
Fold a version of the traditional crane from two $1 bills; then fold a version of the traditional Lily from two more $1 bills. (This is a reprise of a class I taught at Convention 2023.)
Come celebrate ten years of the musical Hamilton with this dynamic model that is sure to leave you Satisfied! Attendees should be comfortable with basic box pleating technique and swivel folds. Paper will be provided for this class.
This model is inspired by the artwork titled "The Comedian" by famous artist Maurizio Cattelan. This model is a natural color change, and allows for a lot of creative shaping and experimentation! Come make your own $6.2 million artwork :)
Fold an octagonal origami box with crisp, diamond-like edges and an 8-pointed star on top. The model is precreased and then collapsed from a single octagon, provided in class.
This model contains many advanced sink folds and squashes.
A 3D origami heart that comes in two styles: a faceted geometric version with sharp angles, and a smooth, puffy version with soft curves. The model is fully locked, identical on both sides, and fun to fold!
This is a two-piece Gem or Bud, depending on whether you think it looks more like a jewel or a developing flower. One square of paper is used for the gem/bud; the other is used to make a base/leaf to put it on. There is an optional "locked" base, requiring two more small squares, which will be demonstrated in the class. This model is especially nice with paper that has a pattern that radiates from the center.
Modular money folding star design using 5-6 dollar bills. Learn how to fold the modules and connect them using 15cm Kami paper cut to 7:3 ratio sheets before using actual dollar bills. Bring extra dollar bills. If time permits, will also teach easier variation called Puffy $tar.
This Giraffe uses a novel approach with the classic Bird Base, with a little asymmetry thrown in, giving this model an " intermediate" level designation. Diagrams for this can be found in the book Ménagerie en Origami
:
https://www.amazon.com/M%C3%A9nagerie-origami-feuilles-papier-format/dp/...
A single square of larger kami is recommended (10"/25cm). With more practice you can use smaller sheets.
Heart with Secret Pockets is a great way to leave a thank-you note, send a secret Valentine, wrap a money gift, or tell someone you love them. I'll teach 2 versions: first, a simple Heart with fewer pockets, and then a low intermediate Heart with a satisfying swivel fold and more secret pockets. (How many pockets? We'll count them along the way.) Folded from 6 inch kami, the finished model is 3 x 3 inches. Duo paper, in Valentine colors is best. (Note: I created the model in 2012 and submitted it to Creased magazine, unfortunately just before it stopped publication.)
All (46) pictures of Mt. Fuji printed on photo paper will be folded to make a hexagonal cylinder. In addition 24"x24" paper listing the pictures and titles is used to make "Miura-Ori" handy reference note book.
This will be a nice souvenir. The cylinder model can be folded for easy transportation.
All the diagrams used during my classes will be posted at the following URL by July 6-th.
Www.takayaiwamoto.com/origami_note/newyork/2025_class.html
This is a 3D origami heart with an iterative pattern. The model is built stage by stage — we’ll start by folding a big outer heart, then add one or two extra stages. If time permits, I’ll also touch on how other variations are created.
This is a three day commitment.
Saturday - We will learn how to fold the cube.
Sunday - We will learn how to position the magnets in the cube. Note that part 2 of the class will have a $15 fee for the magnets.
Monday - We will glue the “stickers” on the Rubik’s Cube. There will be a special session Sunday evening if you miss one of the first two sessions.
REWARD: Anyone who finishes the Magnetic Rubik’s Cube during the convention gets $40 cash! Just see me!
8 point star, flat modular origami using triangle sheets with double colors.
This Octopus has a few spread squash folds giving this model an " intermediate" level designation. The head comes from a corner of the square, giving this model an interesting arrangement of its flaps. 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.
Open sinks. Tricky crimp. Requires neat folding.
This clever method for making modular flowers opens the door for endless variation. The units are relatively easy to fold and typically fit together in the same manner way regardless of which variation you use. We will cover a handful of Kawamura's versions including: Check, Swallowtail, Star, and possibly more.
A class for one of my favorite designs, my plesiosaur. This design came about from a design contest, but I have further refined the model and the folding sequence since I first designed it. The model requires much precreasing and has some complex steps, including the final shaping.
