Therapeutic Advantages of Origami

Origami has been proven to possess therapeutic advantages. The activity is been used to help individuals with psychological aspects such as feelings of acceptance. People who are having emotional and mental problems sense a feeling of acceptance while being taught the art of origami. Realizing someone is willing to take the time to teach and show them how to do this activity promotes positive emotions. When origami is demonstrated in a group setting, it helps the troubled individual experience a sense of belonging. It enables them to interact with others and connect with people who they can relate to. It's also a bonus when origami is being taught by a psychologist because any time a person feels the need to share their feelings, there's a professional there to intervene.

The art of origami is effective in promoting positive behavior. In a group setting it helps an individual learn how to act appropriately in a social environment. This would be good for children who are having trouble communicating or getting along with other children. This activity requires patience and so it teaches people how to be patient. Again this would be beneficial for children. Origami involves problem solving and this is a skill that is needed daily by individuals of all ages. Getting people interested in activities such as origami encourages people to develop a hobby where they can be creative and be involved in a group activity.

The therapeutic advantages of origami are amazing. To be able to take a simple concept such as paper folding and watch it make a difference in people's lives is awesome. Origami is a learning experience that incorporates communication skills and problem solving skills. It's also a great activity to promote goal setting. Finishing an origami project takes time but the results are beautiful and fulfilling. Seeing the outcome of the project in a picture and working toward it provides an individual with a goal. It's important to have goals in life and it's great that an activity such as origami can help a person learn about it. Origami provides an opportunity to relax and have fun. The enjoyment that goes along with this activity is definitely good therapy.

Not everyone is quick to open up and share their feelings with another individual, even a psychologist or other medical professional. It's essential that the person administering help and advice present a non-threatening image. Origami can be used as a means of breaking the ice, a warming up technique. It can help the patient and psychologist find mutual ground. Origami can be used to bridge the gap between patient and doctor. This will certainly make it easier for the patient to be comfortable and more inclined to share their feelings and work on their problems. It is imperative that a doctor and patient develop a good relationship. Not everyone is willing to discuss emotional issues and/or psychological problems. If origami helps to build a bridge that leads to healing, it can definitely be considered a therapeutic advantage.

Therapy Using Origami

Origami has proven to be a beneficial therapy tool for both physical and mental or emotional patients. Origami has been used as a bridging therapy, an icebreaker and as a relaxation technique before other therapy sessions. The folding process provides a great work out for exercising the hands and fingers and the mind.

Origami is definitely convenient, it can be practiced anywhere anytime, indoors or out, without the need for a lot of specialized equipment. The only requirement is that you have paper of any sort, origami paper, plain paper, newspaper, gift-wrapping paper; even sheets from an old calendar will work. It has also proven to be a wonderful form of non-verbal communication. You don't need specialized skills.

Origami works wonders with patients who have emotional and mental problems, with its eye-catching colors, shapes and papers. It's not the kind of activity that is restrictive or threatening. This can be really important if you are dealing with patients with emotional and mental problems. It's easy to learn and safe. There are no scissors or other cutting tools necessary, a good thing if you are working with people who are unpredictable or aggressive or who have shown to have self-harming tendencies. It's also very affordable and a good way to recycle paper.

Origami give patients a number of choices including color, pattern and the ability to design an great number of different figures ranging from the very simple to the extremely complex. It gives the patients the option to act as observer or participant, to practice alone or in a group. Origami provides much needed psychological support; the participant gets a feeling of acceptance because the instructor can take the time to demonstrate each move and he feels connected when he realizes that he is part of a group. He also sees that the origami staff is very approachable and he can ask that they stop and provide some personal assistance at any time.

One of the more positive aspects of origami is the number of desirable behaviors it promotes. Positive social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, problem solving ability, goal setting, patience, creativity, interest and involvement in a hobby, while t the same time providing fun and relaxation. The positive reinforcement and feedback develop the ability and desire in the patients to share their feelings as well as knowledge.

