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14 Suggestions for Finished Origami Models

What can we do with that ever-increasing inventory of finished origami models?

Here are some ideas:

  • 1.Document If you like a particular model, keep one that’s nicely folded and on it write the model name, the designer, and where to find diagrams.
  • 2. Display Photograph models and share them on personal Flickr and Facebook albums.
  • 3. Be Inspired Place models in a large clear glass jar. The varied shapes and colors will inspire you to fold and others to learn.
  • 4. Celebrate On World Origami Days: October 24 to November 11th, distribute models in a public place such as a bookstore or park.
  • 5. Share Give models to children on Halloween or to friends and colleagues at work or school.
  • 6. Be Grateful In your wallet, keep a model that folds flat. At a favorite restaurant leave it along with your tip.
  • 7. Surprise Abandon models in unexpected places and imagine who might find them.
Origami frog on a sidewalk manhole cover
  • 8. Participate Join “Origami for the people” -a Flikr group dedicated to documenting the placement of origami models in public places.
  • 9. Donate Models can be used when fundraising for good causes. For example, origami models have been used to raise funds for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
  • 10. Provide Comfort Give models to the elderly or infirm at a hospital or nursing home.
  • 11. Encourage Business At a tag sale, give a free model to customers with a purchase.
  • 12. Teach Show a model to a child, tell them it’s made from a square piece of paper and let the magic of unfolding begin!
  • 13. Liberate Boulder those old models and make room for the new.
  • 14. Play and recycle Let your cats bat models around and then into the wastebasket they go! The models that is.

Have any more ideas on what to do with finished models? If you do, please share!

19 thoughts on “14 Suggestions for Finished Origami Models”

  1. Just to let you know… immunocompromised patients can have origami decorations. I found this out a few months ago. A daughter-in-law of a friend had to have a bone marrow transplant in Buffalo, NY, at the Roswell Park Cancer Hospital. My friend contacted (directly or indirectly) the hospital. They don’t allow bone marrow transplant patients to have plants or flowers, but origami is fine. So, my friend gave me this lady’s address in Buffalo and I sent her a box. I usually send more than enough models, so that the person I sent models to can give them away (which is what she did).

    Many hospitals have comfort carts, usually created by the ladies’ auxiliary or other volunteer group. Origami makes great decorations, is a way to personalize a hospital, rehab or nursing home room.

    I just sent a box full or origami models to a retired missionary who my church supported (and still supports). Her husband was diagnosed with dementia and can lo longer be cared for in the home. He now lives 5km from her, is receiving care in a ‘board and care’ home with five others. She thought her husband would like the models.

    I have three more orders for origami. One is for another cancer patient who is a good friend of of a friend from church. Another is for someone who is long-term ill (in no danger… hopefully) who is receiving intensive outpatient treatment and would like another box… The president of my ladies’ auxiliary would like a shoe box of ship flat origami, which she’ll distribute.

    LaFosse butterflies are popular, are fairly quick to fold (I can fold a simple one in about six minutes) and look nice in practice duo paper (so you don’t have to use your expensive papers). I fold stars, princess dresses, tops, animals, etc. If you like the model, someone else will.

    Right now, I’m creating a bag of nicely folded origami models, with tags on them telling me where I got the pattern. Useful.

    Reply
  2. I’m fairly new to origami. However I read a book 25 years ago when I was in 4th grade called Sadako and the thousand paper cranes and our school folded and sent paper cranes to the monument in Hiroshima, Japan. I’m getting pretty good at cranes now. That’s about all I’ve folded repetitively, But I’m going to try something out, I’m going to coat some origami models with epoxy resin, if it works like I’m hoping, it will turn it into like a figurine. I’ll make sure to send pictures if it end up working.

    Reply
    • Hi Sheena,

      Congratulations on your progress with origami! The most important thing is that you try your creative ideas even if in the end the results are not exactly what you expect. There is a lot to be learning by doing it, so keep your eyes and spirit open to the lessons of just practicing.
      And by all means, share whatever you might create!

      Reply
  3. Hey Leyla (I think this is the right person?!)
    I’m a beginner in Origami and I’m loving it so far! I’m making them for my mum for mother’s day and I’m in a Ker-bubble…. I’ve made a yellow Lavender, 2 roses and a pink Kasudama but I don’t know how to put them all together.

    I need some suggestions please!

    Thank you

    Reply
  4. I have stars all over my wall (blutacked) and kusudamas hung from my roof (using string and blutack). I also love playing with some of my stronger models!

    Reply
  5. Leyla,
    A lot of my models become cat toys!!! Also, I teach water exercise to seniors. Every couple of months I take a box of treasures in to share with the ladies. They love it!!!

    Reply
  6. Take a hanger or a wire and string up some models into a mobile. Hang it up over a table, in a kid’s room or out on your screen porch and watch the models in the breeze.

    Reply
  7. Kind of like the glass jar, but I have a very large bell cloche that I inverted and filled to the brim with origami models, then set with the open end down on a base. I display it as art and have even put it in an art show. It is so very colorful and the varied shapes are fascinating.

    Reply
  8. Leyla:

    this is the only joke I know in Japanese……

    (based on your photo of the models in the wastebasket)

    Origomi (gomi=garbage)

    ; – )

    MaryAnn

    Reply
  9. Leyla es un àngel iluminada por otro àngeles.
    Todos amamos las manos de Leyla, pues esa manos hacen lo que millones de manos no podemos elaborar Rosalba

    Reply
  10. I use my old models to make dull paper wrappings more interesting, I glue them on gifts instead of ribbons my friends are more excited for the wrapping than for the gift itself. Most of them keep them on their desks.

    Whenever we have kids at home I always let them choose a model to take at home with them, I am the coolest mom in the class

    Reply

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