Transforming imagination into paper creations, one fold after another!
​
ORIGAMI OTTAWA
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() |
Check out some previously folded models from our club programs above!
ABOUT US

WHAT IS ORIGAMI?
A Bit of Background
Origami, which is derived from the Japanese words "ori," to fold, and "kami," paper is the ancient art of paper folding which begins with nothing more than a single sheet of square, uncut paper. This tradition of paper folding can be traced back to numerous origins, such as Japan and China, and has been in practice for hundreds of years. Over many centuries, origami evolved due to numerous innovations in the field.
Following the introduction of traditional origami in sometime between the 14th and 15th centuries in ancient Japan, Akira Yoshizawa became one of the first innovators of modern origami by approaching it as an art form; from there, he also went on to become the pioneer of wet folding, a technique that was later used by many masters, such as Eric Joisel, to create more lifelike and organic forms. A while later, other types of origami were introduced or further developed, including action models, modular origami (Neale, Sonobe, Hull), and tessellations (Fujimoto, Gjerde, Garibi) ,each began to rise in popularity. From then on, the concepts of box pleating (Neal Elias), circle packing, and a mathematical approach contributed to an upsurge in supercomplex origami models, as seen in the impossibly lifelike models of Lang, Kamiya, and Takashi, amongst others.
​
Origami continues to evolve with new designs being created on a perpetual basis. Folders like Sipho Mabona, Byriah Loper, the VOG, and Kota Imai, amongst all the other prominent modern artists, continue to astound the paper folding community with their ingenuity. At any rate, origami will certainly be here to stay for generations to come, providing inspiration for all, no matter the age.
BENEFITS + IMPORTANCE OF ORIGAMI
Practicing origami is often associated with numerous benefits, including but not limited to:
​
-
Improved fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and brain development.
​
-
Increased concentration, memory, patience, and attention.
​
-
Development of visual/spatial awareness, 2-D and 3-D geometry skills, problem solving skills and attention to detail.
​
-
Teaches mindfulness and may be used as a form of meditation to calm the mind.
​
-
Has been shown to be beneficial to participants with ADHD.
​

"My origami creations, in accordance with the laws of nature, require the use of geometry, science, and physics. They also encompass religion, philosophy, and biochemistry. Overall, I want you to discover the joy of creation by your own hand... The possibility of creation from paper is infinite."