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Origami is the art of folding paper. In the right hands, wonderful structures can be created; in the wrong, a scrunched up waste of paper is more likely to occur. While there are only a small amount of folds in the art, these can be combined in an almost endless amount of ways to make things from a simple cicada to a gigantic and elegant dragon, such as those designed by the masters of the art.

Origami is something that most children in Japan will have learnt and is quickly becoming a craze in the West, with most art stores stocking the equipment you need. As a hobby, it has many advantages; it's creative, inspiring, inexpensive and relaxing to mention only a few advantages. However, what does it take to be good at origami?

The answer to this is simply; not much at all.

Only one thing really is needed, and that's paper, and my first tip on how to be good at origami. Although any laminar material can be used, specific origami paper is naturally the most effective, although normal printer or drawing paper can be used for More simple models. There are many different of origami paper, the most popular and widely available of these being the kind sold under the name of "origami" or "kami" (Japanese for paper) paper. Thin and brightly coloured, this creates vivid models and is inexpensive.

Although a book on origami is not essential, it is highly recommended. The internet holds a wealth of information on this topic, and instructions and diagrams of almost every creation imaginable. There are many books on the market, presenting a range of different styles of explanation. To be good at origami, I would recommend buying a box with diagrammatic illustrations, and only a small amount of text. Western books often over simplify or cosset the reader; once you are more advanced at recognising folds, invest in a Japanese manual on origami- often more cheap and with a different perspective to many Western writers.

The third tip on how to be good at origami is relaxation. Have patience; when one first begins the art of paper folding, even the most simple fold perplexes. Try again, and if you feel yourself becoming angry, simply move on. It's more than likely that the fold will be involved in another creation, and everything will click into place. Origami in itself is a highly relaxing and satisfying creative activity, and will quickly lose interest and enjoyment if taken too seriously.

Practise is one of the most simple and obvious techniques to becoming good at origami. Nobody is fantastic from the start, and skills for all activities must be given time and space to develop in. Train journeys, meetings, school lessons, drinks with friends can all be a time to practise your origami skills. It can even be a talking point; many people will want you to teach them how to make something, or to make a particular item for them, and instructing someone else can be a valuable way to understand more about the art.

Et voila; four tips on how to become good at origami. My fifth and final, though, is one that I believe to be the most important; always use your imagination. Although the art seems to revolve around a few rigid folds, and much beginners origami is copied from manuals, it is an art that has an almost limitless spectrum. Combing designs and changing them to create something new, even if it is simple and just for you, is as rewarding as the actually folding itself.

Learn more about this author, Charlotte Bryony Kelsey.
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