Dollar Bill Origami

Origami enthusiasts find it particularly enjoyable and challenging to create models from dollar bills rather than traditional origami paper. This book by origami expert John Montroll, with several contributors, explains how to make 37 figures and objects by folding money.

Step-by-step instructions and clear diagrams show paper folders at all levels of expertise how to fashion everything from common objects such as a house with a chimney to inspired plants, birds, and other animals. A swan and boat should be easy for beginners. A windmill, peacock, pelican, and tree will suit the skills of intermediate-level hobbyists; while an alligator, a flower, and a bison should prove to be no problem for advanced practitioners of this age-old art.

Step-by-step instructions and clear diagrams show paper folders at all levels of expertise how to fashion 37 origami models from dollar bills. Beginners will enjoy making a boat and a butterfly. Windmills and peacocks will suit intermediate-level hobbyists. An alligator and bison should prove no problem for advanced paper folders.

Clear instructions and diagrams for creating more than 37 models from paper money! Projects include a boat for beginners, peacocks for those with intermediate-level skills, and an elaborate flower for advanced crafters.

Internationally renowned author John Montroll has significantly increased the origami repertoire with his original designs. Best known as the inspiration behind the single-square, no-cuts, no-glue approach, the American origami master offers readers meticulously developed folding sequences that allow them to create better models with fewer steps.

5 Questions with John Montroll: An Exclusive Dover Interview

We sat down with Mr. Montroll to discuss his influences, the impact of math on origami, and what he sees for the future of the artform.

How did you first get interested in origami and what were your influences?

I was four when a Japanese neighbor taught me origami. At six, I had some books, showing the Japanese style.

Where do you find the inspiration for your original models?

The models in the books were made by folding, cutting, using multiple sheets, and sometimes from non-square paper. I wanted to make origami where each model could be folded from a single uncut square so I had to make them up. Since I started as a child, "creating" was natural. Whatever I wanted to fold, I would make up. There was nothing great about my models, but I enjoyed exploring and found there was no end. In time, my work evolved as I discovered more techniques, and also philosophies, in the quality of origami. Now I can say that developing new, theme-related ideas and writing books gives me inspiration.

Do you think that there is a strong relationship between origami and mathematics?

Yes. There is much math — geometry, algebra, trigonometry, etc. — in the structure of folding which can be used to develop and control the folding methods and designs. Math is especially used in my Dover books Origami and Math and Classic Polyhedra Origami. Still, math is not essential and there are many aspects of origami that do not use math. Even if math was used in the design of a model, the folder need not understand it.

As a teacher, do you integrate origami into your lesson plans?

As a math teacher, I can say students love doing origami! Sometimes, if my students finish their class work early, I let them fold from my books. Or we have some days, such as before vacations, where we do origami. But I will admit that I do not use origami as part of the math lesson!

What new directions do you think the art of origami will be taking in the future?

In the past few decades, origami has made huge developments in many directions. More people are involved, more ideas have been explored, all with more styles and techniques. The future will reveal newer directions for more people to explore and find their particular interest.

Bonus Question!

Do you have a favorite Dover book?

I actually have two favorites, both by Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas, Volume I and Complete Piano Sonatas, Volume. II. I enjoy playing his work and these books are well tattered!