A beginner’s guide to origami

In the acclaimed TV series, Sherlock, detective Sherlock Holmes helps lock up a Chinese smuggling racket by discovering a common thread between all the dead victims: a black Origami lotus at every crime scene.

Even Heavy Rain, a PlayStation3 action game, showcases a serial killer who leaves behind black Origami orchids as his signature. Interestingly, the criminals in both references are profiled to be meticulous in their criminal intent, courtesy the sheer effort they put into their signatures. Why? Because the making of the Origami flowers come with 20 instructions each, and require three hours to finish.

A traditional Japanese craft, Origami literally translates to folded paper, and dates back to the 15th century. This weekend, a city-based Origami artist, Mimansa Vahia, will collaborate with Open Bracket, an experimental workshop platform for a master class on Origami.

A FIVE-POINT BEGINNER’S GUIDE

> An A4 printer paper is the best paper to start with. Remember, the paper should not be thicker than a magazine paper.

> Make sure you have a flat, clean and dry surface on which you can place the paper while making the creases, and enough light to clearly see the folds.

> Fold tight creases. Run your thumbnail over a crease twice after you have folded it. Strong creases make sturdier models.

> Don’t worry if the paper tears: it is common among beginners. In many cases, slight tears can be covered up.

> Different types of papers give different looks to the models. Thicker papers make sturdy boxes, but are not to fold flowers or birds. Printed papers add a nice dimension to models such as boxes.

- By Mimansa Vahia

DID YOU KNOW?

> The Japanese word for paper — kami — is synonymous with God. Therefore, certain origami models are used as part of traditional Japanese religious ceremonies.

> An ancient Japanese legend says that if you fold 1,000 cranes, you will be granted a wish.

> The largest known origami artwork is that of a bird: a 256ft long crane. It was created in 2009, by the Peace Piece Project at Hiroshima Shudo University, Japan.

> The largest number of origami cranes were made as part of the 50th anniversary of the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima. A total of 2,50,000 paper cranes were folded and displayed at a memorial in the city.

> The oldest origami illustration dates back to 1490, in Venice. Made by an artist called Johannes di Sacrobesco, it features paper boats floating on a body of water with a sun in the background.

Join the class
The Origami Masterclass for beginners will take place on July 10, at 9.30am.
At: The Hive, next to Ahmed Bakery, Chuim Village Road, Khar (W); Call: 96199 62969
Entry: Rs 800