My Favourite Origami Designs from around

the WorldA David Ross Origami selection

Dog box

This is one of those designs that looks way harder than it actually is. It’s simple enough to fold at any size and the last part of the model, opening it up to reveal the compartment is hugely satisfying.

It’s also pretty useful as far as carrying items goes. You can use it as a desk tidy for instance, or even as a container for snacks, make sure you’re using clean paper for that though!

The origami crane

A classic for a reason, the crane is synonymous with the art form now and is one fo the first designs people make. It’s useful because it teaches you how to perform inside reverse folds which can be tricky, and because it uses the bird base, which is the centre of a lot of animal origami.

My favourite variation in involves flattening the back of the animal to give it a box like body, it looks more regal and less sharp!

Waterbomb

• I’m a huge fan of this design simply because it’s so easy. It can be made in under 2 minutes and how many pieces of origami do you know that can be actually blown up!

Modular Gyroscope

• This modular gyroscope is easy and looks very impressive, the modular construction also is surprisingly strong, the model is able to completely spin on a corner with ease.

• This is a relatively easy model to start with when making modular origami as it features no tough folds and each piece comes together in the same way. Definitely recommended for beginners with a lot of paper!

Frill Necked LizardThis incredible design shows a mastery of the art form. It’s a model that must’ve taken ages to design and make and shows an impecabble touch.

The model is made from thin tissue paper wwhich is why the folds have such a natural quality to them, the detail in the areas like the mouth is very difficult to achieve and gives the whole structure a feeling of depth.

Spider

• This great little spider design is one of my favourites because it breaks one of the few rules of origami to great effect.

• With normal designs, you should aim to make your models without using scissors at any point. For this model however using the scissors allows you to make the long legs that make this model so great.

• The juxtaposition of the heavy body mixed with the whisper thin legs gives it a more insect like quality than if you had folded, regular non-cut legs.

Dollar Bill Shirt

• This is a David Ross Origami favourite, and a great way to make use of that spare change from holiday!

• It’s relatively easy to make and is very impressive for onlookers. Although you do lose a dollar it’s pretty easy to unfold if you really need it!

• I’d recommend this to everyone, just make sure to be extra gentle when folding, money is easy to tear, especially towards the end of this one! Good luck!