captivatingconcoctingcuttlefish asked: what are some basics to making your own origami? besides math, I can not even comprehend how to go about doing it.
Hi!
I’m going to read your question as asking how to create new, original origami models as opposed to how to follow diagrams.
I think that is a great question!
While knowledge of math can be helpful, it isn’t completely necessary.
Some folks do rely heavily on mathematics in creating their designs. Some folks write algorithms to simplify this process. Others design crease patterns first.
One of your curators here (me!) has a really difficult time working with crease patterns. And while I have been using origami to teach mathematics to students, I don’t use math very much in my own folding. In designing new figurative models, I tend to start from a common base and simply start creasing and folding, seeing what comes out. Once I have an idea of where I’m going, I start to be more directive with my folds, working to achieve that idea.
I also pay attention to models that I am folding from diagrams. Sometimes I’ll hit a point and notice that the model looks a bit like something else. I’ll note that point and later will start from there to develop the new design.
Granted neither of these approaches is very polished or formal, but they have been successful. :)
For modular origami or rigid origami, I do tend to work with more direction. Knowing the outcome I want and tweaking folds or assembly to get there.
So general advice:
- Fold a lot.
- Fold models from lots of different designers.
- Fold models with attention to the steps, don’t focus so much on completing each step but on understanding why a step is necessary. Answer this question about each fold: What effect does it produce in the final model?
- Be willing to sacrifice paper. A lot of paper. I would also add that working with larger paper can make things easier.
- Fold models. Then unfold them. Look at what the creases do, where each flap ends up.
- Accept that you will fail. A lot.
- Sometimes interesting successes come from failed models.
And of course, send us pictures!
Happy folding!
