Paper Cats Origami Book
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Paper Cats Origami Book
20 Step-by-Step Projects Includes Patterned Origami Paper
John Montroll
Contents
Radar
9
Daisy
12
Loaf
15
Boss
18
Pounce
22
Duke
26
Hook
30
Cat’s Pajamas 34
Tiger
39
Cool Cat
43
The Sphinx
48
Angel
53
Shadow
59
Boo
65
Whisk
70
Bright Eyes
75
Beans
81
Lucky
87
Catwalk
93
Diva
101
Introduction Cats have always been fascinating creatures. They can be playful, curious, graceful, mysterious, and sometimes wonderfully unpredictable. Their wide range of poses and personalities makes them perfect subjects for origami. This book brings together twenty cat designs, all original (expect for Daisy, which is a traditional model). Each is folded from a single square sheet paper. Some models are simple and can be completed in just a few minutes, while others are more challenging, rewarding careful folding and patience. Whether you are new to origami or have folded for years, I hope you will enjoy exploring the many expressions and poses these paper cats can take. Before beginning, take a few moments to review the symbols and basic folds. A solid understanding of these fundamentals will make the models easier to follow and more enjoyable to fold. As with any origami project, accuracy matters: sharp creases and careful attention to each step will help your finished cats look their best. Don’t be discouraged if a model doesn’t turn out perfectly on your first attempt. Even experienced folders refine their work through repeated practice. One of the pleasures of origami is watching your skills improve with each fold. Most importantly, have fun. Experiment with colors, patterns, and papers to give each cat its own personality. Soon you may find yourself with an entire clowder of paper cats. Happy folding! —John Montroll
5
Symbols
6
Lines
Arrows
Valley fold, fold in front.
Fold in this direction.
Turn over.
Mountain fold, fold behind.
Fold behind.
Place your finger between these layers.
Crease line.
Unfold.
X-ray or guide line.
Fold and unfold.
Basic Folds Pleat Fold.
1
Fold back and forth. Each pleat is composed of one valley and mountain fold. Here are two examples.
2
1
Pleat-fold.
Pleat-fold.
Squash Fold.
2
1
2
3
In a squash fold, some paper is opened and then made flat. The shaded arrow shows where to place your finger. Squash-fold.
A 3D step.
Petal Fold. In a petal fold, one point is folded up while two opposite sides meet each other.
1
2
Petal-fold.
3
A 3D step.
7
Inside Reverse Fold. In an inside reverse fold, some paper is folded between layers. It is usually referred to as a “reverse fold”. Here are two examples.
1
1
2 2 Reverse-fold. Reverse-fold.
Outside Reverse Fold. Much of the paper must be unfolded to make an outside reverse fold.
1
2
Outside-reverse-fold.
Rabbit Ear. To fold a rabbit ear, one corner is folded in half and laid down to a side.
1
2
Fold a rabbit ear.
8
3
A 3D step.
Radar
9
1
2
Fold in half.
3
4
Fold up.
10
Fold down.
Fold up.
5
Fold down.
6
Radar
11
Daisy
12
Traditional
1
2
3
Fold in half.
Unfold.
Fold in half.
4
5
Fold the top layer down.
Unfold.
13
6
7
Fold up on both sides.
Fold both layers to the dot.
8
9
Fold the tip up.
10
Daisy 14
Loaf
15
1
2
3
Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold.
Fold to the center.
5
4
Fold in half. Squash-fold.
16
6
7 1
1. The dots will meet. 2. Fold up.
Petal-fold.
8
2
9
1
2
1. Make pleat folds. 2. Fold inside.
Loaf 17
About the Author John Montroll is respected worldwide for his contributions to origami, and his published work has significantly expanded the global repertoire of original designs. He is recognized for techniques such as the double rabbit-ear fold and for pioneering bases including the Dog Base and the Insect Base. An American master of the art, Montroll is widely known for helping popularize the singlesquare, no-cuts, no-glue approach. John began folding in elementary school and quickly progressed from making models out of books to designing his own. Since his first book, Origami for the Enthusiast, he has authored many more. Drawing on decades of experience, he is known for achieving remarkable complexity with efficient folding sequences and a minimal number of steps. His goal has always been to give readers an enjoyable and rewarding folding experience. His subjects span a wide range of animals — mammals, birds, sea creatures, and insects — along with stars, mythological creatures, and whimsical gnomes, each folded from a single square of paper. His book Easy Origami became one of the best-selling origami titles of all time, inspiring generations of folders with its approachable, creative designs.
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