My very first "intermediate" model

            My very first "complex" origami model was the iris flower.  The origami iris seems so trivial now, but at that time it was really difficult for me.  It took me like several hours to figure just to figure out  a specific fold. But as soon as that model was finished, I was hooked to origami.  During that time, I was folding the basic models such as the origami crane, box, hat, etc.  But I began to get board with those models. There just wasn't enough complexity to them, and lets be honest, those aren't very impressive models.  For that reason, I decided to skip the "beginner models" and just dive into the deep end.  I think that was one of the best decision I made for this hobby.  My official intermediate origami was the origami three headed dragon.  I folded it with a tutorial video from YouTube, which is my source for most of my models.  This was also the first model that I memorized from beginning to end, which meant that I folded it anywhere I could find paper.  In a waiting room, in class, during social events and such.  The three headed dragon was one of the models that had the most "wow" factor at that time.  Most people were shocked to see, a complex origami like that, and the that it was folded from one piece of paper.  There are times where people are skeptical of the fact that this model is folded from 1 square piece of paper, No cuts, and No glue, but I like their reaction when I unfold the model revealing a square piece of paper with no cuts.  During this time, I was really into fantasy origami so I started to fold some other origami dragons.  *




*All images here are folded be me except the iris flower and "beginner dragon", which is from the web because its a better image quality than what I have.  Also, sorry for the poor image quality.  I don't have the best phone camera as you can see

How to begin

Step 1

Step 2

           If you want to learn how to do some origami, there are hundreds and I mean hundreds of origami videos online. First off, I would suggests learning the basic origami terms such as: inside reverse fold, sink folds, mountain/valley folds, pinch fold, etc. I think this is a decent origami website to use if you're just starting out. It presents the basic origami terms, and the different model bases to establish a strong foundation for the more advanced models. There is no need to dedicate time to "memorize" these terms since they are used in every single origami model. The more you use the terms, the easier it is to recognize the folds. The initial start of origami can be very slow, and boarding but its worth it. To get started, take a standard A4 and make a square out of it (Step 1).
     

Step 3

Once you have completed that and have familiarized yourself with those terms, you can get right into folding! The very first model I believe anyone folds are the traditional origami crane. To begin this start with the origami bird base. (illustrated instructions) Then inside reverse fold along the dot-dash-dot line, and then inside reverse fold on the line-line-line (Step 2).

     

Next, valley fold the dashed line and repeat on the other side (step 3). And then you're done! If you want a more advance and cleaner looking model here are the instructions, and its accompanied by a well done video. This may seem "to easy" but everyone start out with these basics.

Final product:

Done!

Introduction

Origami Scorpion

      I have had a few hobbies in my lifetime.  The very first hobby I started was origami at the age of 10...or maybe 12?  Not sure when I started but it was quite a while ago.  Anyways, origami is the art of folding a flat piece of paper (generally a square) and transforming it into a three-dimensional object.  There are only three "rules" to authentic origami in my opinion. (Actually, there are a multitude of "origami theory" rules in regards to the use of math and the physical limitations of the paper, but thats besides the point)  Here's number number one: No cutting or ripping the paper by any means. two: no use of any form of adhesive material such as glue, or tape, and number three: you can not use more than one piece of paper to complete an origami model.  However, these are just general rules so you can break them if you so desire.  I think origami is one of the best hobbies ever.  For one thing, its one of the cheapest hobbies you can start.  There is only 1 material need, paper.  Thats right!  No need for fancy tools, or gadgets, or materials, all you need is paper and the willingness to try.  Once you get more in depth, there are tools that can help in the folding process.  Some of these tools include: paper cutters, specialized paper, tweezers, bamboo hand-tool, and the like.  However, many of these tools can be made/found around the house which makes the origami art so easy to do at home.

Origami Dragonfly

Modular Origami Tetrahedron

         Origami is also very rewarding in the end.  When I begin to fold, there is just a flat piece of paper but in the end I have an epic (depends who you ask) model to show for it.  I think watching the paper transform into something completely different is so awesome.  Origami really impresses people, even the most simplest models will cause people to say: "Wow!".  Its really cool when people admire the work that I have spent 6-8 hours straight, and it can really inspire me to start folding again.  I think one of my favorite things about origami is that I can binge watch any tv show without feeling guilty of wasting time on the tv.  Thats because I'm "multi-tasking" and doing something "productive" with my brain rather than just filling it with useless tv trash.  Yes, thats kind of a weak argument, but I'm sticking to it.  With that said, origami does use quite a bit of "brain power" to accomplish any origami model.  There are many times where the paper won't fold properly, or the division of the paper was calculated wrong, and you'll have to go back and try and solve the issue.  There are even times where I just have to start all over...which is very frustrating at times.  But to me, thats what makes origami fun for me.  Problem solving when the fold created doesn't look the same as in the book.  For the model to look professional, origami requires careful evaluation of each individual fold, basic math, and extensive amount of time, patience, care...and practice, all of which I have/enjoy.  Another thing I enjoy about origami is the variety.  There are many different genres of origami: Abstract, wet folding, modular, fantasy, nature, tessellations, and on it goes.  The variety of origami models makes it very difficult for someone to be become board the art.  For example, if I have fold several origami dragons and become board with the same "style", I can switch gears and fold abstract models which gives me a new level of motivation.

Origami Tessellation

        

Origami Phoenix Crease Pattern

       One of the most difficult aspects of origami is the design process, if you with to go that far.  Designing origami models requires significant amounts of math such as geometry, circle packing, box pleating, and a TON more.  That is one of the main reason I've haven't designed any models, I have very poor math skills.  Designing origami is a very slow and tedious process but can produce amazing works of art.  Once someone has finished designing a model, many times they will release a Crease Pattern (CP) to the world.  A CP is an image with very specific lines running across it with the boarders being a square.  With those lines, one is able to completely solve the model and fold it to completion. I am not that well versed in the realm of origami theory to do that, but I hope to be there some day. However, just because my math knowledge is limited, that doesn't stop me from folding complex origami.  That is one of the biggest benefits of origami.  You can go so far without having to know a lot about origami theory.  Origami is almost double sided.  Theres a technical side to it, or a layman's side to origami, and you decide which path to take.  However, there does come a time where you have to learn origami theory in order to fold custom origami models from the CPs.

Completed Origami Phoenix

Dollar origami

        Origami is one of the best hobbies I know, even though it can become very frustrating.  But  I will always enjoy it because I know that through every frustration I learn something new and become better at the art.  Origami has been one of my favorite pass times thus far.  *









                                                *All origami models in this post have been folded by yours truly