Origami is a craft that requires patience and precision, but the difference in difficulty between advanced origami and origami for beginners is really one of following complicated directions. The folds used in origami are typically quite uniform, and thus anyone with enough patience and precision can accomplish advanced origami projects without any experience. There are many different types of origami for beginners that minimize the time required and types of folds used. Some books of origami for beginners even print the lines that need to be folded on the paper that is used. Common basic projects include cranes, cups, and boxes.
When a person begins to learn origami, it is often helpful to have a more advanced crafter demonstrate the basic folds. Beginners do not always have access to assistance, so beginner projects usually focus on easy folds. Diagrams are helpful for many people, but without the ability to visualize the folds, it can be very difficult to get started. Many types of origami for beginners seek to minimize the number of folds that require complex diagrams. These folds can create any number of finished pieces and are often appropriate for children.
Many people are first introduced to origami by making cranes. There are several ways to make cranes, but the most common pattern involves several somewhat complicated folds. This challenging project for beginners is primarily used for reasons of tradition, but as a teaching tool, making cranes can be quite valuable. Beginners making cranes often learn not only the basic techniques used in origami, but also some of the history of origami due to the significance of the crane.
In many cases, origami for beginners simply makes projects easier by working on a larger scale. One of the hardest parts of origami is working with tiny folds. By making projects that are appropriate to large paper, such as boxes and cups, a person can learn the basic folds that will allow him or her to move on to more advanced projects. It is important to keep in mind, however, that when a project gets too large it becomes difficult in other ways. Balance is the key to success for origami beginners.
Among the many different projects that can be made by beginners, some focus on supplementing the necessary simple construction with the design of the paper. For example, common beginner projects often involve making penguins and other animals. By printing the origami paper so that the finished animal will have eyes and appropriate coloring, beginners cannot only be more certain of making the right folds, but may also be encouraged by the appealing look of the finished project.