Using Math to Make Complicated Origami Sculptures

May 12th, 2013 superboid

What is Origami? Origami used to be flapping birds and toys. However origami today has evolved into an art form or even sculpture. The common in origami is folding. Probably the most common form of origami is the crane. Every Japanese child learns to fold this shape. But has everything that can be done with origami already done?

In a video I recently watched, Robert Lang talks about how origami, math and engineering principles have changed the way we fold paper today.   He has found a way to merge math with origami creating mind blowing intricate pieces that are not only beautiful but have real life applications too. This scientific approach has made it possible for origami artists to create shapes not possible before. His repertoire includes a replica of a cuckoo clock, a snake with 1000 scales and a 2 foot allosaurus skeleton. All of this is the product of a software he created. He has been practicing origami for over 40 years and is recognized as an origami master and engineer.

He tells us that origami is useful in the real world. The structures developed in origami have real life applications in medicine, consumer electronics, space and more. For example Koryo Miura studied a simple folding pattern which he used to design a solar array which flew in space in 1995. The eye glass telescope had a 100 meter diameter lens which used origami techniques to fold to be shipped in space. Heart stents grafts inspired by origami are also being used to hold open blocked arteries. This stent used an origami pattern called the water bomb base. Airbag designers also benefit from origami by getting flat sheets into a small space.

Clearly origami has evolved from being a child’s hobby to a fantastic art form and even as a means to solve modern day problems. Time might even come when origami can save lives.

Unryu paper is now available online!

February 5th, 2013 superboid

We’re so happy to announce that we now sell Unryu paper at Origami Paper Monster.

For origami enthusiasts unryu paper is perhaps one of the most common kinds of paper being used. Unryu paper like lokta, hanji, gampi, abaca, kozo and saa are artisan papers favored by origami artists because of their strength and beauty. Unryu like many kinds of paper used in origami are floppy to begin with. They are usually treated with methylcellulose (MC) in order to resize the paper before folding.

Paper Making History

In Japan unryu paper was originally called “cloud dragon paper” due to the long strands of kozo added to give the paper contrast and texture. Aside from origami it is also used for calligraphy, decorative uses, and as cover paper. In Japan, paper is not only used for communication or decorative purposes but has ties in religion as well.

Paper is basically a maceration of bark, cloth or plant that is formed into sheets. Paper making started in China in 105 AD. Before this time, the Chinese wrote on strips of bamboo or silk. However bamboo is quite bulky and heavy to carry around and silk even during this time was very expensive. This lead the Chinese to find a more practical medium for writing and so paper was invented in China.

Korean monks brought paper making to Japan in 610 AD. They brought manuscripts written in mulberry bark. The paper making craft spread quickly and by 806 AD paper was being made in 40 provinces around the country. During this time a guild was formed by the Emperor that employed only the finest paper makers in Japan. Today “washi” from the Japanese “wa” meaning Japan and “shi” meaning paper refers to Japanese handmade paper of any kind whether it is traditionally made or not.

How It Is Made

Unryu paper is made from the mulberry bush. Once the bark matures it is then stripped off (don’t worry it grows back). Then it is soaked in water to make it soft and pliable. It is then boiled in sea water to further soften the fibers and plant cellulose. After this process the product is bleached to make the pulp even colored. The pulp, after it has rested will undergo a coloring process. After this the pulp will be formed into sheets by a screen tray and then dried under the sun.

Unryu In Origami

Depending on the use or purpose they come in different weights, sizes and colors. There are unryu paper that have inclusions like metallic strands, glitter or petals. When holding or even looking at unryu paper it feels and looks like tissue paper however it is much stronger. This paper is usually translucent allowing light to pass through them. When folded it does not form a crisp line which is why many origami users back-coat it with MC to make folds and creases hold.

Getting Unryu Paper Ready For Folding

Because this kind of paper is usually soft, origami enthusiasts use different ways to make it origami-ready. One popular way is to back-coat two sheets of unryu paper with MC together. This will make a thicker and stronger sheet and makes the paper easier to wet fold. An easier way is to simply treat it with MC and then fold to your desired model.

Origami artists usually favor handmade paper like unryu for super-complex models. This is because once treated with MC these handmade papers are more likely to last longer and are easier to fold.  Even though there are many kinds of washi many origami artists recommend unryu paper to beginners as it is easier to work with, cheaper and more readily available even in the USA and Canada.

Please visit www.origamipapermonster.com to check out our latest Unryu Paper addition. We’ve also added Mango Paper, Sugar Cane Paper, Jute Paper, Metallic Frosted Paper and Gold Thread Inclusion Paper as well!

More origami jokes

January 4th, 2013 superboid

To start off the new year, we thought we’d share a couple more origami jokes with you! Hope you like them

Methylcellulose for Origami now on sale!

December 18th, 2012 superboid

Previously, we wrote about the origami “wet folding” technique that was pioneered by origami master Akira Yoshizawa. His technique involved wetting the paper so that it can be molded more easily. With wet paper folding artists can create more non-geometric designs such as animals. This is because wetting the paper allows the artist to preserve a curved shape more easily. Dampening a paper allows it to increase its rigidity and structure. It usually involves a water based adhesive such as methylcellulose (MC).

How does Methylcellulose work?

As the paper dries, the methylcellulose bonds with the paper fibers. This results in a crisper, stronger sheet and gives the origami models a softer and gentler look. Because damp paper can dry out very fast, MC can slow this down. And because it strengthens paper, it can be applied to thin paper which is usually used on more complex models and designs.

How do you mix Methylcellulose? 

Depending on the brand of MC you buy, there are actually manufacturers that sell in a pre-measured container. All you need to do is to add water and mix until the lumps disappear. Many origami enthusiasts add some hot or lukewarm water to the mixture for more consistency. Or you can stir 2 tablespoon of MC in a jar with 2 cups of water. The consistency of the mixture should be like raw egg whites. If it is still pasty or lumpy add small amounts of water until you reach the egg white consistency. A good tip: don’t over mix as over mixing will make the MC lose its viscosity.

Methylcellulose vs. other adhesives

Methylcellulose or MC is usually preferred by origami modelers over other adhesives such as glue because MC seeps into and becomes part of the paper. Glue on the other hand just makes paper stick together. Others use nori paste, however this can be hard to apply especially in bigger paper sizes.

How do you fold with Methylcellulose? 

The best way to apply MC to a sheet of paper is to brush it. The tricky part is knowing when to fold as the MC will eventually dry out and stiffen the paper. Other wet paper folders simply use water. They apply water with a spray bottle or with a damp cloth to the paper. The trick is to make the paper damp, not wet.

Applying methylcellulose allows artists to create more origami forms and divert from the typical geometric designs. Flowers and animal models made from wet fold origami tend to look as though they are made from cloth and not paper, however they are sturdier and the shape preserved longer which is great especially when travelling with the models.

If you are interested in experimenting with methylcellulose, you can purchase it at our online store here.

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