Therapists will find when they observe groups doing origami that the patients are opening up more, asking questions, providing comments of his own, requesting a chance to make other figures, really participating. The length of time the patient stays involved in the activity and the amount of prompting he requires will give the therapist an idea of the extent of his ability to concentrate. The therapist can also look for improvements in hand-eye coordination, communication skills, cooperation with others, willingness to teach others, reaction to difficult projects, ability to complete tasks, taking an interest in socializing and an increase in the ability to focus. They will also find the patients calmer and more relaxed.

Uses for Origami

Origami can be used to make more than just a child's toy. Although normally made out of origami paper you can also use cloth, newspaper, tin foil, gift wrapping paper, old calendar sheets or magazine pages.

Plate Decorations: Perk up any meal with quick plate decorations. Cranes, boats, a bird, a house or a flower made from napkins (cloth or paper), paper towels or any other festive paper you have handy. Fold a large cloth napkin into a bread basket to keep your rolls warm through your meal. Patterned napkins or paper towels make attractive shirt or bow tie plate decorations. If you have some cloth napkins with an oriental print you can make mini kimonos to grace the plates. Small paper dragons, pigs, rabbits and tigers become chop stick (or knife) rests, or attach them to your place cards for a decorative touch that your guests can take with them.

Picnics: A large plastic cloth can be folded into a picnic basket then unfolded and used as a tablecloth or picnic blanket when you are ready to dine. A few pages from a magazine and some tin foil will make disposable cups and bowls; add a wastebasket made from some sheets of newspaper and you have much less to clean up and little to carry home.

Parties: Foil bowls, food trays, party coasters, party plates and candy dishes, can all be made from colorful papers, foils, gift wraps and will brighten up any party. Using paper lace doilies you can make small candy dishes or party favor wraps for each of your guests. Children love the brightly colored plates and coasters and they make clean up a breeze.

Table Decorations: Liven up any get together or holiday with table decorations like parasols (larger ones made from doilies, smaller ones made from paper) and coasters made from bright floral designed paper. These light airy touches will make your table a conversation piece.

Just for Fun: Give the kids something to kick start their imaginations. Grab some newspaper and fold up a few paper hats and airplanes for them to play with. It's also a pretty safe bet that some of the adults will join them so better make a couple extra!

Gifts: Colorful paper frames, bandanas or handkerchiefs folded into flowers or birds, lace envelopes to hold your personal note, delicate lace birds to hold your valentine, cranes (a symbol of luck) as a mobile or garland like string, book covers, book marks and dozens of other unusual gifts that you can be sure they won't get two of!

You can recycle newspaper into containers to hold everything from some snacks to munch on, to hobby items, to small game and puzzle pieces in your child's room. You can also recycle paper into a vase or a disposable dust pan. Using a heavy weight gift wrapping you can make your own boxes that will not only fit your gift but eliminates the need to wrap a box.

What Can You Make Using Origami?

What you can make using origami depends totally on the level of skill and knowledge you have about the activity. Origami involves folding a piece of paper which may seem relatively easy but in actual fact it can become quite complicated and complex. Not everyone is prepared for the challenges associated with advanced origami projects. However if the interest is there, an individual can learn how to do advanced origami. Many people are so fascinated with the idea that they design their own origami compositions. This would definitely require knowledge regarding mathematics, as well as creativity and vision.

The very first origami project a person might do, without even knowing it is making a paper airplane. In order to make a perfect paper airplane there needs to be precise folds and creases made. The plane needs to be symmetrical which requires the folds and creases to be identical on both sides of the paper airplane. This would likely be considered basic origami. Other objects that can be made with basic origami include a simple box, an envelope and a square picture frame. These projects can be made with one sheet of paper using a limited number of folds.

As people develop their origami skills they begin to look for more challenging objects to try. These objects may include more than one piece of paper and may require more time and concentration. However using instructions and diagrams there are many objects a person can make including objects such as a six-pointed star, a flower, animals and many others. The more practice a person gets doing origami projects, reading diagrams and understanding instructions, the better equipped they are to take on more advanced origami projects.