We will deep dive into one of the most iconic and expressive models in advanced origami: Eric Joisel's Origami Rat. This class is designed for experienced folders eager to explore the artistic and technical mastery of Joisel’s work. Known for his lifelike sculptures and powerful use of shaping and wet-folding, Joisel’s rat is a perfect example of how origami can bring paper to life.
The Rosette is a fun exercise in geometry and provides a great opportunity for folders to practice their skills in the air and off of the table. It looks like it belongs on your Instagram, so let's make that happen!
A geometric design by Origami By Boice? This "trunk" is a type of corrugation that is formed from concentric shuriken shapes. This is a complex model that is extremely fun to play with once completed.
A modular eight-pointed star that can be made to look various ways, depending on the paper used It has a solid lock and shows a design on both sides. As with many modular rings, adding the last piece can be a "little" tricky, but overall the folding and assembly is fairly simple and straightforward. I believe this is an original model, but if someone recognizes it I would appreciate hearing that.
This model is assembled from 12 units folded from 1x4 rectangles of card stock. The units are simple to fold, with only 6 creases in each, but the assembly can be a little tricky, which is why it is rated "Intermediate". I will be providing pre-cut foil card stock in a variety of colors for the class.
While there are many different origami designs that produce a stellated rhombic dodecahedron, the others are all designed using 3 interlocking rings of 4 points each. This one uses 4 rings of 3 points, and looks best when made in 4 different colors.
This is a modular origami star with a 3D flower blooming in the center. The assembly is solid but takes precision — neat folds and good alignment make all the difference.
This full-bodied bird is an exciting test in your ability to fold in the air cleanly and accurately.
This advanced modular model can be assembled in a traditional 30 unit icosahedral kusudama shape. However, the beauty of this model, and others by this author, is that there is significant flexibility in which polyhedron the final product can be. This class will teach the unit and how to create a truncated hexahedron.
The class will teach a simplified version of this design, which uses a small grid but has loads of shaping potential for those willing to put in extra time. Students should ideally have some experience with box-pleating, as the design features a complex collapse sequence.
50-60 cm paper strongly recommended, 35+ cm paper required.
An intermediate turkey that folds nicely from 6" kami. The layers lock together in an interesting way and the model can balance on its feet.
Students should be comfortable with reverse folds, swivel folds, and petal folds. There is one unconventional collapse, but there's nothing too tricky. Diagrams will be provided.
What's better than one origami penguin? TWO origami penguins! We will be folding two penguin models created by Shoko Aoyagi, the Fairy Penguin and the Penguin Box. Googly eyes will be provided and are highly recommended.
Come learn this adorable whale that Beth taught in the community folding room during the 2022 Convention. It's just 12 steps and requires just a few reverse folds as well as an outside reverse fold. The model remain flat until the last step when--voilà!--it becomes three dimensional.
I love this spinner: I like to have it sitting on a table so I modified a standard box model to hold the spinner upright. I call it a flower brick (named after Dutch porcelain brick shaped vases with holes on top). It makes a great display base for origami flowers as well. Scrapbook paper for the box will be provided in class.
Depending of the level of students, I could complete the session with an additional model.
Two of my action models, Flapping Pajarta and Flapping Flying Fish will be taught. By pulling and pushing, both of the models can flap both wings.
This model can represent both wild-type (brown) and the more familiar albino (white and red) axolotl morphs with slight variations in the folding process, both of which will be included in the class.
This model does involve some complicated techniques, like unwrapping and box pleating, but only at a very simple level, and should be accessible for even relatively inexperienced folders so long as they're careful. They may have difficulty with some optional steps at the end, such as the color-change for the gills and some shaping.
This model incorporates simple pleating with some straight-forward flap folding/manipulation which yields a delightful result!
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.
The first model is a flapping bird, an alternative to the traditional flapping bird, that is an excellent flapper. The second model is a traditional tato pouch. These two elegant models each have steps that involve hidden creases.
Learn to fold a detailed Flatback Sea Turtle!
You should be comfortable dealing with minuscule and precise shaping details, thick layers, and 3D shaping.
I will go over the design process during class.
Beautiful, creative model that can be converted to a sachet. 3 sheets of 6” paper will be divided for the needed modules. Will discuss details of the model and how to convert to a sachet.
