What Materials are Needed for Origami?

Origami is an activity requiring just one physical material - paper. With just one piece of paper an individual can create numerous beautiful and complex compositions. They type of paper used for origami would depend on the project. For simple projects such as a paper airplane or a crane, normal copy paper (19-24lbs) is sufficient. For people who are learning this art, using normal copy paper would likely be a smart idea since it would be less-expensive than buying fancy origami paper.

For many projects, heavy paper (approx. 25lbs) is required for origami art. Not only is this activity done with dry paper but often individuals make wet folds which does, require a heavy paper. Wet folding in origami is a technique used when the creator is attempting a rounded piece or work. The wet paper allows for sculpting. When the object dries, it is sturdy.

There are special papers made for origami. This paper is often called kami, which is the Japanese word for paper. Kami can be bought in various sizes from 2.5cm to 35cm and more. These square pieces of origami paper generally are prepackaged. Origami paper usually weighs less than copy paper allowing it to be used for all sorts of projects. This special paper can be bought in many different colors, usually with one side white and the other colored. Origami paper can also be bought with both sides colored (usually two different colors) and with designs and patterns on it.

Complex projects frequently used different types of foil paper in origami. One type, usually sold commercially is foil-back paper. This particular paper is very strong and provides an excellent working base for complex origami. There are also tissue foils that can be used for origami. Tissue foils are usually glued to both sides of a piece of aluminum foil to make a piece of origami paper.

There are stronger types of origami paper on the market. The Japanese use a paper called Washi which is made from various wood fibers and is stronger than paper made from wood pulp. Since origami is popular in Japan, a paper such of this would certainly be beneficial. There are other special papers which are made to be durable but flexible for thin, narrow pieces in projects.

Since paper is the only material needed for origami, it is essential to have the right type for the intended composition. Because origami is time consuming and often includes tiny objects, it's important to have paper that can withstand the process. Having the perfect paper for origami is the same as having the perfect canvass for a painting. Without it, the individual cannot be certain of success.

Who ever knew that folding paper could be so complicated? For those interested in origami, it isn't complicated but challenging. If setting out to create something, the perfect paper is necessary. Where would you find origami paper? Sometimes craft stores have origami kits for beginners which would include paper and instructions. Depending on the store, they may also carry a selection of origami paper. Perhaps the best place to find information about and to buy origami paper is on the Internet. A simple search with a search engine will quickly link you to an origami paper source.