Compiled by Janet Hamilton
Jeff Block designed and marketed a line of original fold out greeting cards under the company name Lotus Entertain You. He won the Louie Award in 1995 and 1996 for creative excellence in greeting cards.
Ca$h Card$ sold greeting cards for US$5.00 each. Each card contained an origami model folded from a dollar bill.
On page 62 of the January 1997 issue of the Wired catalog is a review for a fold-up computer desk, called the "times table". The maker? Origami Inc.
There was a Japanese phone card featuring an origami snake by Yoshizawa (circa 1990). He did a whole set of phone cards with the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.
The 1998 Current catalog carried 3 sets of kids'
special origami valentines: fold-up airplanes, fold up animal faces, and fortune
teller valentines.
In 1997 year they also carried origami valentines printed on scored, heart
patterned paper. Included were
instructions to fold a fortune teller, glider, box (waterbomb), and bowl
(masu box).
Black and white photographic prints with an origami theme were sold at Pier 1 Imports. One of the prints was an origami frog and another was an Iris. The fall 2000 issue of Pier 1 Imports catalog had origami airplanes on page 3.
A line of bathroom accessories in a Target wedding registry catalog were named 'Origami'.
Pajarita squeaky toy was spotted in Spain.
An origami boat candle was spotted in a housewares store in Granada , Spain.
JavaOne '98: Best of Show A Selection of "Most Cool" Highlights from
the JavaOne Conference By Eric Armstrong
"Most Brain-Twisting Gizmo
Imagine opening a wallet, and having a map three times the size of the wallet
pop out! Then, when you closed the cover of the map, the map neatly folded
itself back up again. The map that was given away as part of the JavaOne
Conference materials must have been developed by some kind of Origami expert.
While brain cells were recovering between sessions (puffing and panting
>audibly), you could sit on one of the high-back bean bag chairs from www.beanbag.com
and amuse yourself by opening and closing the map, trying to figure out how it
worked. I mean, you could see the map open up and collapse again, yet it was
still a mystery. Even more of a mystery was how anyone could think of something
like this. Human creativity is a wonderful thing." http://www.javaworld.com/javaworld/javaone98/j1-98-bestofshow.html
On page 15 of the Holiday 1999 issue of Boston's Museum of Fine Arts catalog are "Origami Peace Cranes" for $10. each, 3 for $27. They are on strings and have a crystal attached underneath. Also, on page 13 are "Star Lights", described as paper lanterns, but looking more like 5-pointed folded stars. They are 25" X 10" and sell for $26 or $36 for the ones made from "Handmade Paper Noori".
Boston Magazine, December 1999, carried an ad from Movado for their Vizio watch with the heading VIZIORIGAMI and a sort of freeform origami figure in the background of the ad. The ad seemed to be emphasizing the flexibility of the watchband.
The 1999 issue of the Fletcher Challenge Paper Company annual report shows a simple origami airplane on the cover. The origami airplane appears again on page 20 in an article on Lightweight Papers. Fletcher Challenge is based in Auckland, New Zealand.
On the inside of the "Go 4th and Shop" (June 2000) Old Navy shopping bag are diagrams and patriotic patterns for making newspaper hats.
ORIGAMI license plates have been spotted in Virginia, California, and Colorado. In Michigan, a license plate wit TSURU was reported. In New Jersey, there is an ORIGAMI2. In California the plates I FOLD and I FOLD2 are registered to a husband and wife.
The Sierra Club mail order catalogue January 2001 was selling an Origami Climbing Pack - "Folded up tighter than a paper swan to keep climbing gear neatly organized. Unique folding design relies entirely on hook-and-loop closures and quick-release compression straps. Closeout at $52.50 from $75.00."
LA Times 3/8/2001 printed an article called "New Origami Trick: Turn Paper Into a Functional Phone" about a disposable cell phone made from paper printed with magnetic ink and folded to the size of a credit card. The phone was not yet commercially available.
