rigami is a fascinating art form that can become an absorbing hobby. It can be easily taught to children and keep them amused for hours at a party. By simply folding a piece of paper you can transform it into a useful object for your home or into a beautiful piece of art. It is not surprising that origami is one of the most popular crafts as the only material needed - paper - is inexpensive and readily available. No special equipment is normally used and you can fold a anywhere - even from an armchair or on a train - providing you work on a firm surface.

Basic history
No one really knows exactly when origami originated, but it didn't exist before papermaking was developed by the Chinese around the first century AD. This craft then became part of Japanese culture when Japan was invaded by the Chinese AD610. Paper was used in Japan to make many practical items, such as screens and mats, but early paper folding models were created for symbolic rather than recreational purposes. In fact, the term for paper folding - origami - is Japanese and is formed from the word "ori" meaning to fold and "kami" meaning paper (and also God).