Complex origami is created from a set of “base folds” that can be modified into more elaborate constructions. The most commonly used base is the “crane” base — derived from the Japanese tsuru or crane fold.

The crane base can be modified to create other origami such as flowers, fruit, and containers. Other bases include the water bomb base, the diamond base, and the kite base.

Origami paper is cheap, pretty, and plentiful — but not easy to find. If you have trouble tracking down a pack of origami paper locally, you can always print them on your own using scans originally made from origami paper sets. Download the complete set here. Have fun!