November 11, 2001 - "National
Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM), the leading silicon and systems provider
for information appliances, today unveiled a new handheld conceptual device that
integrates today's most popular Internet and multimedia functions into a single,
portable unit. About the size and weight of a small digital camcorder, the
National® Geode™ Origami™ Mobile Communicator is a flexible unit that folds
and unfolds to perform eight popular consumer electronics functions in one
easy-to-use device." http://www.amd.com/us-en/Corporate/VirtualPressRoom/0,,51_104_543_9750~76730,00.html
In November 2001, the IKEA furniture store south of Washington, DC was selling white paper Swedish Star ornaments. In addition, they had other merchandise with a Swedish Star motif: metal canisters, gift wrap, fabric, dish towels, paper luncheon napkins, door mat, blanket, pillow cover, and candleholders.
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) ran a fundraiser of animal origami for the holidays. After making an online donation to the MSPCA, you can personalize, print, and fold a simple origami ornament for each gift purchased. Your gift tag, and a message letting your recipient know a gift was made in their name will be on the finished product.
Garnet Hill catalog, 4/2002 – Origami Pleated Quilt and
Sham “A translucent layer of natural cotton voile is delicately pleated over a
layer of woven cotton, creating a uniquely beautiful and dimensional effect.
Filled with cotton, this extraordinary quilt is a Garnet Hill original. Matching
shams are finished with covered-button closures. ” http://www.garnethill.com/cgi-bin/gh/item.jsp?ItemID=VP7463&search=y&Description=origami&cursor=0
Esquire Magazine 4/2002 a short article and a photo of what
looked like a very simple bill folded butterfly, with the following text:
”Paul Smith Rare species. Not so much money for old rope, rather old money for
a shedload of new money. Paul Smith has taken examples of defunct European
currencies and had them crafted into butterflies by an origami artist. And the
price? #75 cash. Paul Smith, Royal Exchange London EC3 020 7626 4778”
The Sundance Jewelry Catalog Early Summer 2002 (a
company started by Robert Redford) is FULL of origami. It's on every page
mostly traditional models. It's a great compliment for the jewelry of course. If
you look on the inside of the order blank you will see a little story of the
designer of the origami. It is all very simple stuff and is done by Ine Takenaka.
www.sundancecatalog.com or call 1-800-422-2770.
Patent # 2,066,849, dated Jan. 5, 1937
for Combined Napkin and Destructible Folding Basket, taken out by Marie J.
Morse, South River, N.J. http://patimg1.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=02066849&homeurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetacgi%2Fnph-Parser%3FSect1%3DPTO2%2526Sect2%3DHITOFF%2526p%3D1%2526u%3D%2Fnetahtml%2Fsearch-bool.html%2526r%3D1%2526f%3DG%2526l%3D50%2526co1%3DAND%2526d%3Dpall%2526s1%3D2,066,849.WKU.%2526OS%3DPN%2F2,066,849%2526RS%3DPN%2F2,066,849&PageNum=&Rtype=&SectionNum=&idkey=7C4C0102081E
The Japanese American National Museum online store
marketed a glass picture frame with an image of an origami crane etched
into the glass. Designed by Carey Shiro Iida. Other items include an origami
crane handbag, tie tack, earrings, necklaces, charm bracelets, and boxes. Just
enter "crane" on the search page to get a full list! http://shop.store.yahoo.com/janm/252622.html
Tommy Budjanec Origami Skateboard with diagrams! They come in four models: lion, dragon, dragonfly and ?. The animals featured were the Lion from AFRICAN ANIMALS IN ORIGAMI, the Three-headed Dragon from MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES AND THE CHINESE ZODIAC IN ORIGAMI (both by John Montroll) and the Dragongly from ORIGAMI INSECTS AND THEIR KIN by Robert Lang. The skateboards include a picture of the folded animal, some partial diagrams, and a painting of the animal.
Kelty Origami Backpack 2002 – Among other features,
claims a “unique folding design”
An iron windchime was reported with an origami crane with an
iron bell hanging below.
Orrefors Excess tumblers from the Excess collection
by Helen Krantz measure 5 1/2-in high x 2 3/4-in wide. Helen
Krantz has created a set of masculine barware inspired by three dimensional
experiments in origami.
A Mikasa china pattern is entitled "Origami".
