Training Wheels

Many origami blogs are dedicated to the author's own work, showcasing their incredible talents and technique. This origami blog, however, will be quite different. It is not designed to show off my folding skills because my strength as an origami artist is not technical, but rather instructional. The explicit purpose of this blog is to teach beginning folders. Essentially, this is what I wish I had found when I was trying origami for the first time (read my 8 March 2013 post for that story).

Consequently, the folds are all relatively simple and easy. Each pattern is divided into one of four difficulty levels (very easy, easy, intermediate, and hard), but even the more challenging folds are still quite basic. Remember, this blog is designed for beginners.

The patterns are designed to teach a user how to execute the folds - they are not intended to be displayed (after all, they will have numbers and lines visible). Once you complete a pattern satisfactorily, fold it again on scrap paper without the instructions. Finally, once you know the folds quite well, use nice paper which can be displayed.

Think of these patterns are training wheels - use them to start out, but once you can fold/ride without the training wheels, get rid of them and go off on your own. Experiment by making changes and personalizing these designs. Play with different types of papers. Try adding details and designs with pens or markers - both before folding and after. And most importantly, have fun with these folds!