Different Origami Styles Include Origami Flowers, Pure Origami, and Modular Origami

There are many different styles of origami. The most common styles are Pure origami, Origami flowers, and Modular origami. But there are other well known styles too, including: Wet Folding, Fabric Folding, Strip Folding, and even Toilet Paper Origami. Pure Origami was the 'original' origami practiced in Japan, and as it spread and became more popular, variations and distinct styles began to emerge. Today, there are over 20 unique styles of origami. I will cover the 8 most popular ones below.

1. Pure Origami
As mentioned above, Pure Origami was the 'original' origami that has now become such a characteristic mark of old time Japanese culture. Since its origination, the definition of Pure Origami has changed. Today, pure origami is defined as a single square of paper folded to represent something. No scissors, tape, glue or any other auxiliaries are allowed. Also, drawing or any other means of decorating is a no no. However, in the original origami, we often see cutting along with occasional glue. If tape had been invented back then, it would likely have been in use also. An example of this is Senbazuru Orikata's origami book in which we see cutting.

2. Pureland Origami
As the name implies, Pureland origami is much like pure origami. In fact, the only difference between the two is that Pureland is limited to mountain and valley folds, the two most basic folds in origami. Thus, Pureland models tend to be very simple. That is exactly what John Smith had in mind when he designed Pureland origami specifically for those who have hand disabilities such as arthritis, or anything else that limits movement, stability, or control of the hands. Today, thousands of people with such physical limitations enjoy folding Pureland origami.
In spite of Pureland being limited to simple folds, beautiful things have been created with it including origami flowers.

3. Origami Flowers
Though it might seem odd, origami flowers are actually a separate style of origami. This is because a lot of folding techniques like twisting, and bending but not creasing, and very often cutting, gluing, and exterior decoration are used in origami flowers that are not allowed by today's definition of pure origami. This is not to say that no origami flowers can be classified as pure origami, for indeed there are many that can be; but in general, origami flowers require more than is allowed in Pure origami.

4. Modular Origami
This is definitely a unique style of origami because each finished model is created out of multiple smaller modules that have been joined together in one way or another. Thus, it is called modular origami. Since this type of origami is not limited to one sheet of paper, some fantastic things have been done with it. Maybe the most well known is a subset of modular origami called Golden Venture. I will address Golden Venture Origami in greater detail shortly.

5. Action Origami
Though the folding rules are similar to pure origami, the designs tend to be simpler. Because of this, it can be difficult to draw the line between a scrap of paper and certain pieces of action origami since there is no minimum fold count for action origami. In contrast, pure origami models tend to have distinct designs. In all other respects, action origami is pure origami.

6. Strip Folding
This type of origami definitely deserves its own section, seeing how many incredible creations have been made with it. Another name for it is Origami Fringe since it combines paper weaving with paper folding, but Strip Folding has somehow or other become the approved name for this style. But whatever you choose to call it, amazing things have been created in this genre.

7. Golden Venture Folding
Popularized in 1993, Golden Venture origami adds a unique twist to modular origami. There is really only one main difference between Golden Venture and modular origami. While most modular origami models tend to consist of between 5 and 50 units, Golden Venture folding usually uses at least 200 pieces, while the larger specimens consist of thousands. One more thing I'd like to note about this origami style is the massive sizes that can be achieved in the finished models since they can contain thousands and thousands of units.

8. Wet Folding
This is just folding wet paper so that the finished result has a sculptured look to it. Unlike all other styles mentioned here, wet folding isn't a model type. Instead, it is a style of folding. This is because wet folding can be done with many different types of origami. The most common type that it is used with is Pure Origami, and more particularly, animals. As mentioned above, this style gives the finished piece a sculptured appearance, and therefore is often called paper sculpturing. Though the name paper sculpturing sounds intimidating, it is nothing more than folding a dampened sheet of paper in pretty much the same way you would a dry sheet. Of course there are a few differences, but if you give wet folding a try, with just a little practice, you'll find it fun and easy.Since this is a folding style and not a model type, let me leave you with some techniques for starting.1) You will want to practice folding the model with a separate sheet of dry paper before you fold the wet model. This is because you can't really undo anything and because you will need to fold quickly.2) The paper you use will need to be just damp so use something like a damp cloth, or a spray bottle that can create a fine mist, to dampen your sheet of paper. One thing to keep in mind is that since the paper is damp, it will tear easily. Therefore, to avoid having this happen, do not use your fingernail to flatten the creases. Using thicker paper will also help prevent this problem.3) Your model will need to dry thoroughly after you've finished folding it, so use paper clips, clothespins, elastics, and whatever else you need to keep it from unfolding while it dries. Then set it in a safe drafty place for faster drying.

Return from Origami Flowers to Anyone Can Origami home