At Art Supply Center, we’re kinda big fans of paper. Fancy paper, plain paper, shiny paper, and definitely printed paper covered in cats. If it folds? We’re into it.
Origami is one of those perfect creative practices—it’s simple, satisfying, portable, and full of meaning. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up from frogs to full-on kusudama flower balls, we’re here for you. Below, you’ll find our favorite origami tutorials, pattern downloads, and project ideas—all paired with papers we carry in the store.
First, a Quick Note About 1000 Paper Cranes
In Japanese tradition, folding 1,000 origami cranes (senbazuru) is believed to bring peace, healing, and good luck. They’re often gifted to honor loved ones or support someone going through a hard time. Whether you’re folding all 1,000 or just one to get started, it’s a powerful project with deep roots—and a great excuse to play with a full rainbow of paper.
We have plenty of paper for that, by the way.
Origami Resources We Love (And Why You Might, Too)
We’ve rounded up a handful of origami go-tos—complete with tutorials, patterns, and inspiration—to help you get folding, regardless of your experience level. Here’s what we’re recommending right now:
1. Classic Folds for First-Time Folders
If you’re new to origami or looking for something that’s satisfying without being fussy, start here. These patterns are the ones we grew up with—and still love. Cranes, boats, jumping frogs… they’re the gateway folds.
Try This:
Classic Origami Crane
Fox Face
Jumping Frog (it really jumps)
Free Tutorials We Love:
- Easy Origami for Beginners – Origami.me
- Jumping Frog Tutorial – Paper Kawaii
- Origami Crane Video – Jo Nakashima
Perfect Pairing:
Our solid-color or lightly patterned origami paper. Small sizes work great here—easy folds, simple shapes, and quick wins.
2. Clean Lines & Statement Folds
Love a beautiful, minimal finished piece? These folds are crisp, elegant, and perfect for using larger or specialty papers. Whether you want to gift a paper box or fold a flower that never wilts, these patterns are decorative but doable.
Try This:
Masu Gift Box
5-Petal Origami Flower
Origami Star Bowl (looks amazing in metallic)
Resources & Downloads:
- Masu Box Video – Make-Origami
- 5-Petal Origami Flower – Easy Peasy and Fun
- Star Bowl Tutorial – Paper Kawaii
Perfect Pairing:
Large-format or foil papers. These are statement pieces—great for table displays, gift toppers, or leaving behind in a Sidewalk Joy box like a tiny treasure.
3. WWF Together – For Animal Lovers & Conservation-Minded Folders
WWF’s Together Origami Project is a gem—offering free downloadable animal folding patterns that tie into their conservation work. Bonus: they’re gorgeous. Kids love them. So do grown-up paper nerds.
Try This:
Panda, Elephant, Whale, Tiger, or Rhino
Get the Patterns:
Perfect Pairing:
Plain paper for a clean fold—or decorate your own after folding for full-on wildlife flair.
4. Dover Publications – For Book Lovers, Vintage Style & Digital Downloads
Dover’s origami section is stacked with pattern books, instructional downloads, and printable paper collections. If you like a good paper craft deep dive (or want to teach a class), this is a great rabbit hole to fall into.
Try This:
Modular origami, butterflies, animals, dollar folds, and beyond
Browse the Catalog:
Perfect Pairing:
Whatever inspires you! We recommend plain paper or printed kits for more advanced folding.
What About That Cat Paper?
We saved the best for last. We carry cat-print origami paper, and yes—it deserves its own moment. This paper’s too cute to fold into something generic, so we say: lean in.
Try This:
Cat Face Fold, Mini Cat Envelopes, or Just a cat
Cat Face Tutorial:
- Origami Neko by Jo Nakashima (video)
Perfect Pairing:
The cat paper, obviously. Make a garland, turn it into tiny place cards, or attach a secret message and leave it in a Sidewalk Joy box.
Before You Fold: A Few Origami Tips
Origami doesn’t require much to get started—but a few tricks can make the whole experience smoother (and way less crinkly):
- Start with clean, dry hands—trust us on this one.
- Fold on a hard, flat surface to keep your lines crisp.
- Take your time lining things up before you crease. Precision makes the magic. Watching a tutorial? Pause, fold, play.
- Use a bone folder or the back of a spoon to sharpen creases (especially helpful with thicker or metallic paper that shows EVERYTHING).
- And don’t stress if it’s not perfect—we call that “character.”
Need Help Picking Paper?
Come visit us! We’ll happily geek out over thickness, pattern, shine, and all things foldable. Whether you’re making one crane or a hundred tiny pandas, we’ll help you pick the paper that folds like a dream and looks great doing it.
Come grab some origami paper—from shimmering metallics to printed cats to the best plain foldable squares around. We carry Aitoh, Yasutomo, and more. We’re always happy to help you choose the right paper and find the perfect fold. Let’s make something beautiful (and maybe a little weird, too)! If you do, tag us at @ArtSupplyCenter so we can share your work!
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