In this hands-on class, we’ll fold three original, single-sheet box designs—each one with its own surprise. These are "gift-quality" intermediate-level models with clean lines, satisfying closures and no raw edges. You’ll leave with printed diagrams, a deeper understanding of structure and shaping, and maybe even a giveaway (books, paper, or folded models). Come for the folds, stay for the fun.
In this class we will fold George Rhoads' classic elephant model using modified steps from Samuel Randlett's The Best of Origami. One modification option will be a color change of the tusks which was first shown to me by a former student.. In my opinion, this model is the pinnacle of achievement of the classic origami style.
George Rhoads (USA 1926 - France 2021)
“I consider my Elephant to be the most perfect of my foldings with regards to economy of means.”
In this class, I’ll show you how I started from a super easy ghost for kids, and how I chose to develop it into this intermediate-level Happy Ghost.
All pictures of Hokusai's "36 Views of Mt. Fuji" are printed on the 12 papers. The participants will make 2 modified "Columbus Cube". Time permitting, a paper on which a whole list of 46 pictures are printed will be folded to make "Miura-Ori" pattern for easy reference.
All the diagrams used during my classes will be posted at the following URL by July 6-th.
Www.takayaiwamoto.com/origami_note/newyork/2025_class.html
We're going to fold a Horse of course! Let's saddle up and have ourselves a rodeo with this 2-unit Horse. We will work on a double-layered crimp which is the hardest step in this design, but we should be sittin' by the campfire watchin' John Wayne in no time! You will be required to name your Horse. Please think about this carefully in advance!
A majestic horse with a flowing mane and loads of shaping potential. Students should ideally have some familiarity with box-pleating, as model requires a collapse sequence that will be fairly challenging.
45-50 cm paper strongly recommended, 35+ cm paper required.
A hyena with lots of color changes. The model's layers hold together nicely without any glue, so you can get an impressive result from regular kami.
Students should be comfortable folding complex models -- the sequence includes lots of open and closed sinks, an unsink, and couple of other tricky maneuvers. Students should also be comfortable with pre-creasing precisely.
Cute Iris with stand. You can vary the length of the stand to hold more flowers.
It's Magic By Fred Rohm is an iconic model fearturing a Rabbit Popping out of a Box. It is folded from an uncut rectangle and a joy to fold..It is definately a HIGH Intermediate.
An introduction to origami design centered on a live design demonstration using box-pleating. After introducing basic design theory, Chris will design and fold a new original model live and unscripted based on an audience prompt, talking through his process as he works. A good class for those interested in learning both the basics of box-pleated origami design and some advanced techniques. Participants are welcome to fold along with Chris and ask questions.
A 30-piece modular model assembled following the structure of an icosahedron. The units are folded from 2:3 rectangles, which we’ll cut during the class. You’ll learn how to fold and connect the units, and we’ll make as many as time allows. A diagram will be shared at the end so you can finish the model at your own pace later on.
The plan for this model is to cut six rectangles from a standard 6" kami sheet by dividing it in half one way and into thirds the other. To complete the model, students will need a total of five 6" sheets.
No additional cuts are needed beyond preparing the rectangles. So, if someone brings pre-cut 2:3 rectangles to the class, they won’t need any cutting tools during the session.
One small note for those who plan to prepare their paper in advance: the folding process tends to go a bit more smoothly if the paper grain runs along the longer side of the rectangle.
This four unit modular model is based on my Magic Coin Star transformation design. Each unit looks like a fish. The assembled model shape can be transformed between a ring and a star by sliding. I will show the original coin star design first. Fish variation and many other variations will be taught later.
This is a three day commitment.
Saturday - We will learn how to fold the cube.
Sunday - We will learn how to position the magnets in the cube. Note that part 2 of the class will have a $15 fee for the magnets.
Monday - We will glue the “stickers” on the Rubik’s Cube. There will be a special session Sunday evening if you miss one of the first two sessions.
Today there is a $15 charge for 108 magnets and a “complete kit “ to finish the Rubik’s Cube.
A fun-to-fold model of this northernmost of whales, it lives under the polar ice cap in the Arctic Ocean. Features a color change and long spiral tusk! Works well from a variety of 8" to 12" papers.
