Origami: A single piece of paper opens infinite horizons
Discover how a single piece of paper opens up infinite horizons as you learn about the ancient Japanese art form of origami.
Listen to a Chinese story, The Paper Boat, based on origami, and learn how scientists and engineers have found practical applications for the Japanese ancient art form in space, medicine and robotics.
Then, make some origami figures yourself and present, and share with us, your own story based on your own creations.
Don’t worry, it’s easy, just follow these instructions:
1. Watch this short video (3 min 56) as Géraldine Enjelvin of the University of York introduces herself and tells The Paper Boat story.
2. Next, watch this short video (4 min 23) as Megumi Bailey of the University of York introduces herself and explains how origami has both recreational purposes and practical applications.
3. Discover how to create an origami character by watching some of these videos:
- Beginner’s level:
- Intermediate level:
- Advanced level
4. Using the theme “Happy times” as your inspiration, have a go at creating a story (from 1 min to 1 min 30) using the origami figures you’ve made. Why not make a video of your own creation? Please don’t forget – do not show your face!
5. You can see an example of what your origami story could look like by watching this short story, An Adopted Kitten here (1 min 33). We’re sure yours will be as good!
6. Upload your video by the end of the Festival (20 June 2021) to have it displayed in our online gallery:
Please note that the videos will be publicly available. Therefore don't include anything that identifies you or your address.
7. Last, but no means least: have fun!
Staying safe online
Please remember to warn other members of your household that you are creating a video to post online, and check what background is going to be visible. Under 18s should be supervised, and we would recommend that you use first names only and don’t include anything that identifies you (including your face) or your home address.
About the presenters
Megumi Bailey is an Associate Lecturer in Japanese, Department of Language and Linguistic Science, University of York.
Géraldine Enjelvin is a Lecturer in French, Department of Language and Linguistic Science, University of York.
