30 Day Origami Challenge Reflections
30 Day Origami Challenge Reflections
30 day origami challenge fun and lessons learned
Random Observation/Comment #664: I’ve found peace – one fold at a time.
What did you Fold?
I started off following this curated list (see 30 Day Origami Challenge post), but then I found there was always one or two steps in the book diagrams that messed me up. I wound up looking up videos (most from Jo Nakashima’s channel) and they turned out much better. Yes, knowing how to do the steps kinda helps.
I avoided models that needed 50x50cm papers (or more than 30 minutes). I didn’t buy any new paper so I used the regular 15x15cm for all models (including 20x20cm ones).
I’ve curated a Youtube list for this challenge and beyond.
Here are the ones that diverged from the original post:
Day 16 – Squirrel by Oriol Esteve
Day 17 – Mouse by Akira Yoshizawa
Day 18 – Rhino from Easy Origami
Day 19 – Wolf by Jo Nakashima
Day 20 – Cat by Jo Nakashima
Day 21: Hummingbird by Christopher Randall
Day 22: Easy dragon
Day 23: Terrier dog by Francisco Javier Caboblanco
Day 24: Jacky Chan origami mouse
Day 25: Bear by John Montroll
Day 26: Turtle by Marc Vigo
Day 27: Spider crab by Jo Nakashima
Day 28: Spiral shell by Toshikazu Kawasaki
Day 29: 3D Elephant by Fumiyaki Kawahata (steps followed on YouTube Leyla Torres)
Day 30: Classic crane
How did you do?
There were definitely some origami fails, but it was really a great way to stay off the news updates and just listen to an audible book while folding. I’m a big fan of following the videos now. I also really prefer animal origami over flowers.
Lessons Learned
Accuracy is more important than speed – It’s about the journey and not the final product. Take the time to line everything up before making the fold.
Watch at 0.5x speed on Youtube – This is the right speed for most videos so you can make a few folds and take your time without going backwards.
First folds are the most important – Take your time with the cross or else your points will be a little off.
Use a hard surface where possible – I did a lot of folding in the car, but the side arm rest worked for the most part.
Flowers are hard to fold – The advanced flowers always have this reconstruction fold that kills me.
Get involved in the community – Instagram has some great origami fold-ers and they’re super supportive.
Buy the right paper – If you’re only going to fold 30, then you don’t really need 1000 sheets. The bigger 50x50cm ones are thinner, more durable, and have some beautiful patterns.
Fold the right model for the time you have – I like folding the model all at once as a 15-20 minute activity.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – Just keep practicing and you’ll get better. I’ve had to watch parts 3 or 4 times to understand how they did the fold.
Make it your own – Once you get the shape more or less open with the right number of limbs, you can make your own adjustments.
Don’t overlook the last few steps – It’s easy to start seeing the final product and fade into carelessness. The last folds are the most important to adding extra detail.
Get your significant other involved – Share the folding love! We did a crane together, which was one of my favorite things.
FAQ
Q: Favorite model to fold?
A: I really enjoyed the Turtle from Day 26 and the Elephant from Day 29. Some really tough folds. Details were intricate, but not too difficult. These are self standing 3d models.
Q: Coolest model?
A: Spiral Snail Shell from Day 28 has so much detail and easy enough to remember how to make without following the video.
Q: What’s next?
A: I’m going to continue folding as a hobby (I do have a whole box of paper). It helps with falling asleep and it’s better than watching TV at night.
Follow me on Instagram (@imseelemons) to see my progress:
~See Lemons Love Origami