A modular eight-pointed star that can be made to look various ways, depending on the paper used It
has a nice lock, and some versions show a design on both sides. This is a member of a family of stars that includes Enrica Dray's "Aurora" and my "Star Zoë". I believe this is an original model, but if someone recognizes it I would appreciate hearing that.
How does one approach a new and unfamiliar origami subject? In this workshop, participants will select a random origami subject, and I will discuss how I approach the subject, what design techniques I use, as well as my origami design principles. This class will focus primarily on 22.5 degree design and will be primarily "free-style".
Participants are more than welcome to join in and fold along.
This is a unique model of a peacock that we will bring gracefully to life through folding. This will be a step up for people who haven't folded complicated animals before, so I hope this brings along a new experience for many!
Turn a pentagon into a star framing a flower. Familiarity with bird base and open sink helpful for this class. If time permits, can fold another variation.
This beautiful star only needs 4 simple units, the pig base. The units are woven and then locked together. The “hardest” step is distinguishing the lock pocket from the lock flap. Solid colors look striking in this star, but patterned papers, especially asymmetrical pattern, give surprising and amazing results!
Fold a cute raccoon and learn about the design techniques that bring it to life. I’ll provide the paper.
This 6 unit modular action design is my adpation of Fuse's 3 unit rotating tetrahedron. All slits of the tetrahedra are covered. Tetrahedron inside won't be exposed during rotation.
Sakura aka Cherry blossoms are lovely and this beautiful 5 piece modular is a joy to fold. We’ll fold from Kami and both sides show.
Most folders know about A4 paper and its 1 : √2 ratio, but fewer know about American letter paper and its special ratio of 4 : 3√3. In truth, that ratio hasn't got a lot of play, but it is a very excellent size for making Shuzo Fujimoto's regular tetrahedron.
This is a modular star with 8 units. Both folding units and assembly are fairly simple but the assembly require some experience, This model has many variations and two different variations can be put on each side of one star. At least 2 or 3 variations will be taught in the class.
This is a fairly simple modular star with 8 units. I published the original model and some variations a few years ago but this is a variation my dear origami friend Kathleen presented me at last year's COCon and I love it. You can put two different variations on each side of one star. I will show other variations in each class if time allows. (I will teach other variations in a separate class and basic assembly is the same, so you can take only one of these classes.)
3-D fish made from two long strips. All folds are mountain or valley. Requires accurate folding for a satisfactory result. Great for mobiles, or hanging in a window.
Most of us have had the pleasure of forming different patterns with a classic Tangram set, reenforcing the mathematical relationships the seven pieces have with each other. You can now make an origami version of this classic puzzle, with each piece formed from the same sized square. There are some tricky reference points, giving this model a "low intermediate" level designation. Diagrams for this can be found in the book Explore Math with Origami:
https://origamiusa.org/catalog/products/explore-math-origami
Seven sheets of kami will be needed (6"/15cm) for a complete set of pieces.
U.S. Letter Paper gets a bad rap. The rest of the world loves their A4 (as well they should!) because its proportions are the square root of 2 to 1. How in the world did we poor Americans get stuck with 8.5 x 11 paper? What is it good for anyway? It turns out, lots of things. Come to my lecture to learn more about this wonderful paper size, and why you should embrace it. I will describe several different models that make use of its magical properties.
This model continues to explode with many uses and color options a hat, to name place settings, a gift box or a note holder. This can be constructed from various rectangler sizes. Definitely a fun fold.
A color-change shark design with a long tail and a sleek body. Participants should be familiar with complex origami techniques for this class.
We'll learn two closely-related money modular units and how to assemble them into tubularized triangulated polyhedra (similar to Heinz Strobl's Snapology). Six of one type of unit creates the tetrahedron, which we'll fold and assemble in class. 150 of one type and 60 of another create the Tubularized Truncated Snub Dodecahedron, the folding of which and assembly will be left as an out-of-class exercise for the folder.
Fold this harkening of springtime without getting tied up into knots. This compound Daffodil uses a twist tie like other origami wire/pipe cleaner flowers, but now with a whole new innovation. Folders should be comfortable folding on a small scale and be open to using more than one sheet of paper. This flower will also include folding a simple stem and leaf to make it complete!