The colors are "Origami Sage," "Origami Black," etc. The
plates are square with a blintz fold embossed on the surface. http://www.mikasa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductSearchCmd?searchStr=origami
Japanese pre-paid phone cards sighted 2003 -
A daylily called Origami Angel (Ida’s Magic X Wedding
Band – Carr 1997) http://www.pottingshed.org/plants/daylilies/origamiangel.htm
A columbine variety that is called origami was reported
on in March 2004. http://www.pallensmith.com/newsletter/2004/news_031904a.htm
Origami floating crane candles http://www.genwax.com/candle_groups/___0___origamicranes.htm
Porcelain crane chopstick rests http://www.japanesegifts.com/adishes4.asp
“TWIN
Origami - nomen est omen. The name given to the Japanese art of paper folding
has not been chosen by chance. Origami is synonymous for the production method
used for this knife which is made from one single piece of stainless steel. A
new procedure of folding the steel has been specifically developed by ZWILLING
J.A. HENCKELS. Origami raises associations. Most of all with the high demands in
the Far East applied to good knives which correspond nicely with ZWILLING J.A.
HENCKELS own strict quality requirements: perfect cutting properties provided by
sharp blades. Associations also with its intended use Origami is at its best in
the Asian cuisine for which it was designed and where it lives up to the highest
demands.” http://www.zwilling.com/country/ww/language/en/sql/kapitel/details/319/seiten/0
A 2004 calendar featuring the cartoon character Bon Bon, a French-Japanese jetset teen. On the cover of the calendar, the Bon Bon's bag is decorated with the silhouette of a peace crane.
Midi Moto pocketbike by Blata called “Origami B1”. It
weighs 66 pounds, stands about 2 feet tall, and goes up to 50 mph.
The N.Y. Times 6/12/90: "Old pleat making patterns made from folded cardboard with the delicacy and elaboration of origami sculptures." The illustration really looks like origami.
Bed in a Bag makes a set of sheets called “Origami” -
Inspired by the intricate art of folding paper, this Bed-in-a-Bag set features a
beautiful cheery colorful floral pattern. The set includes a comforter, sham,
and 200 thread count sheets.
A serving tray was spotted on ebay with an origami sailboat
design - Made in Great Britain in Worcester.
Tommy Bahama has a line of handbags called “Origami”
–
Nine West markets a shoe called “Origami 2”. Nordstroms
website carries the shoe also http://store.nordstrom.com/product/product_brandboutique.asp?styleid=2830150&boutique=jeans_for_her&category=2376776~2374327~2376057~2379538&NextStyleID=2831477&PrevStyleID=2841823
The Henry Link Trading Company has a wicker bar and set of
bar stools called “Origami” http://www.lexington.com/ProductDetail.cfm?collection=73&room=0&furntype=0&nam_key=32556
Garnet Hill, 8/2004, was selling a set of flannel
sheets, pillowcases, and comforter cover with a print of origami cranes on a
blue sky background.
BG's Designs offers appliquéd bath and hand towels in
various Asian and American designs, including an origami crane! http://www.bgsjapanesedesigns.com/
Novica, a National Geographic sponsored company that
provides an outlet for handmade products from around the world, has several
origami products for sale from Brazilian artist Sandra Gullino. The items
include mobiles and spiral stars. http://www.novica.com/search/searchresults.cfm?searchtype=quick&txt=1®ionid=1&from=3&keyword=origami
In December 2004, the giftshop of the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia carried metal Christmas tree ornaments in shape of the folded Swedish [aka Moravian...] Star.
Andy
Lambert, Bill Gibson, and Mike Vitmvas market a product called Memory
Cross as a way for kids to memorize Bible verses. Basically a flexagon with four
folding panels, the act of flipping the paper to reveal the four faces keeps
kids interested while presenting verses is four smaller parts that aids
memorization. http://www.memorycross.com
Summer 2005 - Staples office supply chain put different
folded and cut paper models on their Staples-branded products. The Staples
models were folded by Wensday Whitehead.
In
the Sahalie summer 2005 sale catalog, page 10, is Folding Camp China.
"Camp China: if you build it, they will eat. These foldable,
flattenable cups, plates and bowls are just the thing for
travelers/backpackers/tailgaters or anyone looking to save space and weight.
