Origami Class for Beginners in 2025

Since 2023, Teresa has been teaching origami classes for beginners on the third Saturday of every month (except July and August) at the North Port Public Library in North Port, Florida. These classes are continuing in 2025.

In her beginner-level classes, Teresa assumes that new students have no prior origami knowledge. Every beginner class starts with a review of the most basic origami folds and the symbols which represent those folds in origami diagrams.
 
All beginner lessons are taught with slow step-by-step demonstrations, lots of repetition, and individual help from the teacher for anyone who needs it. The origami projects tackled in each class are simple enough that beginners should be able to complete them successfully and have the satisfaction of taking home something attractive or useful which they have made themselves.

REGISTRATION FOR 2025 BEGINNERS' ORIGAMI IS OPEN NOW!

To see the class schedule and learn more or register online, you can access the library's event calendar by going to https://scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/month and selecting North Port Public Library. (Don't forget to click on the "Confirm Selection" button at the bottom of the page.)

Teresa also teaches origami classes for Intermediate-level folders at the library. The Intermediate classes are designed for folders who have already mastered the basics of origami. The projects tackled are more complex, the pace is faster, and Teresa assumes that Intermediate-level students will need less individual help than beginners.
 
If you aren't sure whether or not you are ready for the Intermediate-level class, try taking one of the Beginner classes first.
 
For more information on Intermediate origami classes, click here.

Models Folded by Beginner Students in 2023

 
In addition to the models shown above, Teresa's students have also learned to fold: party trays and modular origami gift boxes designed by Tomoko Fuse; flower and star tatos designed by Yoshihide Momotani; a heart corner bookmark based on a design by Francis Ow; non-modular party plates designed by Tomoko Fuse; a non-modular star-shaped box designed by Govind Kulkarni; a partitioned snack server designed by Makoto Yamaguchi; an eight-pointed star designed by Leyla Torres; a traditional crane and a traditional fox.
 
In the process of creating these models, students have learned how to read origami diagrams and symbols. They have practiced many basic origami techniques such as valley folds, mountain folds, book folds, cupboard folds, pleat folds, squash folds, blintzes and double blintzes. They have learned how to make some of the traditional origami bases such as the waterbomb base and the preliminary (or square) base. They have learned more about the history of origami and they have worked with many different types and sizes of paper.

These talented students have been enjoying the challenge and excitement of creativity, while also enjoying the camaradarie of their fellow classmates. It is wonderful to see how they help and support one another in class -- sharing ideas and friendship in the true spirit of origami.

(Many thanks to Eva Krik for taking the photos shown above and giving permission for them to be displayed on this site.)

Models Folded by Beginner Students in 2024

 
The Coaster/Candle Holder model is assembled from two identical units. (Please note: you should never use real candles with paper candle holders due to the danger of fire -- only use battery-operated candles.) The Coaster/Candle Holder model can also be used as a container to serve candy or snacks at parties. The Wakazari Wreath is assembled from eight identical units. The individual Wakazari units also make nice coasters, or they can be assembled in a tiling manner to create an attractive wall hanging or table mat. Both of these models are made without the use of glue or any other adhesive.
 
In addition to the models shown above, Teresa's beginner students have also learned to fold the following models during the first six months of 2024: Heart-Shaped Bookmarks and Valentine's Day Napkin Rings, based on designs by Francis Ow; a Heart-Lid Pop-Up Box, based on a design by Karen Elaine Thomas; a Lidded Masu Box (traditional Japanese design), with a diagonal divider designed by Tomoko Fuse; a Peacock (traditional Japanese design); an eight-petal Flower-Shaped Box, designed by Tomoko Fuse; a Magic Star Frisbee action toy, designed by Robert Neale; and a Paint Brush Rinsing Pot (traditional Japanese design) -- also sometimes called a Lazy Susan.
 
In the process of creating these models, students have learned how to read origami diagrams and symbols. They have practiced many basic origami techniques such as valley folds, mountain folds, book folds, cupboard folds, pleat folds, squash folds, blintzes and double blintzes. They have learned how to make some of the traditional origami bases such as the waterbomb base and the preliminary (or square) base. They have learned more about the history of origami and they have worked with many different types and sizes of paper.

These talented students have been enjoying the challenge and excitement of creativity, while also enjoying the camaradarie of their fellow classmates. It is wonderful to see how they help and support one another in class -- sharing ideas and friendship in the true spirit of origami.

(Many thanks to Eva Krik for taking the photos shown above and giving permission for them to be displayed on this site.)