World Origami Days 2021 Schedule

Modular, or unit, origami uses two or more sheets of paper to create a larger and more complex structure than would be possible using single-piece origami techniques. Each sheet of paper is folded into a module or unit, and then modules are assembled into an integrated flat shape or three-dimensional structure. These structures often have very clever folded interlocking systems of tabs and pockets.

In this class, you will learn to fold a 30 unit modular origami model with a structure that is reminiscent of a virus (what more appropriate for these pandemic times?) The model is folded from 30 rectangles of paper in 1:√3 proportion and does not require any adhesive for assembly. It has a very robust locking mechanism created by the folding sequence so once complete you can even hand it to someone else to look at without fear that it will fall apart!

In the class we will show how to fold the units and put some together as well as guidance on the full assembly, but there will not be time to fold all 30 units so you will need to complete the model in your own time after class. Note: It is not possible to create a smaller assembly than 30 pieces with this unit.

“Unit origami is a combination of parts, so it is natural that it leads up to the patchwork quilt. You can use scraps of paper to make a quilt. The combination of units is interesting itself, but the color and pattern of paper play an important role in the result. This is one of the fascinating points of ‘origami quilt’ like that of cloth quilt. The practical use of paper quilts in our daily life is limited, but it is delightful to make it, since it has an element of puzzle and it displays unique patterns that only origami can produce.” ~Tomoko Fuse.

Jannie will teach us her Cathedral Origami Quilt, which is like the cloth counterpart. With the right paper it could look like stained glass.

How are new forms of paper folding developed? We have been introduced to quite a few different types of origami, from some of the most traditional (like representational), to new innovations (like tessellations), and there will be more types to come before World Origami Days are over! A somewhat different take on creating a new approach is to combine various forms.

Melina combines tessellations with representational origami. Continuing with our holiday theme, you will be using a triangular grid to fold one molecule of her pumpkin tessellation (as shown in the picture).

Complex origami usually refers to models that require a large number of steps to complete --- sometimes even hundreds of steps. These models are often passed from the designer to other folders by in-person teaching or through crease patterns (designs that show the folds needed for the model), but not the step-by-step diagrams that are seen for less complex models. Michelle Fung will walk us through a complex model --- come with your patience!

This cute panda model looks simple, but is actually complex. Class participants should be comfortable with folding precisely, spread-squash/spread sink folds, swivel folds, and turning parts of the model inside out. All of these techniques are used to achieve the desired color changes.

Boxes, bowls, vases! Making origami containers is a popular activity. One of the earliest box designs is the masu box, which is simple and elegant. Traditionally it was used as a way to measure out a standard portion of rice. The masu box and many bowls and vases are made with one sheet of paper, but there are also some wonderful modular boxes in interesting shapes --- square, hexagonal, octagonal….and many more.

With this box, Roman combines an elegant box with a lovely rose!
Crisp and precise folding required. It helps to be familiar with the Kawasaki or some other twist rose. (The class will not be paced for beginners.)

In recent years there has been a great buzz around tessellations! This is a way of making a pattern where one or more shapes are placed together leaving no spaces between them, and then repeated over and over --- think of a bathroom floor or wall. Origami tessellations have folded shapes that are repeated over and over using just one piece of paper, or sometimes fabric.

We will practice open, closed, and hybrid square twists, then use them to make the Square Knots Weave tessellation.

In this class Richard will use wetfolding to enhance his complex model to make it more full of life.

Richard notes that the beaver, who chews down trees for the construction of dams and lodges, is a symbol of industriousness. In this session we will fold his likeness. His stout, flexible body makes him a good candidate for a particular type of animal design, featuring a closed back and soft, wet-folded lines. This design involves a short sequence of spread squashes and closed sinks, putting it at the complex folding level. By speeding the drying process with a hair dryer, we should be able to get to a final product within the two hours allotted.

Paper cranes are the most popular form of origami, and have transformed the meaning behind these little works of art. The crane became a symbol of peace in Japan, where you can see strings of cranes placed at temples all over the country as well as at the Peace Park in Hiroshima. On our last day of World Origami Days (and the actual World Origami Day Celebration in Japan), we will fold the crane and a few variations and celebrate the peace of paper worldwide.

The crane attachment called Hanetsuki Tsuru is used in Tomoko Fuse's Crane Origami book for modular models and boxes. It's folded from 1:2 paper with two small cuts. In this class, I will show to complete the box decorated with this crane attachment.

Origami toys are fun! During this class we'll learn to fold Darth Vader's finger doll. It's an easy intermediate modular model that requires no glue and no cuts to shape and assemble.

(The Storm Troopers will not be taught in this class.)