- Origami was developed in China, where paper was first invented.- It was then carried on to Japan where it was further developed, and from where the art form derives its name (“oru” = fold + “kami” = paper).
- Traditionally, square paper was used for origami, but certain shapes are now made using rectangles and even dollar bills or other currency notes.
- Most of the origami folds have specific names:
Valley fold: when you fold the paper towards you. In origami instructions a valley fold is shown as a dashed line (- – - -). When the paper is folded as a valley and opened slightly, it looks like a valley.
Mountain fold: when you fold the paper away from you. In origami instructions, the mountain fold is shown as a line with alternating dots and dashes (- •- •- • – •). When folded in this manner, the paper looks like a mountain when opened slightly.
Other, more complex, folds include petal fold, rabbit-ear fold, reverse fold, squash fold, and so on.
Origami can be easy. You too can make an origami cat in 10 easy steps!