When individuals become really involved in the art of origami they attempt tougher projects that require several sections. Skilled origamists will take on projects such as elaborate ships, buildings, people and objects involving concentration and logical thinking. When people reach this level in origami, often they begin to design their own compositions. Individuals in this category might be considered origami artists and have their work entered in competitions and showcased at art shows and in art galleries. It is amazing at just what can be created with origami.

Learning the art of origami should certainly begin with basic projects. Reading books for origami beginners can be a great help. If hoping to read origami diagrams, there are symbols to learn. If living in an area where origami classes are taught it might help to sign up. The Internet is a great resource for origami information from the very basic to the advanced. Many serious origamists have their own websites showcasing their work and sharing essential tips and advice about the art of origami. There are websites that have free origami instructions that can be downloaded and printed for the individual's use. The more a person searches the Internet for information about origami, the more they'll learn just how much there is to learn about this fascinating activity.

What is Money Origami?

What is money origami? Money origami involves the art of folding paper money. This may not sound too difficult. After all how much could a person actually make with a tiny dollar bill? Well over the years many people have taken on the challenge of money origami projects. Using the same principles that apply to paper origami, individuals have learned how to make clever and unique objects using money origami.

Some of the objects that have been successful created using money origami are a spider, a butterfly, a shirt, a sailboat, a ring, a serpent, a valentine, just to name a few. What would cause a person to begin money origami? It could be a number of things. Perhaps while sitting in a restaurant waiting on the waiter the customer pulls out a paper bill and begins playing around with it. Students who are bored in the classroom look for things to occupy their minds and time. Why not make something out of their lunch money? Why this idea was started we're not sure but money origami can certainly pass time.

What type of bill can be used in money origami? The answer is to this question is simple - any currency is suitable for money origami. So it doesn't matter which airport or restaurant you are waiting in, you can always pull out a paper bill and attempt money origami. Instead of visiting the gift shops and spending money, you can sit back, play with your money and save in the process.

Money origami may not sound very interesting to some people but to others it is quite fascinating and a reason to continue looking for new objects to make with their money. For people who are familiar with the art of origami, money origami is not a new concept. However for those who know little about origami, they may be astounded to see what can actually be made from a single dollar bill. It's amazing what a dollar bill can get you by simply making a few simple folds.

There is plenty of available material about origami including books and publications about money origami. If you are interested in learning about the art of origami or are intrigued by money origami, there is plenty of written material circulating. If you visit the local library or bookstore and are unsuccessful in finding reading material about money origami or origami in general, you might want to continue your search on the Internet. Because the Internet provides worldwide access to data, you may be able to learn about origami from some of the greatest origami artists. You could also access information regarding the history of origami and its cultural values in various parts of the world including Japan and China. It's always exciting to learn new ideas. Once a person becomes interested in an activity such as money origami they generally want to learn all there is to know about it. The Internet is definitely your greatest database regarding money origami.

What is Origami?

Origami, although an ancient discovery, is perhaps a foreign concept to many individuals today. Unless a person is caught up in the art world or has an interest in crafting, they may have never heard of origami. What is origami? It is, put simply, folding paper. This idea began hundreds of years ago however, the exact origin is unknown. It is still unknown whether it began in China or Japan. It is a known fact that the Japanese have developed advanced forms of artistic origami. This idea was quick to catch on spreading into Spain, South America, Germany and Britain. With time this creative activity also became popular in the west. Although origami is an activity enjoyed by thousands of people, it has a special place in the Japanese culture.

Learning how to fold paper is the basis of origami. There are very simple forms of origami such as the paper airplane which requires basic folds and instruction. Although the paper airplane is quite easy to make, for years it has provided hours of entertainment for young children. For the millions of individuals who have quickly made a paper airplane, perhaps they weren't aware they were using the art of origami.

There are countless projects that can be done using the art of origami. For people who are working with these techniques on a regular basis, the possibilities for creations rely on their imagination and creativity. Although the finished products are elaborate and obviously a challenge for the inexperienced person, the art of origami often uses two basic folds - the origami bird base and the origami square base. Learning how to do this activity will likely incorporate these two basic folds in most projects. As an individual advances in the art of origami, these basic folds will frequently be required for many projects.

