Monday, August 4, 2008

Compound Origami and a Workshop



I like to fold with a single sheet of paper. No cuts, no glue. That being said, I will be gluing and in one small exception, cutting, origami models in order to create modular origami flowers and arrangements this Thursday.

Modular origami can be rewarding in the detail of the model and is also interesting and challenging. There are some great books on the subject, such as "Unit Origami: Multidimensional Transformations" by Tomoko Fuse.

As defined by Wikipedia, modular origami, or unit origami, "is a paperfolding technique which uses multiple sheets of paper to create a larger and more complex structure than would be feasible using single-piece origami techniques. Each individual sheet of paper is folded into a module, or unit, and then modules are assembled into an integrated flat shape or three-dimensional structure by inserting flaps into pockets created by the folding process. These insertions create tension or friction that holds the model together."

I have created a few Kusadama's in the past with the largest using 175 sheets of paper. Kusadama's are paper models "that is usually (although not always) created by sewing multiple identical pyramidal units (usually stylized flowers folded from square paper) together through their points to form a spherical shape."

This Thursday I will be giving a workshop on ornamental floral origami at the University of Washington, Tacoma's Library from 10am - Noon in the upstairs conference room LIB 222A.

At this time my plans are to talk about single sheet origami and compound origami. Though I would like to fold the traditional Lily, I think we will start with a simple two piece tulip. From there we will create the six piece rose from Hiromi Hayashi's Origami Flowers: Popular Blossoms and Creative Bouquets and if there is time, back to the lily.

I would also like to do the Dahlia from Hiromi's book, but it has one collapse that I don't think a novice or early origami folder can do themselves.

If you are in the area and would like to join in, please do.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wish I were going to be in the area, because I'd love to attend. That basket of flowers is very pretty.

Droid116 said...

Thank you.

It turns out the rose photo wasn't posting but I fixed it.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for fixing the photos. That second rose picture is phenomenal.

SY said...

Professor Fry, I was wondering if you ever considered recording tutorial videos for certain origami designs and incorporating some of them into your blog posts? I am having difficulty creating the center piece of the Blooming Rose #2 from that book that you showed Andrewnette and I during your office hours. I think Andrewnette and I were working on the Petals when you did the center so we weren't able to catch a detailed look on what was done. I am having trouble understanding some of the images that go with the instructions. Just in case you don't remember, this rose is the same rose that you had created in this blog post above with the beautiful oranges roses in a vase. :)

Droid116 said...

I have thought about it. It is so much easier to do now, plus I have a flip camera or even my phone to record. Send me an email after finals week and I will do so.

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