A festive garland taster origami workshop

About this course

Join our short taster course in the ancient art of origami and learn to create 2 basic ‘bauble’ units – to create a lit festive lantern garland. One traditional pure origami and the other an example of the more modern modular origami.

What you will learn:

You will start with a simple traditional origami water bomb unit made in translucent tracing paper and progress onto a decorative model called the Japanese brocade designed by Minkowski Ishibashi based on the traditional sonobe unit, a unit which can be used for multiple models ranging from simple to complex. Some suggestions to adding fibrant colours and patterns to this very simple form of paper are given and can be experimented with to produce some truly unique pieces.

These units can be made in multiples to create a beautiful decorative garland combined with a LED string in either warm or cool white light powered with usb or battery pack that can be completed at home.

A magical art form

Origami is a magical art form, transforming a simple, flat sheet of paper into countless shapes and representations using only your hands. No glue, scissors, staples, or tape— except in rare cases—is needed. This ancient practice continues to evolve, blending tradition with modern creativity. ‘In my experience it is fascinating, delightful, methodical and satisfying’.

Origami’s influence extends far beyond art, with surprising applications in architecture, design, and science. Its foundation lies in the principles of mathematics and physics, while its beauty stems from its aesthetic appeal.

Pure origami involves folding a single square sheet of paper into intricate forms. Modular origami requires the making of comparatively simple units and joining them in ingenious ways, both can result in beautiful and complex models. Sian uses all sorts of paper: recycled, household, as well as pre-cut origami paper.

Sian has a degree in 3D Design (Theatre) from Wimbledon School of Art. She has worked as a prop maker, scene painter, and calligrapher; she also works in Education. Origami is a constant source of pleasure and fascination to her and has led her to be involved in projects at Imperial College and Bletchley Park as well as establishing several origami clubs and workshops.

Materials

All provided, including lights.