Origami is the easiest and simplest of crafts to learn and it is one of the main reasons that it is so popular with children. All one requires to, learn Origami is good quality paper and an imagination to play with. Although you can use any type of paper, using paper specially designed for Origami has a distinct advantage. Origami paper is very convenient to use as it is of the right size and shape.

Before you start making your first origami model, you may need to keep certain materials handy. These are paper, foil backing, scissors or blades, glue, paints and other craft items.

Material Required

Paper

You have to be very careful of the type of paper you use for this purpose. To start with, a standard printer paper would be best. If you use very thin or tissue paper it would tear or wear out easily, and if you use very hard paper it would be very frustrating to fold as you progressively make complex folds repeatedly. However, you have a wide variety of choices to start from like colored bond paper, colored construction paper, plain white paper, newspaper, or commercial origami paper. Colored or plain white paper is available for a few dollars which is sufficient for basic origami creations. However, you could use construction paper but it would be difficult doing wet folding. Generally, experienced origami enthusiasts will use commercial origami paper which is mildly thinner but more durable then the standard or commercial bond paper. The best part of commercial origami paper is that it is colored on one side, which gives more dimensions to your final models or creates dual layered origami models.

Foil backing

Foil backing is not needed unless you get into complex designs. Expert origami enthusiasts use this to make complex folds that are cannot be achieved using normal paper. These shapes can be anything from antennae on insect models or other fancy shapes. However, if you are keen on using these materials you can buy one from a craft store. Foil backing can be expensive,, but a one time investment will give you hours of joy as you create many innovative shapes using it.

Scissors and blades

Traditionally scissors and blades are not used; you might need to use them occasionally though not in the actual design of the origami piece. Most of the origami patterns require you to have a square piece of paper, so you might need to use scissors and blades to make a square piece out of normal paper when you do not have commercial origami paper.