This model will require four open sink folds, so please keep that in mind. This is a fawn model with a natural color change for the nose, tail, and the inside of the ears.
This modular quilt consists of four main windmill units and twelve connecting pieces that lock in place very well. Once you learn the basics of this model you can explore how various patterns, colors, and textures can be combined to create a cohesive piece.
This is an action model based on my adaptation of a traditional butterfly design. Utilizing the embedded bending diamond creases, you can use 2 fingers to make the model flap both wings. The bending diamond creases can be applied to many other new or traditional static designs.
Lid is a modular from 4 silver rectangles with an unusual locking mechanism, and the box is a twist box from a rectangle, no way to get bored in this class.
Paper (1 A4 silver rectangle for lid and box) will be provided.
Diagram available.
30 piece modular by Paolo Bascetta.
It's a stellated icosahedron, so it's Schläfli symbol is {3,5}.
Also an action model.
Learn an old dollar bill classic model: "The Bunny Bill" by Robert Neal from 1964. When the model is done, set up the model in your hand, say "Watch me pull a rabbit out o my hat." After a small squeeze, "Presto!" the head appears.
We will fold 30 business cards into a beautiful star ball.
We will be folding a complex color change butterfly design. This primary structure is made from non-axial box pleating, and uses a lot of reference-less/judgement folds to achieve accurate color change. The model includes a lot of judgement folds, reverse folds, complex swivel and squash folds, and collapses involving multiple creases simultaneously. I will provide 24cm kami of various colors, but higher quality paper like Wenzhou-tissue is recommended.
The base of a difficult and fluffy color change 22.5-based cat model :3 Students should be experienced in folding 22.5 based models in addition to being comfortable and quick in performing closed unwraps, mixed sinks, and other "fun" procedures that require precise folding. Unless, by some miracle, the collapse is completed early, shaping will be left as an exercise to the folder. The link to the precreasing sequence is below; because precreasing is boring, please arrive with a precreased sheet of paper.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nweth1AV_1hkKqJFLOLJ5GmEVRpJdZ37/view?u...
A cute humanoid with a geometric head. This design is based off of a 30 degree reference point. This results in a unique folding sequence and fun proportions.
Participants will create 2 hexagonal cylinders, one with a 12th century Japanese cartoon, the other with
World Famous Hokusai's "Big Wave". Precut papers will be provided.
All the diagrams used during my classes will be posted at the following URL by July 6-th.
Www.takayaiwamoto.com/origami_note/newyork/2025_class.html
Cranes, Cranes, Cranes. We will fold a Crane in a Heart, a nesting Crane in a Gift Box, and, if time allows, a bonus model: a Crane-shaped gift box.
This dragon was inspired by the work of my friend, Matthew Dunstan, and was created for this year's PCOC theme. The two-piece approach was inspired by the fighter plane designs of Won Park. With some careful folding, it should stand on its own as a handsome tip.
Revisit of the classic dollar shirt and tie.
Star made with two US dollars or a sheet of Kami
This piece was designed by me in late June 2025 for the convention. The version shown in the photo
is the second draft; the final version will likely resemble this. Generally nothing too difficult. There may
be some precreasing involved to get some of the outer shapes. The darkened lines show the color on
the other side the paper, but using single-color paper works as well.
Cute Duck on a pond. Duck is created by Kunihiko Kasahara with the added idea of a pond by Gay Merrill Gross
To fold a model from crease pattern, one would need to locate the points where each fold starts and ends. This is called "reference finding". In this class, I will teach how to: 1) calculate the reference, 2) use the hourglass method to make rational division for boxpleated crease pattern, 3) generalize it to make irrational division for 22.5 crease pattern. The goal is to have participant understand how to make the creases from a crease pattern. We will have some hands-on exercises along the class, so please carry some 6 inch standard origami paper. No mathematical expertise required, elementary math is all needed.