Folding paper may sound boring to some people but for thousands in the world the folding paper or the art of origami, has become quite significant. It may sound juvenile to some but origami can be quite challenging which is what interests many people. The art of origami uses mathematics which again can be challenging for many people. A project starts out with just a square piece of paper and can be transformed into countless beautiful compositions. For many people origami is not simply a pastime. This activity requires skill and knowledge and is often used in the business world. There are individuals who get paid to create certain items using the art of origami. In different parts of the world there are origami competitions where people showcase their work.

Origami is an interesting art. It's difficult to visualize this concept. You really need to see pictures and diagrams to help you understand how this idea is applied. There are many books published about origami. You might find some in the local bookstore or at the library. Crafting magazines may also be a good source for information on origami. One place you're sure to locate beneficial material about this ancient activity is on the Internet. With access to a world database, the Internet will certainly be able to help you locate all you need to know about the art of folding paper - origami.

What Materials are Needed for Origami?

Origami is an activity requiring just one physical material - paper. With just one piece of paper an individual can create numerous beautiful and complex compositions. They type of paper used for origami would depend on the project. For simple projects such as a paper airplane or a crane, normal copy paper (19-24lbs) is sufficient. For people who are learning this art, using normal copy paper would likely be a smart idea since it would be less-expensive than buying fancy origami paper.

For many projects, heavy paper (approx. 25lbs) is required for origami art. Not only is this activity done with dry paper but often individuals make wet folds which does, require a heavy paper. Wet folding in origami is a technique used when the creator is attempting a rounded piece or work. The wet paper allows for sculpting. When the object dries, it is sturdy.

There are special papers made for origami. This paper is often called kami, which is the Japanese word for paper. Kami can be bought in various sizes from 2.5cm to 35cm and more. These square pieces of origami paper generally are prepackaged. Origami paper usually weighs less than copy paper allowing it to be used for all sorts of projects. This special paper can be bought in many different colors, usually with one side white and the other colored. Origami paper can also be bought with both sides colored (usually two different colors) and with designs and patterns on it.

Complex projects frequently used different types of foil paper in origami. One type, usually sold commercially is foil-back paper. This particular paper is very strong and provides an excellent working base for complex origami. There are also tissue foils that can be used for origami. Tissue foils are usually glued to both sides of a piece of aluminum foil to make a piece of origami paper.

There are stronger types of origami paper on the market. The Japanese use a paper called Washi which is made from various wood fibers and is stronger than paper made from wood pulp. Since origami is popular in Japan, a paper such of this would certainly be beneficial. There are other special papers which are made to be durable but flexible for thin, narrow pieces in projects.

Since paper is the only material needed for origami, it is essential to have the right type for the intended composition. Because origami is time consuming and often includes tiny objects, it's important to have paper that can withstand the process. Having the perfect paper for origami is the same as having the perfect canvass for a painting. Without it, the individual cannot be certain of success.

Who ever knew that folding paper could be so complicated? For those interested in origami, it isn't complicated but challenging. If setting out to create something, the perfect paper is necessary. Where would you find origami paper? Sometimes craft stores have origami kits for beginners which would include paper and instructions. Depending on the store, they may also carry a selection of origami paper. Perhaps the best place to find information about and to buy origami paper is on the Internet. A simple search with a search engine will quickly link you to an origami paper source.

What Skills are Required for Origami?

Origami is an art or craft that involves folding paper. For people who aren't familiar with this activity, this may seem juvenile and easy. There are origami projects that are simple such as making a paper airplane. There are also very complex origami projects which require many pieces of paper to be folded. Now it's starting to sound more challenging. Origami can be quite challenging and it's definitely not an activity that every individual will enjoy or even attempt.

Learning how to do origami can be as simple as following a set of instructions. There are many books printed about this activity with step-by-step instructions for completing specific projects such as a crane or a bird. As long as the instructions are followed precisely the project should be a success. To insure an origami composition turns out right, no step can be left out. It's a series of folding steps that produce the suggested result.

