Origami Creations - Greek Soccer Ball

I came upon a book titled "Extreme Origami" by Kunihiko Kasahara and was immediately attracted to a simple circular model made of strips of paper.

The model is called Greek Soccer Ball.  It is a traditional ball originated in ancient Greece and was made using soy bean vines.  The ball was previously used to play a tough game similar to handball.

Let's play ball

A joy to make with a bonus challenge to weave the strips into place.  You need a total of 6 strips and some clips to make this wonderful piece.  I have created a short video here to show you what I mean ....

To further challenge yourself, you may make this ball using 10 (dodecahedron) and 12 (icosahedron) strips.  For me, so satisfied with my 6 piece soccer ball.

Here's wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

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More info here:

Extreme Origami Book Link

Origami Creations - Fun models by Dida (Dimitris Dalas)

I had so much time to spare during the chinese new year holidays and finally had a good chance to fold some of the simple models by another talented yet humble origami artist - Dimitris Dalas (aka Dida).  

His origami pieces covers a wide range of subjects with levels ranging from simple to the complex.  I have yet to try his complex works but here below is my rendition of some of my favourite.

Adorable with impressive color change

You may find the diagrams for these models in his books here.

Hope you like it and have a nice weekend.

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More Info:

Dida Facebook Page

Origami Design/Creations - 5 steps Happy Baby Whale

I have joined another origami event to create minimalist models using A4 (rectangular) paper and limited to a maximum of 6 steps.  It was tough to make something meaningful with the very limited folds required but finally I am very happy with what I came up with.  

Here it is:

Below is a CP (crease pattern) + step diagram for those who want to try to make the model.

 

I have also added a video tutorial for those who wants a more animated and clearer presentation.

Hope you enjoyed this model as I did.  Have a nice day!

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Origami Creations - Clash of the Fiery and Darkness Dragon

There is so much interest among origami enthusiasts in folding dragons.  Not for me though, as I feel incapable of being able to fold the detailing that is required on the wings, face and the scales.  Also, a lot of imagination needs to be put on the shaping to make it realistic (hmmm ... I mean believable.)

Finally, after attending an origami meeting and saw dragon models, I decided to take the challenge of not only making one but two dragons - Kade Chan's Fiery dragon and Tadashi Mori's Darkness dragons.

Below are my rendition:

Who do you think wins?

Individual details below ...

These are my first folds so there is so much more to improve.  Paper quality is of utmost importance as both of these models will require pleating which thickens the paper and can cause it to tear.  Overall, I am happy of the outcome as they did appear like dragons to me.  What do you think?

Have a nice day!

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More Details here:

Fiery Dragon Tutorial

Darkness Dragon Tutorial

My first visit to an Origami Meeting in Hong Kong

Chinese New Year holidays has always been a busy time for me and the family.  Fortunately, I got a break today to sit down and download some pics and videos for my blog.

Last sunday was a big treat for me as I finally was able to attend an Origami Meet here in Hong Kong.  Met the head of the group and some of the famous members.  Aside from the local designs, international folded pieces was also shown but I was more fascinated by the miniature pieces.  

Below is a short video for your enjoyment.

Have a nice day.

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Origami Creations - Awesome cute models of Barth Dunkan (Ecorigami Magic Fingaz)

Barth Dunkan a.k.a. Ecorigami Magic Fingaz is one of the origamist that I have encountered and e-befriended who seem to have unlimited origami energy and ideas.  Upon seeing his flickr account, I was so surprised to see so much lovely and creative works.  Click here and be mystified.

More importantly though, he is a very kind and generous person.  Aside from supporting my origami works he has surprised me by folding one of my designs as shown below:

It is an honor and a great pleasure for someone to fold your work ... and would mean even much more when done by a respected professional such as Barth.

Now, I have a great opportunity to fold my favorite Barth's models - his simple dog and little bird.  It would be a great joy to put my spin on these two (2) wonderful models.

Let me know what you think of my playful composition below:

Playing catch me if you can.

Sweet and friendly companionship

Diagrams are available for these models and they can be downloaded here:

Simple Dog

Little Bird

Hope you like them and please do try folding his pieces and be impressed ...

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Origami Creation - Jacky Chan Sea Turtle

The origami sea turtle of Jacky Chan is one of the first models which I have folded a lot to give as gifts to friends.  The design is impressive and very realistic.   Even the turtle's bottom section is covered up nicely.

Here is an image I got from the web to show the bottom part.

Below is a photo of my fold (a mother and its baby) using special japanese paper wrapper.  I folded it for a colleague who displayed it on his office cubicle.

The diagrams can be found here.

Try it and let me know what you think.

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Origami Heart over Heart Romantic Video

I was tinkering with Instagram and came about a nice video creation product called Flipagram.  

Hmmmm ... perked my interest so I tried to make one using my "Heart over Heart" origami fold.  I showed the finished product to my wife and daughter and they liked it a lot.

Here is my mini simple movie titled "Origami Heart Love Notes".

Music is from my wife's favorite song and singer - A thousand years by Christina Perri.

Hope you liked it.

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Origami Design / Creation - Simple Heart over Heart Origami

Saw a lot of origami heart pieces being displayed for Valentines day so I tried to design one for myself.  The first rule is that it should be something simple and heart shaped.  

So, I started doodling and came up with this:

 

I call it "Heart over heart".  A small heart on top of a bigger one ... I likened it to be a "Husband and wife", a "Parent and a son/daughter".  I checked the internet for anything like this design but wasn't able to find one so I believe that this is either too easy or a traditional model that nobody really folded.  To me, it is a great origami piece!

This model can be used for:

A bookmark

Or for something as daring as a ...

Love Note

For everyone's enjoyment, I created a tutorial video below:

Hope you like it ... have a great day!

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20th Wedding Anniversary - Thankful and Hopeful

Reached our 20th wedding anniversary last 22nd of January 2014 but finally had the celebratory family lunch today - January 25th at Outback Steakhouse.

My wife and I has been through difficult times but we are so thankful to reach this milestone in our union.  Too bad our eldest daughter was not around to share our happiness, nevertheless we are content that we have her in our heart and mind on this day (in fact, every day).  Hope and pray that we will continually receive the Lord's blessings of good health and happiness for the days ahead.

Food was very good and did had a wonderful and memorable lunch.  

See for yourself ...

Seafood soup with Fresh Veggie Salad

(Really) Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Toowoomba Chicken (Sauteed shrimp & Grilled chicken)

Succulent & Saucy Baby Back Ribs 

Have a nice day!

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