Tomoko Fuse created a Four Petaled Flower folded from 1-sheet of paper. The flower uses a blintz bird base, several reverse folds and a twist. Accurate creasing creates nice flower shape with a lot of volume and dimension. After "blooming" all four petals, you can leave the flower pointy or create soft curls using edge bone folder. In class, we will fold the flower from 15 cm (5-7/8 in) Pure Color Reds (high-quality paper with slightly textured surface, similar to Tant). Flower folds well from Astrobrights 24 lbs copy paper (89 g/m²), TANT paper and matte American Foil. Tuttle Color Bursts 4" (10 cm) is okay but a little too soft.
Complex folding sequence for this fox with a cartoon style and color changes
This vase was the hit model at last year's Centerfold convention!
I will give you a gridded hexagon so we will have the whole class to get the lock.
Once you get your mind around the locking sequence it is almost easy.
In honor of Gay Merrill Gross, we will fold her Heart Locket, a 3-D heart that can open to hold a photo or small items and can be hung as a locket.
Let’s fold a Hercules beetle. This is one of several ways to approach the model, demonstrating that there are often multiple solutions to a problem. Aside from the final shaping, the folds should come together fairly quickly.
This owl uses square paper, one side solid colored the other side white, 6 or 8 inch square is good to start with. Knowledge of basic folds are required, and if you choose, some decorative folds can be added. The model can stand on its own and the wings can be folded at different angles. Google eyes are optional, but they do add some humor and expression to the owl.
Fujimoto's Hydrangea is a classic origami model. The diagram online shows a basic version of the model (3 layers). We will be folding a 6-layer version (as shown in the photo).
This is a fun modular ring that has a pretty color change.
The model features a simple unit, with a slightly more challenging assembly. I'll ensure that each folder either completes their model in class or leaves with the enough understanding of the model to finish it easily on their own. :)
A US currency puppy sitting in the door of his dog house
Zach Karthik loves insects and is currently experimenting with designing eyes, as they make any model more realistic. In this class Zach will demonstrate how he came out with his own insect eyes' design.
On a recent trip to Argentina, I had the pleasure of being introduced to the beautiful art of Kugurisashi by the talented Maria Eugenia Sandin. This traditional Japanese embroidery technique combines structure and creativity in a truly meditative practice.
In this class, we’ll explore Kugurisashi by embellishing the lid of a Masu Box—a charming, functional piece that makes a perfect canvas for your stitches. You'll learn how to work with patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique embroidered design. Whether you're new to needlework or an experienced stitcher, this class is sure to inspire and spark ideas for future projects beyond our time together.
*Please note: Needles and thread will be used in this class.
This abstract yet lively horse exemplifies my favorite origami design qualities: not too hard to fold, with just the right level of abstraction, and definitely retains the spirit of the real, living creature. This is a great model for folks looking to stretch their skills a little - I'm rating the model intermediate, since it requires accuracy to work well, and there are some big moves you have to do in the air. But there's nothing too tricky except for the version of the head with ears (we will practice both heads before folding the complete model.)
“M.Q. 8 Enrica” is one of 33 stars in the first half a book by Enrica Dray and Patrizia Porzio. M.Q. stands for Mezzo Quadrato, which is Italian for “half square”. The units for these stars begin with half squares (rectangles). In addition, the first fold for all the units of these 33 stars is the same – bring a corner to the opposite corner. M.Q. 8 looks great on both sides particularly in pattern papers. One side has an extra star feature at the center; find the model in the photo folded with the perfect paper that highlights this inner star!
This is a three day commitment.
Saturday - We will learn how to fold the cube.
Sunday - We will learn how to position the magnets in the cube. Note that part 2 of the class will have a $15 fee for the magnets.
Monday - We will glue the “stickers” on the Rubik’s Cube. There will be a special session Sunday evening if you miss one of the first two sessions.
This Mosquito has plenty of reverse folds and a couple of squash folds to give this a "low intermediate" level designation. Diagrams for this can be found in the book Insectes en Origami:
https://www.amazon.fr/Insectes-en-origami-Marc-Kirschenbaum/dp/288935735...
A single square of larger kami is recommended (10"/25cm). With more practice you can use smaller sheets.
This will be a lecture presenting my journey as an origami artist and designer of 7.5 years. What started as a child's hobby has led to the greatest experiences of my life (so far). Having experienced highs and lows with the ultimate goal to become a better origami artist and designer, this lecture will hopefully bring insight to those wondering what the experience of being an origami artist and designer is like as well as inspire others (especially young children and teenagers) to become one.
