Frequently Asked Questions
Origami Paper
Where can I buy origami paper?
I purchase the majority of my origami paper from Michaels and Chinatown in Manhattan, NYC. If you don’t have a Michaels near you, origami paper is also available online at Amazon, eBay, and Wal-Mart.
You can also print your own origami paper completely FREE on the Printables page! 🙂
Another option is to cut your own paper. I recommend Staples Pastel A4 paper. The colors are gorgeous, and the paper is pretty high quality. However, the down side to copy paper is that it may be too thick for some projects. Cutting your own paper is also time consuming, but some people find it therapeutic. 🙂
To check out a tour of NYC origami/paper shops that I did in collaboration with Sara Adams from Happy Folding, click HERE!
What size paper do you use?
The measurements of the paper depend on the project. Generally, for smaller projects, I use 3″ squares, and for larger projects, I use 6″ squares. I personally like 3″ squares the best. It fits in my hand well and is easy to maneuver. If you are a beginner, 6″ squares are a good size to start with. For these reasons, the Printables page only offers paper in these dimensions.
Which paper cutter do you use?
The paper cutter that I use is the Carl® 12″ Professional Rotary Paper Trimmer, 15 Sheet Capacity. It does the job pretty well (better than a personal paper trimmer [approx. $15 US], but not as well as an industrial paper trimmer [which can cost hundreds of dollars]). If you plan on cutting a lot of paper, make sure you invest in a good one! In the end, it really depends on how much, how thick, and how often you’re cutting paper.
Can I fold [x project] with Post-it® notes?
I love working with Post-it® notes! They’re everywhere, thus generally more accessible than origami paper. Plus, they’re cut into perfect squares and come in a large assortment of colors. What more can you ask for? 😉
Technically, any project that requires a square sheet of paper that is approximately 3″ x 3″ can be folded from Post-it® notes. Just take notice of where the sticky part lies! Repeated folding and unfolding of the sticky parts will cause tearing and unnecessary wrinkling. With that in mind, if you have a good idea of where you want the sticky part to go, then Post-it® notes are a great alternative to origami paper!
Check out this special category of crafts, dedicated to Post-it® notes!
Read more about what I have to say on Post-it.com!
Can I fold [x project] with construction paper?
Yes, but I would not recommended folding origami projects with construction paper for several reasons. The colors fade much quicker than origami paper. Construction paper also tend to create messy and weak creases that tear easily.
Can I fold [x project] with stock/scrapbook paper?
Yes, but only if the project does not involve too many folds. Generally speaking, stock/scrapbook paper is much thicker than traditional origami paper. Thick papers will limit your model’s mobility and agility. It’ll also cause premature and unnecessary finger and hand fatigue. I’ve had my fair share of hand and finger injuries! It’s really no joke. It hurts! 😛
Is folding U.S. currency illegal?
Absolutely not! All of the money origami projects I feature do not destroy the value of the bill in any way! They can be unfolded and used, undamaged. If you purposely tear your bill or cut it, then that’s another story. Hopefully, you’re not doing that!
I made something, and want to give it to someone as a gift. Do you have any ideas on how to make it [more] presentable?
Purchase (or make!) a box that is larger than the project you are trying to package (at least a 1″ – 1.5″ gap between each side of the box is recommended). Then, surround the project with tissue paper or crinkle paper shred. You can also make your own paper shred by feeding colorful paper or old newspapers/magazines into a paper shredder!
Another option is to tape or glue the project into a shadow box. Mason or glass jars are a good choice, too.
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YouTube Videos
Do you take requests for tutorials?
Yes, I do! I get a lot of my inspiration from viewer input! Feel free to send a message on the Contact page, or leave a comment directly on one of my videos. I can’t fulfill every request (I’m just human, forgive me!), but I will try my best to do as many as I can. Occasionally, I’ll give a shout-out, as well, so listen closely for your name! 🙂
Do you design your own models?
Occasionally, yes!
How often do you publish new videos?
I try to publish a new video at least once every 2 weeks, but most of the time it ends up being once a week. It depends on how busy my schedule gets.
Are you a full-time YouTuber, teacher, artist, and/or origamist?
Nope! I do this for fun and out of love for origami and crafts. I have a life outside of origami, I swear, haha!
Linking & Replicating Videos
Can I link your video on my website?
Yes! Link away, but please give credit, and be sure to link the original YouTube video (via embedding). If you’re unsure how to do that, follow these instructions from Google Support.
Copying the video, and re-uploading the video onto another platform, or under a different YouTube username, is not okay. Doing so will get you a copyright strike (with, or without warning). The video will be deleted by YouTube, and you will risk having your account closed and/or suspended!
Can I remake a tutorial of one of your original designs?
At the time, no. Sorry! 🙁
Can I make a copy of your video and upload it to my own YouTube channel?
No, please do not do that! Videos take a very long time to plan, film and edit! Doing so will get you a copyright strike (with or without warning). The video will be deleted by YouTube, and you will risk having your account closed and/or suspended.
Misc
Do you sell origami?
Yes, I do! Please send a message on the Contact page if something interests you. 🙂
Do you fulfill custom orders?
Yes, occasionally, I will work on special orders and requests. Please send a message on the Contact page if you’re interested in placing an order.
Do you provide one-on-one, private lessons, or group lessons/workshops?
Yes, I do! Please send a message on the Contact page if you are interested in taking private lessons, and/or are seeking group instruction.
I am a designer. Can you make a video for my model?
Sure, I would LOVE TO!! It’s one of my favorite things to do, and collaborations are always fun. Contact me and we can discuss!
Do you participate in crafts fairs?
To date, I’ve only participated in two crafts fair. I might do more in the future, but it’s challenging due to time constraints.
I would like to contribute! How can I help?
Okay, so this isn’t exactly a “frequently asked question,” haha, but I thought I would throw it in here. 😉
If you would like to donate to support the continuation of FREE craft tutorials on YouTube and on OrigamiTree.com, THANK YOU so much! Every little bit helps.
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Support the continuation of free tutorials!