| During my years folding origami, I have thought a | | | | sharpened up to make things easier. |
| lot about how to make great models. There are a | | | | Always Check the Diagram Symbols Even though |
| lot of simple things about origami that a beginner | | | | I have been folding origami since I was a |
| will pick up very quickly, but I hope the tips here | | | | teenager, I take a moment to check the symbols. |
| will highlight some things that aren't as apparent. | | | | At the front of every origami book there will be |
| This is a short list of tips that work well for me. | | | | some pages detailing the symbols they use to |
| Avoid Bigger Problems Later by Being Careful | | | | denote mountain and valley folds. Doing this tends |
| Now The first folds of an origami model serve as | | | | to clear my head and make me more thoughtful. |
| the foundation for the rest of the model. Models | | | | Choose the Right Kind of Paper Since Origami is |
| tend towards to get more chaotic as the folds | | | | really made of paper, that's the most important |
| increase. Sometimes this can seem to work | | | | choice you can make. Textured Paper: This kind |
| exponentially. Take the time to make sure folds | | | | of paper is really nice for simple origami. It can |
| meet at corners and that edges are meeting | | | | add to the gesture and also create volume. For |
| properly. If something is off, take the time to fix | | | | simple origami I also like to use paper with designs |
| it. As you progress, folds that are out of place will | | | | on it. Thin Paper with Solid Colors: This kind of |
| cause more and more problems. Practice special | | | | paper is better for medium-complexity models, |
| patience early on. | | | | mostly because you can get more details in with |
| Take a Breather from Time to Time Taking a | | | | less volume. For example if you're doing an insect, |
| break is not just a good idea to clear your head. | | | | the leg won't be as thick. Also more complex |
| It's also a good moment to check your work. | | | | models have details which show nicely with |
| Compare your model to the diagrams. A common | | | | solid-colored papers. Foil-Backed Paper: This is |
| mistake to find is that you did a valley fold | | | | paper that is made of a layer of thin foil bonded |
| instead of a mountain fold somewhere. Also, it's | | | | to regular paper. You can buy it at most origami |
| easy to miss a step and have something that isn't | | | | paper stores. It will take and hold a sharp crease |
| quite right. Another thing I like to do is check the | | | | very well and will compress so that places in the |
| diagrams a few steps forward. That way you can | | | | model that have a lot of layers won't be so thick. |
| see how the model is about to change and | | | | The main problem with foil-backed paper is that |
| anticipate what your next move is. Also, you can | | | | mistakes and accidental folds can't be smoothed |
| see where some existing creases should be | | | | out. |