Origami Connect is OrigamiUSA’s program of online classes, open to anyone anywhere in the world, whether or not you are a member of OrigamiUSA. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Left: Participants and their models in Meenakshi Mukerji’s class. Middle: A broadcast class with Toshikazu Kawasaki at PCOC 2019. Right: A sample class, "Reaching Utopia" by Ekaterina Lukasheva.

Origami Connect classes are taught in two or three sessions during the year, with individual classes happening approximately monthly. See the class listing below. You do not need to be a member of OrigamiUSA to attend Origami Connect classes.

Classes are around 2 hours long. All registrants will receive a link to the recording of the live event afterward. Register early! Registration and other information is in the ORIGAMI CONNECT menu at upper right.

Origami Connect uses the Zoom platform to connect. You will need to install the Zoom client on your computer. Learn more about connecting with Zoom.

All Origami Connect presenters are experienced artists, folders, and/or teachers, and all Origami Connect events include a facilitator. Presenters are volunteers donating their time and talent to share the joy of origami and connect folders everywhere. Please support us to help us keep this program affordable and accessible to as many folders as possible!

Coming Up

Coloring Paper for Modulars

Saturday, March 23, 2024, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT
Level
Low Intermediate
Presenter
Mel Sawyer
Host(s)
Kathleen Sheridan
Creator(s)
Mel Sawyer
Description

Do you ever feel constrained by the limited color options offered by traditional origami paper packs? In this class, you'll learn how to paint sections of origami paper for beautiful visual effects & gradients. In class, we'll be working with a variation of sonobe units, but techniques can be applied to any modular design. If you'd like to make a larger model (30 units or more), you might want to come to class with units pre-folded. We'll be doing 6 or 12 unit models in class.

Supplies

White or black origami paper (or a color you'd like to contrast) cut into 7.5cm squares. Please be sure to bring as many papers as units you'd like to make (cube: 6 units, octahedron: 12 units, icosahedron: 30 units

Box-O and Cube Friends

Saturday, April 6, 2024, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm EDT
Level
Intermediate
Presenter
Jon Tucker
Host(s)
Kathleen Sheridan
Creator(s)
Jon Tucker
Description

Box-O and Cube Friend are designs I created experimenting with making creatures based on geometric shapes. The core shapes for them are a rectangular prism and a cube. A well-known challenge in origami design is creating single-sheet 3D shapes, and normally a lot of paper is hidden to lock them together, but here it gets used for things like arms and legs that bring the shapes alive. While they are very cute, the mix of delicate 3D shapes and more traditional flat limbs requires some care and skill to fold well. Students should be able to fold at least at a high intermediate level, and be prepared to fold crisp and accurate creases.

Supplies

Box-O: 1 8 inch or 10 inch square of kami
Cube Friend: 1 6 inch square of kami

Spiral Daisy and Rosebud Tulip

Sunday, April 14, 2024, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm EDT
Level
Intermediate
Presenter
Jason Schneider
Host(s)
Kathleen Sheridan
Creator(s)
Jason Schneider
Description

Rosebud/Tulip - A simple warmup model using a traditional base
Spiral Daisy - One of the staple designs in my spiral flower series. It is completely stable and self-locking, with no extra prep required! This was designed for my sister's wedding. The pattern can be emulated with pentagons, hexagons, etc., but I will teach from a 6" square of kami

Supplies

Supplies: 6" square of kami or other paper. I prefer tant or Astrobrights 24lb writing paper available in most office supply stores.

Jubilant

Sunday, April 21, 2024, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT
Level
Intermediate
Presenter
Anita Reinehr
Host(s)
Kathleen Sheridan
Creator(s)
Anita Reinehr
Description

Jubilant is part of a new series of stars created by Anita. The front and back are different, and both are appealing.

Supplies

6 sheets of 3” or larger square paper. Please have extra sheets of paper available for variations.

Tulip Vase and Jasmine

Saturday, May 4, 2024, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm EDT
Level
Intermediate
Presenter
Pasquale D’Auria
Host(s)
Kathleen Sheridan
Creator(s)
Pasquale D’Auria
Description

A beautiful vase and jasmine flower created by Pasquale D’Auria.

Supplies

For the vase, a square with a minimum side of 18 cm; 24 cm is recommended
For jasmine, use a regular pentagon with a side of at least 10 cm.
For both models you can use plain paper (also photocopy paper), for the vase you can also use slightly thicker paper.

Cy-Cloned

Sunday, May 19, 2024, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm EDT
Level
Simple
Presenter
Yossi Nir
Host(s)
Kathleen Sheridan
Creator(s)
Yossi Nir
Description

Cy-Cloned is a fun 8 piece model that exemplifies the geometric influence on Yossi’s creations.

Supplies

Duo colored Kami
Using 10x5cm sheets, the final model has a diameter of  12 cm.

Questions? Email us at origamiconnect [at] origamiusa.org.