Origami Programs for Libraries

One of the most striking special effects in origami is "Color Change." Color Change is an outcome in origami that effectively displays both sides of a two-color paper. Color Change is sometimes also referred to as "Inside-Out" because that's what's really going on: an inside color revealing on the outside. In this program, Origami Instructor Yuki will introduce some Color Change Origami that can be arranged in many different ways. After the program, you would be able to explore what more color changes you can create out of two-toned papers!

This is a fun introduction to origami for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. It will start with a short storytelling, origami style ("Storigami") as an introduction, then they will get to fold something simple but recognizable, while guessing what shapes they see in each step.

Did you know that the concept of folding paper has been used in space as solar arrays? These origami-inspired solar arrays are compactly folded at the time of launching, and expanded to cover a large area once in space. Yuki will show you a variety of collapsable folding methods used in space and teach at least one of the folding patterns. She will also show you space themed origami models, such as an alien and a star.

Forget text messaging and send your friend a handwritten note in a beautifully folded piece of paper! In this program, Yuki will show you various ways to fold letter size paper into beautiful designs for notes, as well as envelopes, picture frames, notebooks and other practical items.

Origami is not only fun but can also be quite practical! Learn to fold various types of boxes, photo frame, smart phone stand, vase cover, and more.

Let's fold paper into something you can actually wear! Featured models may include wearable origami hats, sparkling rings, and more.

Learn how to fold various kinds of fish, whales, shrimp, clams, sharks and more. Put paper clips on your folded creatures and catch them with a fishing pole made from a chopstick and magnet.

Not to be confused with origami. Orizomegami means folding and dyeing paper in Japanese. It is a paper dyeing method that is used to create patterns on liquid absorbent paper. This art form is relatively inexpensive and also easy to learn and to achieve beautiful result. The variety of patterns that you can create are as limitless as patterns of a kaleidoscope! The finished product can be used as gift wrap, book cover, collage material, or anything else imaginable.

Learn to fold various kinds of origami flowers, butterflies and other warm weather-themed characters. (Note: this program can be modified to focus on seasonally appropriate flowers.)

Make origami models that are fun not only to fold but also to play with! Featured models may include jumping frogs, finger puppets, ninja stars, spin tops, and more.

Make scrapbooking more fun by adding embellishments made in origami! You will learn how to make easy origami photo corners as well as pretty embellishments like origami bows, hearts, stars, and flowers that you can add to your scrapbooks or greeting cards.

This program is designed especially for educators (K-8th grades). Learn how origami can be utilized to enhance learning experience in every stage of childhood development, as well as to be a therapeutic activity for children with anxiety. Origami basics, as well as models that are developmentally appropriate for each age group would be introduced. Yuki would also inform you on how to read origami diagrammed instructions and on where to find additional resources on origami. If you teach young children, she would show you how you can utilize origami to introduce simple geometric shapes, improve students’ fine motor skills, and tell stories. If you teach older children, she would introduce you how origami can be used to enhance students’ learning experience in art and craft, geometry and math, language art and more.

How fun would it be to leave a tip or give pocket money if your dollar bill is folded into a cute animal or a piece of accessory! The model that would be introduced may range from simple traditional models to a little more challenging models, designed by a local artist and the author of The Dollar Bill Origami Book, Janessa Munt with her permission.