Save Your Dollars: Origami Money

There is some controversy over whether origami originated in China or in Japan. Both countries have a long history of using this paper craft. However, since China has been credited with inventing paper, there is a good possibility that the tradition of folding it into shapes and special designs started there, as early as 100 A.D. On the other hand, the word origami is Japanese. Historical records show that paper was introduced to the Japanese during the sixth century. No one disputes the fact that they helped the craft evolve into an art form that soon spread throughout the world.

Origami Lessons

Origami designs are based on specific folding techniques. Each type of fold has a name so that diagrams and instructions can be read and followed easily. To master origami, you must learn basic folds – the valley, mountain, rabbit ear, squash, petal, reverse, crimp, and sink folds. These folds can be combined to create bases, the preliminary base, bird, waterbomb, and fish base. You will not need every fold or base for origami designs. However, you will encounter them all when you are learning simple origami.

• Origami Paper Cup: the simplest origami project.
• Origami Napkin Folding: make origami table decorations.
• Paper Folding: simple origami diagrams and links to models.
• Dave's Origami Emporium: origami designs and tips for beginners.
• YouTube - How to Fold Origami: Pigasus, a flying pig with wings.
• How To Fold an Origami Swan: video instructions for origami swan.
• The Garden of Origami: collection of origami diagrams.

Origami Money

Most origami projects use paper squares. A special type of origami design uses paper money, specifically the U.S. currency, which is rectangular. Folding money into origami designs is a special technique. Origami money projects can be as simple as a matchbox or much more complex.

• Gift Box: simple money origami box design.
• Origami Resource Center: dollar bill origami shirt and links.
• Lisa Shea Japanese Origami: butterfly money origami.
• Lisa Shea Japanese Origami: dolphin money origami.
• Lisa Shea Japanese Origami: elephant money origami.
• Lisa Shea Japanese Origami: elf money origami.
• Lisa Shea Japanese Origami: shamrock money origami.
• Lisa Shea Japanese Origami: abstract money origami.

Origami Records

Origami is so popular that people worldwide compete for places in the Guinness Book of Records. Japan holds the record for the largest origami crane, at over 256 ft. During the 20^th century, origami enthusiasts set records for the largest origami Panda, Owl, and Horse. There are similar world record competitions for the longest origami train and snake, along with the smallest origamis.