Just fold on the creases, snap together, and presto-changeo: instant origami
dinnerware! Leave one corner open for a pour spout; leave an item flat and it's
a cutting board. Made from food-grade plastic, each piece is unbreakable and
lighter than titanium. Suitable for hot or cold contents. Each set contains 2
cups, 2 bowls and 2 plates. Imported. $26.00" http://www.sahalie.com/
http://www.sahalie.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=3629&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=31&iSubCat=17&iProductID=3629
The folding dinnerware above apparently is made by a
company called Orikaso, whose motto is "Smaller, Lighter, Better". http://www.orikaso.com/
On page 14 of the Spring 2005 Apparel Collection of Birds & Blooms is a feature called "How to Make Newspaper Planting Cups". It uses a 7 inch square of four layers of newspaper, folded into thirds in both directions. Angle fold each corner and staple. The entire cup can be planted when seedlings are ready, and the newspaper will break down on its own (but the staples won't).
"Osman Can Ozcanli of
Inventables Wins IDEA Award
Ancient Art of Origami meets E-paper winning a Bronze at the Industrial
Design Excellence Awards
Inventables, where world's most provocative technologies funnel and meet the
technology visionaries of the world, recently released its latest concept - The
Origami DVD Player." The screen uses colored e-paper that is folded
up when the player is closed, but opens to a large screen http://www.dexigner.com/directory/detail/5514/
Industrial Origami, LLC
("IOI") has patented a new method for designing and manufacturing with
sheet materials which dramatically improves the profitability, timing and
precision of manufacturing. Products include electrical junction boxes, 1U
server chassis, jack stands, x beam, DVR enclosure, etc. The patented process
involves stamping smile shaped cuts into the sheet metal along the fold
lines. http://www.industrialorigami.com/home.cfm
The Fossil Watch Outlet at Potomac Mills, Woodbridge, Virginia carried 3 1/4" square watch tins with origami designs: Barking Dog, Penguin, Dragonfly, and Owl. The cans show a "Fossil registered TM 2004." Folding instructions are on the four sides of the tins. Without watches, the tins were $4.99 each.
A lamp called "Aperture" that is being sold by Habitat
is made of paper modules folded like a 6-sided twist tato. The description
states, "Graphic eye-catching pendant light modelled on the typical
cholocate box design. Each box can be open or closed. When open each box gives a
star shaped replection onto your walls. For maximal visual impact, you should
dsiplay them all closed or all open at a time. 100% matt paper. http://www.habitat.net/uk/main_uk.htm
(then search for "Aperture".
Origami Lampshade http://www.richardsweeney.co.uk/facet[3].htm
Origami as a verb: Daimler-Chrysler may be bringing
the micro-class Smart cars to the USA. The cars are 8 feet long and get 60 MPG.
An article on the CNN Money website describes the "Fortwo" model -
"The Fortwo, nearly 4 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper, looks precisely like
the sort of vehicle into which Ed Begley Jr. would origami his gangly frame."