There are plenty of people who are fascinated with the art of origami. In some cultures, particularly Japan, the art of origami is very significant. Young children learn origami and whether done simply as a pass-time or as a career, there are many people who do these activities on a daily basis. Simple origami doesn't require a whole lot of skill. As long as the person is able to read and follow basic instructions they have the skills required for origami. However, there are individuals who create origami designs for businesses and other commercial reasons these people are generally very creative and artistic. Patience is essential for the art of origami. Working out the intricate patterns in different projects can be quite tedious. Not just anyone will have the patience to continuously fold a piece of paper attempting to create a particular object. For people who design origami projects, the mathematics of it all can be very frustrating and again would definitely require a patient individual.

What skills are required for origami? The only physical skill required for origami is the ability to fold paper. Most everybody is able to carry out this activity. However there is certainly a requirement for imagination, creativity, mathematical knowledge and patience. The challenging aspects of origami require much thought and logic. Actually folding paper is not difficult but depending on the level of origami, completing an entire project can be tough.

Origami is an activity that can be learned if the individual is interested. There are books printed with details and instructions for hundreds of origami projects. These projects range from very basic to complex. Learning the art of origami can definitely result in hours of fun and enjoyment. It's a great way to pass away a few hours and create something beautiful at the same time. If wanting to learn about origami you can likely find books or magazines at a bookstore of craft store. The Internet is also a great resource when searching for information on origami. There are plenty of sites that provide beneficial material on the art of origami.

Who Might Enjoy Origami?

There are thousands of people who are interested in crafts. There are thousands of crafts and crafting ideas worldwide. One craft, often referred to as an art is origami. This concept was discovered or invented hundreds of years ago in China and Japan. Although it's unknown exactly where origami was first used, this activity was and continues to be an important part of the Japanese culture. An activity that involves folding a piece of paper has been for generations used both as a pastime and as a challenge. There are very basic forms of origami and there are very complicated forms of origami. This activity involves mathematics and creativity.

Who might enjoy origami? The answer to that question is simple - anyone. People of all ages for many years have been doing origami projects. One of the basic forms of this activity is the paper airplane. Thousands of people have made paper airplanes not knowing they were doing an origami project. In order to make a perfect paper airplane, it is essential to use exact folds in the paper. This is what the art of origami is about, making precise folds to create a specific object.

In the early days when origami was initially discovered, it was used in Germany by kindergarten students. It also became quite popular in England where children used it as a hobby. Origami, even for young children is exciting and since it requires mathematics and much concentration, it can also be very educational. Because the end result is an object of some sort, it's also exciting for children because they are anticipating the outcome. Origami takes time which makes this activity a great pass-time for children. It keeps their minds and hands occupied.

Origami can be very basic such as the simple folds required for a paper airplane. However this activity, when used as an art can become very complex. As people are become interested in origami, they begin to look for more challenging projects, those that demand plenty of thought, creativity and imagination. Using mathematics this activity requires the individual to think logically as well.

Over the years origami has been taken to a whole new level. People are using this concept to create sculptural art. Individuals who are using this idea as a form of art are creating their own designs. Many of these origami compositions are displayed in art galleries. There's enough interest in this activity that there are origami competitions held. Individuals who are really skilled and serious about origami work quite hard to design and create complex objects to be showcased and judged at competitions.

Anyone could enjoy origami if they were interested. It is definitely an activity that requires interest. The folding process demands careful attention and without it the intended result would likely not be achieved. Many people are fascinated with paper folding, from the very young to the very old. This ancient hobby has transformed into an art that is given plenty of recognition. If origami sounds like an activity you might be interested in, why not browse some of the many Internet sites providing details and instructions.

Who Uses Origami in Society Today?

The art of origami dates back to the 1600's. First practiced by the Chinese and Japanese, the art of paper folding was and continues to be popular in many cultures. When it was originally started, origami instructions were passed on verbally. Over the years the details and steps required for origami projects have been written down and/or relayed through diagrams. Folding paper may not seem to be very challenging but as the projects advance, origami can in fact be quire complicated and complex.

