In the March 2015 Croatian edition of the the highly popular women's lifestyle magazine Sensa, themed Mind and Body, origami was presented on six pages. On the cover page it was highlighted as a meditation of patience and creativity. An introduction in modern origami with its benefits was written by Magda Dežđek, origami diagrams and origami arrangements were photographed by Maja Danica Pečanić. Origami was created by Sanja Srbljinović Čuček.
A translation of the article, published on this blog with permission of Croatian Sensa magazine, follows.
DETAILS OF LIFE
WRITTEN BY: MAGDA DEŽĐEK PHOTOS BY: MAJA DANICA PEČANIĆ
ORIGAMI BY: SANJA SRBLJINOVIĆ ČUČEK
THE ART OF PAPERFOLDING
Try your hand at origami
Origami: songbird, bonsai tree and cherry blossom
Author of the origami models: Sanja Srbljinović Čuček
DETAILS OF LIFE
Although we traditionally associate origami with Japan, nowadays this skill becomes increasingly popular all over the world. Initially associated with religious rites and imperial court in Japan, later a popular passtime with children, in the last 60 years origami experienced a true revolution. Creating origami was raised to an artistic and scientific level amazing us with end results and possibilities enabled by the synergy of paper and man. For example, by the help of origami, NASA engineers solve challenges of space technology, to mathematicians origami brings easier understanding of numerical and geometrical axioms. Scientists use origami in deducing protein construction in research of new drugs, in the automotive industry an origami algorithm helps to test safety airbags, whereas artists fold magnificent origami sculptures and installations. With each fold, intelligence, art and creativity permeate the paper. There are no limits or only the mind sets the limits. Let's play with paper and origami models by Sanja Srbljinović Čuček, the president of the Croatian Origami Society. All you need is a sheet of paper and a passion to create. Any paper can be folded, all you need is to choose the right paper for the right model. In choosing paper check its firmness, i.e. tear resistance and if it can hold a folded crease. If you are a beginner, use duo paper coloured on one side and white on the other, 60 - 80 gsm, and if you are more experienced, you can choose from more challenging paper types, i.e. very thin paper for flowers or light construction paper for bowls. Special papers for origami can be found in any better supplied bookstore or paper shop. Do not forget that origami is a skill to learn. Except for the most dexterous, a great many of us do not shape the desired form right away. Therefore arm yourself with patience, and try to experience origami as a meditation. By the help of it, you will be gradually overcoming your own limitations.
ORIGAMI...
✓ stimulates movement co-ordination
✓ keeps creativity
✓ opens new possibilities
✓ develops thinking strategies
✓ inspires new ideas
1. Start with a napkin fold. Fold it in half to the left.
1. Start with a napkin fold. Fold it in half to the left.
2. Fold the upper flap to the right at approximately two thirds of the angle.
3. Repeat on the back side.
4. Use your index finger to widen the pocket and make a soft tilted crease with your thumb.
5. If you pull the tip upwards, an irregular petal fold will be formed.
6. Carefully align the edges so that they touch. Crease the fold.
7. Turn the model over.
7. Turn the model over.
8. Repeat the steps 4 - 6.
9.a Next steps form the head and the beak. Crimp both layers of paper.
9.b Upper creases will mount the creases below.
9.c Separate the upper and lower layer. Pull upwards the upper one, and leave the one below in the crimped position.
9.d In this way you get an impression of an opened beak.
1. Make a napkin fold. Line - - - marks a valley crease.
2. Swing fold the right triangle to the left. Line _.._ marks a mountain crease
3. Repeat on the left side.
For the umbrella body a traditional Japanese kusudama module was used.
Origami paper and printer paper are a good choice, but you can work with any 80 gsm square paper. Better avoid slippery, brittle paper and the one that changes colour at its creases.
ORIGAMI IS...
✓ a bridge between science and art
✓ a bridge between science and art
✓ a draft for a new invention
✓ a problem solving exercise
✓ a friendly chat with paper
✓ the magic of math caught in paper
✓ a brain gym
✓ a brain gym
4. Align outer edges of both flaps with the middle of the model. Crease the folds.
5. Spread the right flap into a pocket. Its middle crease will align with the middle of the model.
6. To make the same folds on all four flaps, repeat the steps 4 – 5.
7. Fold upper edges towards the middle of the model.
8. Fold the tip down as far as it goes.
9. Repeat on other three flaps.
10. Precreasing is finished. The folded creases will help you to collapse the model on the reverse side. Open the model and press lightly at the center. The paper will dent as a shallow bowl.
11. Now all you need is to recognize the folds and fold them as before. Only the folds will be on the inside of the model. Valley and mountain creases will not change their orientation. You will experience it as the if folds want to collapse the right way, because the paper wants to keep the crease that he has learnt.
12. Fold a handle that you can insert in the middle without gluing. Cupboard fold a narrow strip of paper lengthwise. Fold lengthwise in half.
13. Fold a shorter part at a sharp angle and crease. You will get a reverse fold. Form a handle with further reverse folds at the other end. Insert the handle.
2. Align the four creases from the previous step with the middle crease.
3. Open the model and compare it with the CP. You will notice more crease lines than on the CP. Those lines will be flattened in the finished model. Find the creases that you can see on CP and adjust them to correspond the mountain (_.._) and valley (---) creases on the CP. Now you have all the lines necessary to finish the model.
This is a crease pattern with highlighted valley (---) and mountain (_.._) creases. When you fold the paper, respecting the marked lines, you will get the bowl. You can use any A4 paper. If you use heavier paper, over 130 gsm, it will be easier to fold if you moisten it with a damp cloth.
4. Lift the sides of the bowl and lock the folds by inserting the two tips in the nearest pocket.
5. Repeat on the other side.
Origami starfish, bowl, chopsticks, plate and croissant
Author of the CP and origami models: Sanja Srbljinović Čuček
Translation: Sanja Srbljinović Čuček
