Contents
A Guide to Origami Folding Symbols and Terms
PART 1: JEWELRY
Candy Wrapper Necklace
Comic Strip Bracelet
Money Diamond Ring
Punk Rocker Ring
Modern Money Ring
PART 2: ODDS N’ ENDS
A New Kind of Envelope
Gift Wrap Paper Bag
Corner Book Mark
Paper Arrow
The Octo Bag
A Cute Paper Bow
PART 3: ORGANIZATIONAL HOLDERS
Brochure Photo Holder
Metro Card Holder
Business Card Holder
Fortune Bowl
Memorabilia Holder
Mini Picture Frame
PART 4: HOME DÉCOR ITEMS
Dollar Heart
Money Tray
Postcard Star
Paper Shelf
Diamond Bag
Straw Rose
Shopping Bag Lamp
Acknowledgments / About the Author
Introduction
Shortly after my book Girligami was published, I traveled to Istanbul hoping for a creative and restorative getaway. Luckily for me, I came back with beautiful patterns, currency notes, and the idea for Travel Origami. With the new book idea not quite fully formed, I gathered all my souvenirs and naturally started folding them into origami. Sometimes the final result of the folding sequence didn’t have a name, but it was beautiful to look at. Some weren’t quite as aesthetically pleasing, but they were really useful. After making a couple of rings and abstract models with printed patterns, currency and paper bags, I realized my affinity for objects with dual functionality. With that in mind, I went off the beaten path and started creating origami models for Travel Origami.
I hope that Travel Origami will act as a catalyst for exploration and introduce to you my cheery origami world. You’ll discover maps that can be reworked into arrows and holders, currency that can be transformed to fun rings for your fingers, and bags that can magically morph into abstract infrastructures.
With just the right balance of patience and fun, Travelgami will give you something to really boast about when you have both a souvenir and a piece of beautiful origami art!
Essential Tips
Origami paper likes a flat, clean surface. Work on an oil-free table or countertop, or even a hardcover book.
Cut carefully! Since you’re working with things like maps and brochures, you’ll need to cut some of your sheets to the right size and shape Grab a ruler, a pencil and a pair of scissors (or, if you want to be super-precise, buy a craft knife from your local craft store, a cutting mat, and a metal ruler). Follow the “measure twice, cut once” rule when planning and drawing your square/rectangle. Take your time and cut carefully. Always use scissors and craft knives with caution. Children should be supervised or assisted by an adult.
Begin by orienting your paper exactly as shown in the first step.
Follow the markings. Dashed lines show where to fold, while arrows show in which direction to fold. When you see a circle with an arrow, the circle indicates where to pinch or hold the paper as you fold in the direction of the arrow.
First impressions are everything! For many types of paper the very first fold quickly commits to memory, so it helps to be precise and neat. Keep your origami in shape by running your thumb nail along each fold several times.
Some of the paper you use will come with its own creases and wrinkles. Shoot for paper that is as smooth as possible, but if you are stuck with premade creases, try to be mindful of them as you make your own creases and folds. Steer clear of mangled paper altogether.
Review all the steps before you start folding a model. Then, as you’re folding, it helps to keep looking ahead to the next illustration to see what will follow the step you are working on.
Don’t take yourself too seriously!
If you do, origami is zero ounces of fun. if you’re feeling frustrated, take a break and come back to it later.
Share your origami with traveling companion.
Why I love origami…
Origami
