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Fold Till You Drop

Posted by michael on from the no-spindling-or-mutilating-allowed dept.

There's an origami convention convention underway in Japan this weekend, with some truly impressive pieces on display. There's an AP story, but words don't do it justice. See the personal site of one of the professional paper-folders, or photos taken at a previous convention, or just discover the essence of origami.

17 of 151 comments (clear)

  1. Stress Sheep by barks · · Score: 5, Funny

    As a result from stress and aggrevation I've apparently made a couple of origami sheep while in school.

    And I thought they were just cruppled up pieces of paper.

    --

    Some aim to please, I aim to tease.
  2. So much folding... by phita23 · · Score: 5, Funny

    So much folding that it even makes SETI jealous!

  3. Warning by shopi · · Score: 5, Funny
    Don't click next on the dragon paper photo.

    please.

    ugh

  4. the profession by iamdrscience · · Score: 5, Funny

    I know what you're all thinking: "Professional paper-folders? How can that be?". Well actually, it's not too difficult for a talented paper-folder to make a decent living touring the competitive oragami circuits and getting endorsement deals with paper companies and such. They're really a lot like pro skateboarders or Nascar drivers, except they get more paper cuts.

    1. Re:the profession by gordlea · · Score: 5, Funny

      ...and less women.


      --

      Choose yer poison: Prophets or Profits

  5. Folding? by ragingsamster · · Score: 5, Funny

    You know you spend too much time online when you immediately think of "@home" whenever anyone mentions folding

  6. Amazing folding by TimeTrip · · Score: 5, Informative

    Immpressive paper folding! Awesome, but did you know they can also fold SHIRTS impressively?

    Check out the amazing action here

    btw.. i'm not sure if the woman in the video is japanese, but its close enough.. right?? ;)

    --

    You crazy man? You piss off supahfly!
  7. From an artistic stance by dj_cel · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This is simply awesome, I look at some of these peices and they resemble 3d models in the sense of polygon modeling. My hats off to those who can do this, because doing it even in the computer is quite a difficult task.

    --
    Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire
  8. Re:Pepakura by danamania · · Score: 5, Interesting

    While origami where no cuts happen (is that the only form that's truly 'origami'? I'm not sure) is more impressive, you reminded me of this site with paper cut out models of Apple gear.

    Scrolling down to some of the constructed models shows how cool they can look :)

  9. Amazing by qmchenry · · Score: 5, Informative

    These are quite impressive. In clicking around, I happened on this database of origami containing references to more than 23k models.

    --
    Recipes for geeks -- no meatloaf, we promise.
  10. Makes ya wonder.... by Prod_Deity · · Score: 5, Funny

    How many of these people are Gentoo users that are tying to pick up a hobby as they're compiling.

  11. Origami Boulder by krahd · · Score: 5, Funny

    None of them can compete with the origami boulder!
    :)

    --krahd

    --
    mod me up scottie!
  12. Fold for gold by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    So why isn't this an Olympic sport? It has all the requirements - drama (is it another freaking crane?), risk of serious injury (paper cuts), and obviously a worldwide following - but most importantly I might even be able to win a medal.

  13. Eye Candy by oz_ko · · Score: 5, Informative

    Don't say I don't do anything for you boys.
    On the yahoo site link, hit the next button for some Olympic Eye Candy ;)

  14. Re: Origami Database by AEton · · Score: 5, Funny

    You know you've been Slashdotted when.

    Database Stats
    Total Models: 23521
    Total Creators: 1898
    Last Search: Model Name: penis
    Total Searches to Date: 147243
    (google cache from two days ago: 146388)

    --
    We recently had heard in the office over one of the Yellow Machine that's made by Anthology Solutions.
  15. Re:kinda off topic but try this by Order · · Score: 5, Informative

    try to fold a peice of paper over 7 times

    It doesn't matter how thin the paper, or how big the sheet, you just can't do it. Have fun proving me wrong :)

    Actually, proving you wrong is very easy. Here's your proof!
    On that page you can see a photo of a piece of paper folded 11 times, and a discussion of all the math and physics involved.

    --

    I am a genius; therefore, you suck.
  16. More info... by dmayle · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I'm a paper folder, and I've got to say, right now is a really exciting time for folders. I'm a member of Origami USA which is an organization that, despite it's name, is open to people from all over the world. Every year there's a convention held in New York at the end of June where about 1000 people come together to learn new models, to socialize. and to have fun.

    I said it's an exciting time, and that's because for the first time, folders are really starting to explore the bounds of the craft. You've got people like Robert Lang who have been exploring the mathematics and geometry behind origami, and teaching the secrets of creation to others.

    You've got people like my friend, Daniel Robinson, who take animals, insects, etc. of a particular species, and instead of trying to create a generic representation, try to get the model to be exact, right down to the length and number of feelers on a frilled longhorn beetle, for example.

    And as much as you might not believe it, there are some really hot origami chicks [though they are for the most part drowned out by the rest... ;) ]