The Origami Architecture is Based Upon 10 Laws:
1) Choose suitable paper and cut it to required form and size.
Of the 10 laws of origami architecture, this is probably the most important. If you choose a sheet of origami paper that is too thick, it will be hard to create neat, clean creases. If you choose a sheet that is too thin, it will likely tear on you half way through. Also, if you don’t get the right size, or proportions, the finished creation will turn out a disaster.
2) Fold paper cleanly and carefully, especially at the small points of corners.
This is most evident when it comes to folding small specimens. It is easier to do this with a thinner sheet of origami paper, but, with care, this feat can be accomplished with all folds.
3) Work on a hard, smooth surface, so that all folds and creases can be executed with exactness.
This is the key to executing the previous law of origami architecture. If you have ever tried to browse YouTube for origami instructions, you’ve probably seen people holding the origami while they are folding it, or even folding it in their laps. This is incorrect. Whether it be a kitchen table top, your office desk, the hard wood floor in your living room, or a hardcover book, it is essential that you have something hard to fold on. It is especially essential when you are using thicker origami paper since it is harder to crease, but it is no less essential in other circumstances.
4) Exactness is achieved by moving your thumbnail sharply along all folds and creases. All subsequent steps are then made easier.
This is the main reason for working on a hard, smooth surface. With out having something hard underneath the sheet of paper, there is no way to make the creases sharp and neat. And that is what origami architecture is based upon: sharp, neat creases.
5) The greater the exactness of a fold, the more beautiful the finished work.
Now we have come to the core of origami architecture: creating beautiful finished work. This is achieved by creating sharp, neat and exact creases.
6) Follow each step carefully in the sequence given.
Anyone can origami, if they follow the instructions. Work each step through to its completion before you start the next one. This law sums up the next two.
7) Do NOT eliminate or skip a step. While folding, it is useful to remember the last completed step and think ahead to the one that follows.
If you don’t understand a step, skipping over it will not help. You’ll end up having to undo everything back to that step later on; and often, you won’t even be able to proceed to the next step. Sometimes, you’ll have to put the piece down and pick it up again later. Other times, you’ll just have to pull out a fresh sheet of paper and start over again. If you do not understand something after a few tries, please contact me and I will do my best to make that step clearer. You will notice on this site that a few of the instructions also have the video option available. If you want a video for any of the current instructions that don’t have one yet, let me know. But please don’t skip any steps; I’ve tried it countless times when stuck, and it never once worked for me. This is the goal for my site: to make sure that others don’t have to get stuck as often as I do when I try new pieces.
8) Pay attention to all instructions, i.e. direction of folding, how a form is to be folded together, if it is a fold or a crease to be opened up again, etc.
Do not get distracted by one section of a step and so miss the rest of the step. The most common cause of this problem for me is when the instructor tries to fit three or four folds into one step. Because of this, I will keep the steps simple in my instructions, preferring many shorter steps over fewer longer steps. Nonetheless, do your best not to skip anything.
9) If Origami is new to you, get experience by practicing the base folds. It is fun to discover how so many different figures are created out of a specific base fold.
The saying “Practice makes Perfect” is true; just make sure that you don’t get so caught up in creating all the base folds that you miss what the base folds are for. The base folds are just the beginning of an intricate and lovely design. They are just the foundation of origami architecture.
10) To gain the most enjoyment from your efforts, follow all instructions exactly and do your folds and creases carefully and cleanly.
This means what is says. Follow these 10 laws, and you will find it VERY hard to go wrong. They are the foundation of origami architecture and they must be followed from the clean sheet of origami paper all the way through to the finished product. Now you are ready fold. Remember, if you are ever stuck, use the contact form on this site to get help!