ideas noted.

Enjoy our introduction to the Origami Museum with our Origami Place management and the kindling creativity philosophy. We’ll share tools for involvement whether visiting or exhibiting, or whether you wish to sell or shop. The idea is we will FOLD mountains and valleys for you!

This Pelican has a few hidden folds giving this model an " intermediate" level designation. It is well balanced and will comfortably stand with its gaping expression. Diagrams for this can be found in the book Origami by the Sea:

https://origamiusa.org/catalog/products/origami-sea

A single square of larger kami is recommended (10"/25cm). With more practice you can use smaller sheets.

We will three fold models from pentagons: Fever Star, Fever Flower, and Gabi Star (left to right in the photo). A mix of old and new designs.

In origami there is math which had energy and can be infinite, and paper which is finite matter. This provides an analogy to grasp the sense of the soul and the world around us. Life’s purpose is complex but sometimes we can find simple understanding from origami. I have more ideas. You can share yours.

Sunburst Decoration is a gorgeous 1-sheet model designed by Paul Jackson. During class, we will fold from one sheet of ~24cm (~9.5in) plain kami. No cutting! The folded octagon-shaped Sunburst will not fold completely flat. Perfect for origami brooch or holiday decorations when folded from mosaic foil paper!
Be comfortable with squash folds, many repeating folds, opening and collapsing the model. Model requires a high degree of accuracy. Patience is key to completing a clean model.
24cm (9.5in) sheet yields~12cm (~4.75in) finished sunburst;15cm sheet yields 7.5cm.
When you practice this design on your own, find paper that has a corner design such as Corner Harmony paper so the pattern will appear in the front. Center of the sheet will appear on the back of the design.
Paul Jackson has kindly and generously given permission to share diagrams which will be distributed after class.
He has asked for a group photo to be shared with him after class.

Two models made from square hand towels: a teddy bear which was discussed on one of the origami email lists in the past and a bunny which I've modified from the ones usually seen on the web. The models are held together with rubber bands.