Who Uses Origami in Society Today? The art of origami dates back to the 1600's. First practiced by the Chinese and Japanese, the art of paper folding was and continues to be popular in many cultures. When it was originally started, origami instructions were passed on verbally. Over the years the details and steps required for origami projects have been written down and/or relayed through diagrams. The Envelope - using a square piece of paper make diagonal folds down the center in both directions. Open the paper and bring each corner up to the middle. The Picture Frame - First make the Envelope. Open the envelope; turn each corner up to the outer diagonal line. Now fold the four corners inward and you have a picture frame. Since this activity is used by many people in society, the library will certainly carry some literature about it. Many articles that are written about origami have references provided that will lead to even more details about the activity. Magazines are a great source or information about origami. There are many craft magazine publications, some printed on a weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, etc. The only physical skill required for origami is the ability to fold paper. Most everybody is able to carry out this activity. However there is certainly a requirement for imagination, creativity, mathematical knowledge and patience. The challenging aspects of origami require much thought and logic. Actually folding paper is not difficult but depending on the level of origami, completing an entire project can be tough. In the 50's and 60's a group comprised of creators and folders established and international origami group to promote the popularity of origami. This group went on to form local as well as national organizations and also published the models of American, Japanese and European designers. Artistic Origami To the mathematicians and modern origamists origami is a puzzle. Each and every day, whether at school, at work, at home or at the grocery store, people need to practice patience. This is difficult for some individuals, especially for the child who is waiting their turn for the swing for example. Origami can be used to instill this importance of patience in both children and adults alike.