http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/27/magazines/business2/smartcar.biz2/index.htm?cnn=yes
This kit
includes components to make two electric paper plane launchers - ideal for
exploring different paper plane designs. The rubber discs spin at high speed and
will launch a paper plane at up to 50km/h. http://www.mutr.co.uk/prodDetail.aspx?prodID=991
The Origanimals Collection by Diana Eng includes four restaurant-quality
fabric dinner napkins with color-coded stitching to enable the user to easily
make the origami folds in sequence. A button then holds folds in place. The
animals include a snail with a shell that rolls up, a peacock with feathers that
spread out, a rabbit with ears that twist open, and a bear that takes shape like
the folding of a book. http://www.realmdekor.com/products/origami/origanimal_Diana_Eng_origami.html
"This cleverly named Sharp Pencil Quality TV is a set of the DIY
variety. Although its screen is only 2-inches across, the screen resolution can
be as precise as your pencils are sharp. It supports premade Video-On-Pulp
scrolls for Kill Bill Volume 1, Dirty Harry, and Dr. Strangelove. Pencils and
paper not included. http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/working-origami-tv-209579.php
http://www.stane-island.net/pencilTV/pencilTV.html
11/14/2006 - http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/best-of/ecomodo--the-best-of-treehugger-214604.php
"Yeah, the Jimi Wallet is an acquired taste, with its limited credit or
identification card capacity and near origami-like folding required to coax cash
into it, but we're happy to say that we've acquired the taste for the 100%
recycled plastic wallet." http://www.thejimi.com/
Under development is The Open Source Solar Powered Cooking & Canning Project. The final design for the cooker is to be lightweight, inexpensive, and made from recycled sources. The prototype is assembled from separate pieces, but the plans are to make it easy to assemble and disassemble, possibly by having it fold into shape: http://unitedartistsway.com/Solar/SolarCookerProject.html
The Holiday 2006 catalog for Viva Terra porcelain origami bird ornaments -set
of 4 swallows or set of 4 cranes. http://www.vivaterra.com/pls/enetrixp/!stmenu_template.main?complex_id_in=482007.484184.486182.1065378.page
http://www.vivaterra.com
A peace dove card displayed here: http://mocoloco.com/archives/000716.php
A review of the Jaguar XK8 titled "A date with Kate" 11/18/06 - "While the fabric hood lacks the solid folding origami ballet of a multi-piece steel roof, it folds flat under a solid tonneau and the Jaguar convertible looks as good top down as the curvy coupe does. Lovely." http://www.stuff.co.nz:80/stuff/3903769a2021.html
CafePress is one of a number of businesses that allow anyone with a piece of digital artwork to create a "storefront" selling various products with that artwork on it. You provide the art, they do all the order processing, production and fulfillment for a percentage of sales. Their "basic" shop lets you sell up to 80 different items with your artwork on it. There are a number of origami related http://www.cafepress.com/buy/Origami
Origami is a small, easy to build and inexpensive folding dinghy. It folds up
in just a couple of minutes, weighs about 26 pounds, and can be folded and
stowed on deck or lashed to the rails. There are two rowlock positions for oars,
or the dinghy can be powered with a small outboard motor. Plans are offered for
a 6 foot ($48) and 8 foot ($54) version, with suggestions for optional
improvements and upgrades, or as a kit with pre-cut parts. A sailing version is
also available. Capacity is 350 pounds (2 adults). It does not appear
to be something for rough water, but meant to get from a larger boat to land in
a calm harbor. http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/origami/dinghy/index.htm#Videos http://www.woodenwidget.com:80/
http://www.fyneboatkits.com/trolleyed/4/98/index.htm
United States Patent 6237845, "Paper container and method for manufacturing the same" filed by Masaru Hashimoto, Akira Nagashima, Jun Maekawa, and Tomoko Fuse on September 23, 1999. http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6237845.html http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=6237845.PN.&OS=PN/6237845&RS=PN/6237845
Home Depot stores advertised the Lithonia 22" Origami fluorescent
ceiling light fixture... only $79.97.
This web page is devoted to an obscure subject in the history of technology: the manufacture of full size boats from paper during the later half of the 19th century. http://kcupery.home.isp-direct.com/
2/4/2007 - A group of people at "Die Sendung mit der Maus" folded a
paper (actually a special type of foil) boat large enough for one person to go
floating down the Rhine river. The video podcast is here: http://www.wdrmaus.de/service/podcast/?lang=de
http://medien.wdr.de/download/1160902838/maus/maus_20070204.mp4
A "Peace Miko Mobile" was potted 2/2007 in the Isabella catalog.
The description states: "Youthful and powerful, Mikos were once regarded as
shamans of the Shinto religion in ancient Japan. They had the responsibility of
conveying the messages of the gods to their people and for many thousands of
years they linked their people to the spirit world. In this striking wire
mobile, the message being proffered is clear, simple, and unavoidable: Peace.
