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 How
entertaining can a piece of paper be? Apparently
very, since origami has been popular around the
world for thousands of years. Folding squares of
paper to make shapes, animals and other creations is
a fun, intellectual activity. And origami (which
means paper folding in Japanese) is a great hobby
for kids – it allows them to use their imaginations,
learn math in a fun and creative way, and make
projects that they can be proud of, all without
needing tons of expensive supplies.
Stores and Classes:
There’s only one supply you need for origami –
paper. Origami paper is often available at many
craft stores, like Michaels, scrapbooking stores,
and at places such as Wal-Mart and Kmart. You can
also check out: Ichiyo Art Center
442 East Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta
404-233-1846
Carries a variety of origami books and paper and
occasionally offers lessons in many Japanese arts,
including origami for kids.
Robert C. Williams American
Museum of Papermaking
Georgia Institute of Technology,
500 10th Street NW, Atlanta
Learn about the history of papermaking and visit the
gift shop for a selection of origami products and
supplies.
Books:
Origami Extravaganza! Kit
by Discovery Channel
Comprehensive kit includes a 96-page instruction
book with projects for beginners and experienced
folders, as well as 162 sheets of origami paper and
storage box for finished projects.
Origami Activities
by Michael G. LaFosse
Designed specifically for kids, includes
descriptions of origami terms and techniques,
suggestions for places to find paper, and photos and
step-by-step diagrams for making 15 projects.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
by Eleanor Coerr
Based on the true story of Sadako, a Japanese girl
sick with radiation poisoning from the atomic bomb.
Sadako begins folding paper cranes, because
according to Japanese legend, if she folds 1,000
paper cranes the gods will grant her wish for
health. Facts:
The youngest published author of an
origami book is Peter Budai of Hungary. In 1993,
when he was 12 years old, he had two books of his
models published. Budai designed his first origami
model when he was 9 years old and he held his first
exhibition in 1992. His models have been exhibited
in Tokyo, Italy, Paris, Munich and New York.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the
world’s largest origami paper crane had a wingspan
of 256.5 feet! It was folded by 1,000 people in
Japan over two days in 2001. The participants spent
eight hours on the first day sticking 80 pieces of
paper together, creating a monster sheet covering
861 square feet. It took another eight hours and 40
minutes to fold the crane.
Websites:
www.origami-usa.org - This website has origami
diagrams and instructions, origami puzzles, and a
calendar of origami events around the world. It also
has information on how children can submit works to
the Origami by Children exhibit.
www.paperfolding.com - Visit this website to
get some tips on basic folds, diagrams for various
pieces including insects and dinosaurs, and links to
other origami websites.
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