of the most popular classes at our Origamido Studio in Massachusetts (and at our Origami Do Experience in Waikiki) involve multiple, interlocking pieces of folded paper. This field of “Geometric Origami” has grown in popularity as more origami practitioners in the fields of mathematics, engineering, and computer science have enriched the origami community with their stunning, innovative, folded designs. This collection represents some of the best-loved designs from these distinguished creators. The video provides you with repeatable private lessons on all of these projects. Using the “Pause” and “Play” features on your computer or player will allow you to learn at your own pace.
Folding modular elements requires skill to produce neat, precise and crisp folds. Technique is also important. Stacking each of the finished pieces also helps ensure that each is congruent (and not wrong-handed). Turning the piece as you fold each edge or flap away from you helps produce consistent folds. Perhaps it is easier for your brain to calibrate and refine the forces in your hands and fingers when the posture and motions are limited (at first by choice, and then by habit). The process of folding multiple pieces also provides repetition, so once you have folded a certain modular design, you might just remember how to fold it forever!
Modular origami designs span the world of folding, from a centuries-old craft, through the newer realm of folded art. Indeed, over the last few years, we have seen a marked increase in requests for
our custom paper that is heavy enough for use in modular constructions. While most modular designs are first constructed from inexpensive, commercially available papers, fine art exhibits of origami are now as likely to include modular designs folded from archival, custom, handmade papers.
This kit and Bonus Material provide the beginning folder with a series of fun, modular origami projects that represent a wide variety of subjects and techniques. Many of these projects are excellent for use in the classroom, for art, math or geometry investigations. Our hope is that you might experience some of the wonder and satisfaction that so many of our students have enjoyed during our decades of sharing and teaching origami.
The Compass Star
Designed by Michael G. LaFosse
Eight-pointed stars are a natural development in modular origami because of the common division of a right angle by folding in half. Only eight units will close the shape in a flat form. Indeed, there are many eight-point origami stars. Here is one that is among the simplest to fold and build, and once built it is especially sturdy. The geometric pattern on the front is different from the back; both sides are well suited for display. You can experiment with this star-making method to come up with many interesting variations.
You will need eight congruent squares for this project. Select one, two, four or eight different colors. This project can be folded from small or large squares. Begin with the white side up if using standard origami paper.
1 Valley-fold in half, diagonally. Unfold.
2 Valley-fold the bottom edges to meet at the middle crease, forming a kite.
3 1. Valley-fold the top right edge of the kite to the middle crease. Unfold. 2. Turn over, left to right.
4 Valley-fold the top right edge of the kite to the middle crease.
5 Valley-fold the bottom corner to the top.
6 The completed module.You will need a total of eight.
7 From the front view: Insert the bottom left obtuse corner of one module part way into the slot on the front of another. Turn over, left to right.
8 From the back view: Insert the bottom left acute corner into the short slot on the back. Turn over.
9 Once the two modules are registered firmly in place they can be locked together with two mountain folds. 1. Mountain-fold the top corner of the first module behind the top edge of the second module. 2. Mountain-fold the combined module layers, following the folded edge of the star point on the right.
10 Two modules locked together.
11 Add and lock modules until you have a group of four. Build a second group of four, taking care to follow the same color sequence as the first group.
12 Slide the two groups of four together using the same sets of corners and slots that you used to add unit modules.
13 Mountain-fold to lock the groups together.
14 The completed Compass Star.
The Aster
Designed by Michael G. LaFosse
Flower blossoms folded from a single, uncut square tend to be complex and time consuming. Many flowers have five or six petals, and single sheet models folded from squares often have four or eight petals, and often seem clunky. Modular flowers, on the other hand, are easy to fold and the elements lock together quickly with just a tuck or fold. The modular flower repertoire in origami is now huge, especially when compared to the published set of blossoms folded from single squares. This stunning design makes a great ornament or attention-getter. You could wear a smaller aster as a brooch or as a background for a nametag. Enjoy this abstract aster design by folding a few petals whenever you have some free time while waiting for something or someone. When they do arrive, you will have an attractive gift for them!
You will need eight congruent squares for this project. Select one, two, four or eight different colors. This project can be folded from small or large squares. Begin with the white side up if using standard origami paper.