We will use the ancient art of Japanese paper folding (origami) to discover the properties of a square by using origami paper (which is always a square), 8.5 inch squares made from “astrobrights” letter size paper, pencils and markers. We will make three models, and the properties of a square will be printed on one of the finished origami models.
Traditional Peace Crane and
Bob Stack dollar bill 💵 Dove
How to start from a classic origami model (Fox) to improve and obtain a complete new and different model. So I will teach this penguin, and show that we can also produce a T-rex.
Super Complex Origami Dragon collaboration between Boice and Tadashi Mori
This class will teach you how to fold a four-pointed star with a recursive pattern. I recommend bringing paper at least 25cm that’s relatively thin and strong (such as tracing paper). However, a bigger sheet will allow you to create more patterns on the star. This model starts from the traditional windmill base and features lots of unsinks, squashes, and swivel folds.
This modular star is folded from eight square sheets of duo paper. The folding sequence is fairly straightforward and the units lock together nicely.
A classic. 4 pointed and if time, 5 pointed version.
John will be teaching his Retro-Rocket and Flying Saucer. Both models are fully 3-D and lots of fun to fold. Easily foldable from 6" to 10" paper of many kinds.
This design is a variation of my original action squared ninja star. The four-piece modular star can be transformed to a square and back by sliding. The transformed ninja shape resembles the traditional origami ninja star design with edges.
The Star Tato model can be used to hold small items, but also looks great as a combination “bow” and card on a gift package. The Lady Star makes a nice hanging ornament. Both look good in duo paper and require some interesting swivel folds. The Lady Star has a twist fold that may be challenging for some but creates one of those fun origami moments when things magically fall into place.
I will tell a story while folding a model, then repeat it with class participation. The class will consist of 3 models:
Mother Nature in Spring, taught many years ago by Gay Merril Gross, I will be teaching it in her memory.
Hot Chocolate, created by Shelley Handen.
Fox created by Mitsuo Okuda.
A graceful crane that can be opened to hold a small object — perhaps a piece of candy, a secret message, a ring. It can be used as a table decoration and is best made from 12” x 12” paper. Parchment paper is also good. The model shown is made from 6” paper and is 4.5” wide using parchment-like paper. Will discuss details of model.
This is a very well designed model with clear reference points and fun to fold. I learned this model in a class of Origami Connect earlier this year and fell in love with it.
This tato is a three-in-one model: a star, a bowl or a tato, depending on your preference & desired use. It is folded from one hexagon, preferably duo, to fully appreciate the color change. Since it folds flat it is also highly portable.
Learn how to teach, fold, and even design, with pre-creased paper.
With pre-creased paper, someone with little or no folding experience can go further faster and still achieve a pleasing result. Colored lines allow the teacher to better direct attention to where it is needed. Even practiced folders will experience a new fluidity when dancing with the paper.
Over 70 classic and new models can be folded from the same sheet of pre-creased paper. The possible models are wide ranging and include many boxes, three-dimensional polygons, living creatures, practical objects, and action toys. Explore the land of familiar and novel models that have only 45 and 90 degree creases.
Uniform pre-creased line-colored paper will be provided.
This is a modular action model that starts as a hexagonal star and expands into a larger hexagon.
This model, designed by Jo Nakashima, features a longer tail and arms, along with a smaller head. Wet shaping helps bring out its finer details and adds character to the final form.
It’s a sizzling summer day—what’s the sweetest way to cool down? Why, with a slice of watermelon, of course! 🍉 In this refreshing class, you’ll learn to fold a delightfully quirky watermelon box designed by the imaginative Tatsumi (S. Mitsuda). The folds are clever, the results are charming, and you’ll walk away with a cool little box that’s bursting with summery fun!
The graceful deer, with its distinctive antlers and long legs, is a lovely subject to fold in origami. Despite the head being shaped very differently from the hind end, this deer is folded from a relatively simple base that has four-way symmetry. The finished piece will stand, unaided, on its own. There is a color change for the belly and tail, but it is not very important for the final piece’s effectiveness.
This Woolly Mammoth utilizes some asymmetrical squash folds, swivel folds, and wrap around sequences giving this a “high 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.