Bearing three exquisite little origami peace cranes trailing in the wind, this
Miko is a joyous standard bearer for peace. Envisioning an end to violence and
the terrible sadness it leaves in its wake is more important than ever in our
troubled and chaotic era. This timeless and beautiful decoration is a vital
reminder to become the change we seek and to resist the deceitful siren song of
apathy and ignorance. A new era is possible, and it starts when together we make
our dreams of peace a reality. The papier mache Miko figure is clothed in
fabric, which may vary slightly in shading." http://www.isabellacatalog.com/prod.cfm/pgc/21500/sbc/21503/inv/7901?bhcp=1
February 22, 2007, "[Mazda] MX-5 twists into a hardtop" By Dave Leggett in the Waikato Times. "Origami is a Japanese artform. You take a piece of flat paper and fold it a number of times in a special way. Suddenly you've created a flower, a dove or a star. Mazda do their own origami with the latest version of the MX-5. They've used the same principles to twist and turn a three-piece hardtop into a package that can be stowed away behind the rear seats of the classic roadster." http://www.stuff.co.nz:80/stuff/waikatotimes/3970830a14116.html
The Museum of Appalachia in Norris, Tennessee, has a rug made from cigarette packaging. A picture shows the whole rug made of over 32,000 pieces of paper. The actual one on display is small rug and is made like the gum wrapper strips modulars.
The 2006 Annual Review of the Forest Products Association of Canada features a number of origami illustrations by Joseph Wu, including a bar chart, a container ship, a scientist, a duck in flight, a hydro tower,and a picture frame. http://www.fpac.ca/en/who_we_are/pdfs/Publications/FPA-8934_Annual_E_FINAL.pdf
The Apple web site lists: "Apple Gift Packaging (origami style gift box with ribbon and greeting card)." It is folded from one sheet of paper, no cut, no glue, but not square. http://www.apple.com/jp/store/wrapping/
Sierra Designs has three different tarps that can be used with a hiking pole
or included telescoping pole (for a center support) and stakes to make
lightweight tent. The Origami 2 is a 3-season, 2-person model, the Origami 2 UL
is also 3-season, 2-person model, and the Origami 4 is a 3-season, 4-person
model. Pitch the five-equilateral-triangle design tall for a smaller footprint
and more headroom, or pull the perimeter stakes out wider to accommodate more
sleepers. http://www.sierradesigns.com/tents.tarps.php
See some possible configurations
The Origami Macro Studio provides instructions for folding a mini-studio for
photographing small objects. http://www.diyphotography.net:80/the_origami_studio_an_extrapolation_to_the_2cent_macro_studio
May 2007 - This isn't a real product (yet), but Nokia has a concept phone
called the Scentsory that employs customizable scent specifications that let you
actually smell callers. It also has an origami-like fold-up design using what
appears to be a nearly transparent material. http://blog.scifi.com:80/tech/archives/2007/05/21/whats_that_i_sm.html
The A-bike, invented by Sir Clive Sinclair, is a light-weight, folding bike.
The flash video on the website features an origami crane that folds and unfolds.
You can just make out the crane in the lower left of the clip below. http://www.a-bike.co.uk
June 2007 - The Royal Parks Foundation in London has a fundraiser in which
they invite various artists to design a canvas deckchair as a fundraiser. Robert
Lang provided a design, which was a folding sequence for a finch, rendered onto
the canvas. http://www.deckchairdreams.org/index.htm
http://www.deckchairdreams.org/collection3.htm
June 2007 - A bath plug with an origami boat made from a rubberised map
of the world. The boat's anchor is the bath plug. http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/lifestyle-home/brilliant-bathroom/marina-bath-plug/index.html
June 2007 - "polyrap wastepaper bin A colourful waste
paper bin with an origami inspired design. polyrap comes in a wide selection of
colours to suit any interior. We have cleverly designed this bin so you don't
need a bin liner, because it can quickly be unfold, wiped clean and
refolded." http://www.bluemarmalade.co.uk/en/products-polyrap.htm
Z-CARD North America produces custom folded pocket media in formats that they
call z-format, k-format, c-format, m-format, and n-format for the various ways
that these cards can be folded, typically transforming a map, reference card, or
advertisement into a credit card sized packet. http://www.zcardna.com/default.asp
Another company producing folded maps using a different design is VanDam and
the UNFOLDS series. Jeff Rutzky reports that it is basically a variation on a
old Dutch design (from Eric Kenneway's book). http://www.vandam.com/main.html The
patent information is here - http://www.google.com/patents?id=KjU9AAAAEBAJ&dq=stephan+vandam
The Northeim firm Hannecke Display Systeme's CUT'N FOLD® line uses and
internationally patented process for folding thermoplastic sheet material into
three-dimensional bodies creating Origami plexiglass. Company founder and
manager Wolf-Dietrich Hannecke commissioned the Frauenhofer Institute to find
the optimal heat and ideal heating process for the Plexiglas fold-lines.
