"Origami"
Japanese Paper Folding
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CONTENTS 1. Title Page 2. Introduction 3. Contents of the Book 4. Example of Origami 5. Introduction of the Auther 6. Impression after reading |
 BY Florence Sakade Tuttle Publishing |
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1. Title Page
Origami
Japanese Paper Folding
By Florence Sakade
TUTTLE PUBLISHING
Boston・Rutland, Vermont・Tokyo
2. Introduction
ORIGAMI, THE STIMUIATING HOBBY of paper folding, has a long tradition in Japan. For more than ten centuries, it has been a favorite pastime with Japanese children and continues to occupy an important place in their lives. Even the youngest Japanese child can create intricate figures through step-by-step foldings of square pieces of colored paper. Some become so skilled that they can fold an object such as a bird from a one-inch square of paper or from the wrappings of candies. Origami objects are regularly used to decorate gifts, to adorn noticeboards in school classrooms, and as part of the displays in shops.
The fascinating art of origami is no longer confined to Japan but has spread throughout the world. It is particularly popular with children and adults in the US. While a child enjoys origami as a pleasurable pastime, parents and teachers can see that paper folding has definite educational value. The ability to follow directions, for example, is an invaluable tool−−and advantage−−throughout school life as well as afterwards in the workplace and elsewhere. With origami, the child learns that he must follow the directions exactly in order to achieve the desired result. This means he also develops patience. Moreover, origami calls for accuracy and concentrated attention, as the proper shapes can be obtained only through careful, symmetrical foldings. Because the child must also select the most suitable colors for his projects from among those available, he develops an awareness of harmony and a greater appreciation of the world around him. Japanese paper folding thus offers not only hours of peaceful recreation and that indescribable pleasure of accomplishment when a solid figure has been made from a little piece of paper, but it also forms the mind and gives control and skill to the fingers of those who enjoy it.
The objects in this book can be folded even by beginners after a little practice. The basic steps are used over and over again in the various projects. The step-by-step diagrams and accompanying instructions are extremely easy to follow. The most difficult object to make in the book is the crane, but it is also the most fun. In Japan, the crane is a symbol of good luck and can be found, in some form or other, practically any place−−in the textile designs on women's kimonos, hung from the ceilings of temples and shrines as offereings from the people who go there to pray, or strung on pieces of thread to decorate a room.
It is easy to think of ways in which to use objects folded from paper. A few ideas are given at the back of this book, especially for parties and games. Origami figures can also be used as the background for plays, in sand table displays, and as murals in classrooms.
Here are some tips for those who are just beginning to try their hand at origami:
1. All of the objects illustrated in this book are made by folding perfectly squares pieces of paper. At first, five- or six-inch squares are the easiest to work with. Use thin paper, not heavy construction or art paper.
2. You must follow the directions step by step. Proper shapes can only be only be obtained through careful, symmetrical folding.
3. If the figures seem too complicated, practice first by making marks on the corners of your paper to correspond with those in the diagrams.
4. It is a good idea to practice making an object with ordinary paper first so as not to waste colored paper.
5. For a delightful mixed color effect, two sheets of different colors may be used by placing them back to back and folding them simultaneously.
FLORENCE SAKADE
3. Contents of the Book
Introduction 4
Dolls 6
Fan 8
Sailboat 9
Santa Claus 10
Christmas Tree 12
Flowers 14
Cup 16
House 17
Hamlet 18
Ship 20
Lantern 22
Fish 24
Windmill 26
Swan 28
Crane 30
Dog 33
Wolf 34
Peacock 36
Peahan 37
Giraffe 38
Elephant 40
Kimono 42
Rabbit 44
Cat 46
Clown 47
Fox 48
Robin 50
Church 52
Flower 54
Clock 57
Rowboat 58
Candy Box 60
Tent 63
Piano 64
Caps 66
Bird 68
Whale 70
Swallow 72
Flog 74
Prince and Princess 76
Pig 79
Motorboat 80
Jet Plane 82
Table 84
Space Ship 86
Penguin 88
Chair 90
Treasure Box 92
Using Origami Objects 94
4. Example of Origami
Crane (see P.30 of the book)
5. Introduction of the Auther
She write many books.
1) Guide to Reading and Writing Japanese. Tuttle Pub.
2) Japanese Children's Favorite Stories. Charles E Tuttle Co;
You can get many information about these books by accessing the following homepages;
http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/
Tuttle Publishing
http://www.fetchbook.co.uk/
Fetchbook(in UK)
http://www.amazon.co.jp/
Amazon(in Japan)
6. Impression after reading
Origami is very popular in Japanese. At first, it may be a little difficult for the begginer. But after understanding the method, one would be content with the result.
The auther explains the method step by step. So you could understand how to fold the paper. And tiny work pieces would give you maximum pleasure.
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[Last Updated 6/30/2004]
