Paper is one of the most essential items in our everyday life, whether we are at home, school or office. The uses of this versatile material are many. For instance, for written and printed communication, packaging, decorating, writing, toilet tissue, currency and a number of industrial and construction processes.

But we will not go into the details of how paper is used. Let’s stick to the fun part, paper crafts, a very vast field, but today we will focus on the Japanese art of folding paper called origami and create a two or three-dimensional figures from www.origamiway.com and www.happyfolding.com — both sites are on the same subjects, but use different approaches.

To start with the first — Origamiway, the site is focused on the novice, the ones who are unfamiliar, but interested in the art of folding paper and creating a sculpture.

It seems like a daunting task, but as you start folding the paper, you will immediately feel the urge to make sophisticated and beautiful designs.

The site is simple with few random designs on the front page and various categories mentioned at its right side panel.

These categories include stars, toys, books, airplanes, birds, animals, boxes, hearts and a lot more. Clicking any will open varieties of that specific category.

The good thing is that the site creators have mentioned the difficulty level under each item, such as easy, medium and hard. So when you open a design, you will see the pictures, easy instructions and diagrams.

Origamiway is good for introducing yourself with the art of origami for the first time.

The other website on the same topic is Happyfolding. This is a bit detailed site, with not just instructions via diagrams or pictures, but you are also entertained with video tutorials.

You can select from the sections previewed as big thumbnails on the home page, such as “Videos,” “Diagrams,” “Photos,” “Origami shops,” “Paper reviews,” “Origami dictionary,” etc. Although the categories are self-explanatory and you can easily guess what they actually contain.

I find the section ‘Paper reviews’ quite unique. As you click on this section, you will see a list of papers types; clicking any will open a page explaining the properties of that paper, its thickness, texture, sizes, quality of being photogenic, strength and the paper being tested by folding and creating any model with pictures. At the bottom of the page, the test result is given. If the paper quality and test results interest you, there are links given from where you can order it.

While this site is definitely for those serious about origami, there are plenty of videos and diagrams for beginners through experts. This site includes English translations of Japanese instructions.

So what are you waiting for? You have two amazing origami sites sharing their fun and awesomeness with you!

Have fun folding at www.origamiway.com and www.happyfolding.com

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 23rd, 2022