Who uses origami in society today? No doubt there are many people who still do origami simply as a pass-time or hobby. For children and adults alike this activity can provide hours of enjoyment. Origami is great on rainy days and snow days. Once starting a project, it's difficult to stop until the desired result is achieved. It may take several attempts but eventually the results will be top-notch.

Origami has grown in popularity as a teaching tool. Educators and teachers are using origami in the classroom. This activity has proven to be effective in teaching children to be patient and attentive. Both of these skills are necessary in a group as well as in every day living. Origami also teaches children about problems solving and other aspects of mathematics that are relative to life. It also encourages children to set goals and work toward achieving them.

Psychologists and physicians use origami as a therapeutic tool. It has proven to be successful in the treatment of mental health patients. It helps the patients to become more relaxed in their environment and with their doctor. Besides filling many lonely hours in the hospital, origami teaches patients to get along with and help one another. The art of paper folding can actually bring people out of their shell and encourage them to participate in conversation and group activities.

Parents use origami at home to help their children develop different skills. This activity can help children develop their reading and writing skills. For young children it can help them learn how to use both hands together. Origami teaches concentration, patience and problem solving, all imperative to the growth and development of children. Besides the educational and behavioral advantages of origami, parents can use this activity to occupy a child who's bored or lonely. It's an inexpensive activity that a parent and child or children can do together. This means time spent together and an opportunity to build a good parent/child relationship.

When people first began practicing the art of origami, they probably had no idea of the amazing benefits this activity would produce. Likely initially used as a decoration or simply a way to kill a few hours, origami has been transformed into an activity that has many magnificent uses. There are books written about the art of origami and its benefits for various situations. The Internet has loads of information about the origami. If you'd like to learn more about this great activity, log onto the worldwide web and start learning.

Basic Origami Folds Terms & Techniques

As with any other craft origami has its own terms and techniques. Here are some basic horizontal and vertical folds. It is very important to keep all your folds crisp and clean.

The Book - fold a piece of paper (rectangular or square) down the middle vertically making certain the opposite edges line up one on top of the other. For many origami figures you will need to add another book figure - open the paper and make another fold across the middle horizontally again, making sure the edges lie one on top of the other. If you don't open the book before making the second fold you end up with the handkerchief fold which gives you a small square with four layers of paper one on top of the other.

The Cupboard - using a square piece of paper make the book fold then open the paper and take each outside edge and fold it to the center line. By bringing each edge over to the next line you will end up making even more equal vertical strips.

The Fan - with either a square or rectangular piece of paper fold a Cupboard. Open the Cupboard; three valley folds (downward angles) divide the Cupboard into four equal sized strips. Turn the figure over; fold the edges onto the outer lines making two mountain folds. Turn the figure over and refold the Cupboard. Turn the Cupboard over once again and fold the edges into the middle line resulting in two mountain folds (upward angles). Fold up the figure and you have made an eight fold fan with alternating mountain and valley folds, also called an accordion fold.

The Lattice - make a Cupboard from a square piece of paper. Open the Cupboard and repeat the procedure folding in a horizontal direction. Open the paper and you have the Lattice. It is 16 equal sized squares used to make boxes, houses and simple animal bodies.

The Shawl - Make a diagonal fold down the middle of a square piece of paper making sure your edges and corners lay on top of each other. If you need a second diagonal fold open the sheet of paper completely before starting the second fold to get a more exact line.

The Envelope - using a square piece of paper make diagonal folds down the center in both directions. Open the paper and bring each corner up to the middle.

The Picture Frame - First make the Envelope. Open the envelope; turn each corner up to the outer diagonal line. Now fold the four corners inward and you have a picture frame.

Heaven and Hell - Fold an Envelope. Turn the Envelope over and fold each corner up into the center again. Turn the figure over and you will see pockets on the other side. Open these pockets. This figure was dubbed Heaven and Hell because it was usually made on red and blue paper. This particular fold can be used for making simple hand puppets and animal heads