Ultimately the ideal solution was discovered in the company's own ranks, helped
by the experience of Hannecke staff member, Dr. Stefan Delecat, who, as an
origami expert himself, has been experimenting with paper folding for several
years. "The new method of folding along calculated curves," according
to Dr. Delecat "had previously received little attention in paper origami
and it was only a few years that it began to rouse greater interest. The fact
that CUT'N FOLD® now enables ideas for folding such as these to be realized
instantly in Plexiglas gives me the opportunity to incorporate my own ideas in
the production of everyday products." To
date lights, furniture, displays and accessories have been created using the
process. There are plans for products such as showcases, covers, room
partitions, sound-proofing and camouflage, and trade fair and shop components,
as well as applications in the construction sector such as rain shelters for bus
stops. http://download.stylepark.com:80/mw/materialworks_news_06_07_en.html
http://www.cutnfold.de/ http://www.hannecke.de/
The text for the Miracle Blanket states, "We have all had our wrestling
matches with blankets, trying to swaddle our babies for the first time in what
seems to be an endless origami project, haven't we? This blanket will make that
experience a whole lot easier." http://www.babygadget.net/2007/09/miracle_blanket.php
Hana-kuruma Flower Wheel incense container. "Colorful Origami paper
container designed by a Shoyeido"s master blender. Perfect for hanging in
the car or closet. An ideal gift." http://www.shoyeido.com/4DLink/4DCGI/0235643014%5EPRODUCTDETAIL%5E36401
A brand of tissues in India is called "Origami Tissues".
The Nether Wallop Trading Company has a product called "Paper
Potter" that turns newspaper into bio-degradable sowing and seeding pots. http://www.netherwalloptrading.com/item/?product=PaperPotter
November 2007 - Shown at 100% Design Tokyo was a "Sheet Mild Steel
Chair" by Max Lamb constructed of origami like folded 18 gauge Corten
steel. Also a Pendant Lamp by Alain Jost with a molded silicone rubber lamp
shade that is reminiscent of the cut paper Chinese lanterns.
Katsura Origami Bag by Reiko Sudo is made using a patented process which
emulates the Japanese art of folding paper by permanently hand-pleating fabric,
this exceptional tote travels flat, but expands to hold your daily essentials.
Made of polyester, dyed in complementary rich red hues. Dry clean only.
Available from the Museum of Modern Art http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Katsura%20Origami%20Bag_10451_10001_43921?promoCode=6H101
Tyvek®Wallet by Terrence Kelleman is made from a single piece of strong,
moisture-resistant Tyvek® with a simple folding system that eliminates the need
for seams and stitching. The wallet includes three pockets and a secret storage
area and is printed with images of currency. Made from 25% post-consumer
recycled content, they are environmentally friendly and can be recycled.
Available from the Museum of Modern Art http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Tyvek%20Wallet_10451_10001_19971?promoCode=6H101
Cranes folded from polymer clay - durable and very colorful - http://www.moms-studio.com/index.html
A T-shirt by Glenn Jones featuring an origami human in a "karate
kid" pose between 2 origami cranes. http://www.threadless.com/product/1055/Paper_Cranes
December 2007 on IndianTelevision.com - "MUMBAI: Origami Creative Concepts has set up operations in Dubai. Origami has bought a majority stake in Creation Gulf, a two-year old creative boutique en route to offering its own brand of creative communication services to the Dubai market." http://www.indiantelevision.com:80/mam/headlines/y2k7/dec/decmam53.php
January 2008 - "Just Plane Fun Valentines" from Current. "each
of these valentine card folds into a jet glider! Set of 24 kids' valentines
includes 12 each of 2 airplane designs with instructions, sticker seals, and
mailable envelopes." http://www.currentcatalog.com/087210.html
January 2008 - The RoboScooter is a prototype electric scooter from MIT and
Taiwanese scooter manufacturer SYM. The tiny, fold up moto
has only 150 parts compared to 1,000+ for a gas scooter. The origami-inspired
design is made possible by putting motors inside the wheels, which eliminates a
bulky drive train, and allows it to fold down to the size of a suitcase.
