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How to choose origami paper
from your stock cupboard
Ok I know…. You just go into your cupboard and hope to find what you
want. But if you’re doing Origami you’ll know that you need the
right kind of paper for the job.
Of course at the beginning of the term your stock cupboard is probably
all tidy after a holiday sort out. Even so, choosing alternatives
to specialist paper can be an option if you know what to look
for. And the answer doesn’t lie in reams of backing paper but in
copy paper.
Before you start your search it’s just as well to know what you’re
looking for.
If you’re a crafter then you’ll know that Origami paper is generally of
a particular thickness, though they do vary (somewhere around 80gms –
standard copy paper weight).
If you’re making up an Origami project is class then you want to
duplicate this type of weight because:
- It’s easy to fold
- You’ll get better success and enthusiasm
for the project
- It’s relatively cheap
- It’s easily obtainable
- It avoids having to purchase – and wait
for specialist papers
Now if you’re a paper fan – and if you do Origami then you probably
are…. Then you’ll know about all the fantastic ‘wrapping papers’
available in the shops. There’s a wonderful selection of colours,
weights, finishes and textures and a visit to a quality stationers may
have you drooling.
If you’re trying to find a suitable Origami paper alternative then many
of these papers will do.
If you can, buy one to try one (as they say) and give the paper a going
over Origami-speaking.
Think about the group you’ll be working with, and the strength of their
hands rather than yours.
- Does the paper stand up to handling (is
it robust enough)?
- Does it take a crease well (does it hold
its shape once formed)?
- Is it resistant to folding (does it
spring back)?
- Will the hands of my learners be able to
manipulate it successfully?
Remember, you’re trying to match the paper with the project.
Even when you’ve asked yourself these questions you have another ace to
play. Say the paper demonstrates many of the qualities you need,
but falls down on the thickness test. You can always paste a thin
tissue paper with a wash of diluted PVA (polyvinyl adhesive).
Now whilst this will give you the strength you need, it may also make
the paper too thick to fold. Play around with papers until you come up
with the right solution. Once you’ve found something that works, make a
note of what you did, including the glue dilution and where the paper
came from. It’s always good to have a record of successes.
Whilst this is a final solution, your best option is a single sheet of
paper. With a bit of hunting you’ll find a copy paper or wrapping paper
that meets your requirements.
Bear in mind that many Origami patterns make use of double-sided
paper. Whilst most are two colours, copy paper is a single all
over colour. Wrapping paper has the advantage of having a white
background, and this might work to your advantage in some folding
designs.
Look at the project you’ve chosen to help you decide what paper to go
for and involve the class in helping you make the right choice.
It will help their decision making skills and involve everyone in the
project.
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Geraldine Jozefiak is passionate about crafts and their place in
education. Be part of raising standards in teaching and learning
by using the best possible creative opportunities. Download the latest
project at http://www.the-craft-teacher.com/project
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