January 2008 - Bang & Olufsen "crystal-clear, sonorous headphones with enough oomph to fold your ears into neat origami swans." http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/2559/
tpod - The paper tag on the tea bag unfolds to an origami boat that floats in
the tea as the bag steeps. Keeps you from losing the tag in the hot tea. http://www.soos.cc/tpod.html
http://swissmiss.typepad.com/weblog/2008/01/tpod.html
A do-it-yourself project for a tato-type CD holder - http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Spiral-Data-Tato----A-Curiously-Complex-Origam/
February 2008 - From Etsy - The Origami iPod pouch is case is made from 4mm
foam and has no glue or stitching whatsoever. It's held together with
"traditional origami technique." http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8929253
February 2008 - The Origami Wallet is made out of 4mm foam folded on itself
without any glue.It's held together with "traditional origami
technique." http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8997733
March 2008 - Salvatore Ferragamo 'Origami Kid Air
Satchel' - Ferragamo gives it a twist with two folded down corners like the
beginnings of a Japanese crane made out of paper. http://ferragamo.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod4440004&parentId=cat8602&masterId=cat8201&cmCat=cat000000cat101cat8201cat8602&index=0&tid=C9
The MoMA Design Store carries a clutch purses woven
from candy wrappers and recycled magazines. The clutch requires 700 candy
wrappers or strips of magazine pages and one and a half days to make. http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Candy%20Wrapper%20Clutch_10451_10001_43861
http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Recycled%20Magazine%20Clutch_10451_10001_47163
April 2008 - Tensol Origami: The Origami has machines with folding lengths sheet metal of four metres, six metres, eight metres, 10 meters, 12 metres and 14 metres, as well as customised lengths for the occasional specific need. This wear-proof, long life folding machine has a hardened reinforcement bar suitable for folding materials, which exceed the hardness of standard steels. http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Reed-Exhibitions/Maxitec-to-exhibit-products-at-Reed-Exhibitions-NMW-2008-n740104
April 2008 - Designer Oksana Bazanova has created
crockery pieces that are purchased as flat sheets of waterproof paper and folded
by the user on an as need basis. This product is currently just a concept - not
yet being marketed.
Meijer "Personal Gift
Cards" in $10, $25, $50, and $100 denominations feature four different
moneygami images:
$10 Squirrel, $25 two Swans, $50 Armadillo (designed by Jim Cowling?),
$100 Peacock (designed by Robert Lang?). http://www.meijer.com/gifts/details.jsp?type=personal
May 13, 2008 in Mobile Magazine, "Packet Concept
Phone Folds Up, Inspired by Origami" by Michael Kwan. Designed by Emir
Rafat, the Packet phone starts as a 5cmx5cm square. Open the first flap for a
basic color display. Flip open the bottom section to reveal the numeric keypad.
Open up the sides for the alpha keypads. The center section seems to provide
directional scrolling or perhaps game pad functionality. Each of the squares is
touch-sensitive. This is still a design concept, not (yet) a real product. http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/340/C15296/
June 10, 2008, "Q&A with Chris Bangle of
BMW" by Nargess Shahmanesh-Banks. "Also, the team worked with an
origami master to explore ways of giving metal the origami treatment. In the
Mille Miglia concept interior, for example, we have created a 3D structure from
2D sheets using special laser cutting and folding processes." http://www.wallpaper.com:80/cars/qa-with-chris-bangle-of-bmw/2441
faltwerk produces a variety of flexagon / flexicube type
shapes for marketing purposes. The shapes include cubes, cans, rings, crystals,
and prisms. Manipulating the shapes changes the visible area allowing multiple
promotional messages. http://www.faltwerk.com/
June 2008 - A folding paper "briefcase" called
Pli - http://www.vouwkoffer.nl/
