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Money origami combines the Japanese art of paper folding with American currency. With some bills, some precision, and a bit of patience, you can create exquisite works of art simply by folding paper. Want to learn how? Getting started is easy.

1. The right materials

The great thing about money origami is that you don't need lots of tools and materials to do it right. You just need your hands and some dollar bills. Crisp bills tend to hold a crease better than older dollars, but you can make do with almost any bill. Try to find some that don't have many cuts or tears. You can use a flat object, like a chopstick or popsicle stick, to better flatten your folds.

2. Start simple

Start with some very basic shapes, like stars or hearts, before moving onto more intricate designs.

3. Watch and learn

If you're a visual learner, check out some videos on YouTube. There are some helpful video tutorials to assist with some basic designs. Or, check out the Internet for more examples of shapes you can make with money origami.

4. Know the lingo

As you attempt more complex and ambitious projects, you start to pick up more and more terms for different types of folds. In the beginning, the main two terms you need to know are valley fold and mountain fold. A valley fold involves doubling the dollar in on itself so you create a valley. A mountain fold involves creasing the dollar away from yourself, creating a mountain-like shape. Eventually, petal folds, rabbit ear folds, inside reverse, outside reverse and crimps will be second nature.

5. Patience, patience, patience

The art of origami can at times be very frustrating. Following the directions from a design are sometimes unclear, especially further along in the project where you have so many layers of corners and folds that it becomes a challenge just keeping up. If something clearly isn't working, undo it and try it again from a different angle.

6. Take a class

Oftentimes, the best way to learn something new is to find a teacher. Online tutorials are excellent, but they don't respond when you have a question, or notice if you're struggling with a core concept. Check your community listings for any origami classes.

With some time and patience, you'll have mastered a new skill and creating beautiful works of money origami art. You might have to start simple, but you can work up to that elephant in no time.

If you’ve never been to this world-class museum, a closer look at its history and art collection might be just what you need. Here are some interesting facts about the world-renowned Institute of Contemporary Art.

ICA Boston – A Brief History

In 1936, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston was known to the public as the Boston Museum of Modern Art. Nathaniel Saltonstall, its first president, referred to it as an offspring of the equally notable Museum of Modern Art. During its first year, it showcased the work of Paul Gauguin and held the Modern Art Ball to raise extra funds. After a year, the museum finally moved to its first self-administered space at Newbury Street.

The Institute of Contemporary Art also organized exhibits that showcased Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” Milton Avery’s first retrospective and Wassily Kandisky’s works that have never been seen in the United States. In 1996, Andy Warhol organized another exhibit that features portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy. This same year, The Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol also staged a performance entitled “Exploding Plastic Inevitable.”

In 2006, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston finally moved to its 65,000 sq. ft. building on Fan Pier. After the big move, it also started to acquire a permanent collection of popular artworks. It even hosted a premier of dance performances by the Bill T. Jones/Amie Zane Dance Company and the Mark Morris Dance Group.

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston also organized an exhibit that showcased Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” Image courtesy of Flickr.

Art Exhibits and Live Performances

Today, ICA Boston continues to present the most significant forms of contemporary art to local and international audiences. It has a multi-faceted exhibition program, which includes the “Momentum Series.” It features the work of emerging artists through a series of events like the Sandra and Gerald Fineberg Art Wall and the James and Audrey Foster Prize. Its biggest exhibition space, the West Gallery, also featured the works of critically acclaimed artists like Anish Kapoor and Tara Donovan.

Whether you bought a new home in Boston or you just decided to stay in the city for a day or two, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston is certainly worth visiting. Its ability to share the joys of provocation, reflection and inspiration through contemporary art will effortlessly stir powerful emotions you’ve never felt before.

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Most of us probably couldn’t even count the number of times we’ve received a birthday or holiday card with some crisp five, ten or twenty dollar bills tucked inside. It’s a welcome surprise, but why not spice it up a little? With effort and some patience, you can transform a gift standard into something that really surprises. The best way to do that is with money origami.

Ancient traditions in the modern age

Origami, which translates to “folding paper” in Japanese, has been practiced since the 17th century. There are classes, books, and tutorials that are dedicated to this ancient practice, and one of the newest branches is money origami, the art of folding paper into details shapes and creatures. The practice is a rewarding one, and it takes a fair amount of time and patience to nail down the skills. Celebrate a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or the 12 Days of Christmas with Money Origami.

Make a strong impression with money origami

If you take the time to fold your bill into a heart or elephant or rose, you’ll surely impress the recipient. They’ll remember that you took the time to craft something special just for them instead of simply tossing a few twenties into a Hallmark card. If the money is part of a business transaction, this could have huge implications. In the same way that sending a handwritten thank you note after a job interview increases your chances of getting the job, same goes for spending a little extra time with money origami. Things like that stand out in the business world, and there’s a good chance that it could lead to a stronger business relationship.

A gift of time and money

We often feel guilty just sending someone money as a gift, since it can feel a little impersonal. Money origami helps elevate the cash gift to another level. The recipient will tell that you spent some time and work on their gift, and they’ll appreciate that. Especially in the age of quick conveniences when most people are emailing birthday cards or writing a quick message on Facebook, a money origami gift harkens back to a time where people spent time and effort actually making things for other people.

By sending a money origami gift, the recipient won’t forget that you took the time and effort to create something truly original, memorable, and thoughtful. No matter if it’s a business, birthday, or holiday gift, money origami is perfect for the occasion.

Here are two of the most popular television shows that can keep you up-to-date with the hottest celebrity news.

Together with Mark Steines, Nancy O’Dell became the primary host of Entertainment Tonight when Mary Hart left the show. Image courtesy of Flickr.

Following the Lives of Your Favorite Stars

Entertainment Tonight, a tabloid television show syndicated by CBS throughout Canada, United States and other countries give viewers their daily dose of showbiz news. It claims to be the most watched news magazine in the world, which probably explains why it has become one of the longest-running entertainment programs on TV. From 1982 to 2011, Mary Hart was its primary anchor, but Nancy O’Dell and Mark Steines eventually took her place when she decided to leave the show.

To celebrate its 30th season, the executive producer of Entertainment Tonight decided to renew its format. On 2008, it started airing celebrity gossip in high-definition. The program also moved from Paramount Pictures to the CBS Studio Center to signal its transfer to CBS Television. Today, Entertainment Tonight airs half an hour of entertainment news that includes “The Insider,” a rather interesting spin-off. It also has a one-hour weekend edition, which originally summarizes the entire week’s entertainment news.

Staying on the Loop with E Entertainment

E! Entertainment Television is a network managed by NBC Universal. It features shows that range from reality television, feature films and entertainment-related programs. E! has an audience reach of over 600 million homes worldwide and 88 million cable viewers in the United States alone. It continues to attract both the young and the old, due to its widening coverage of contemporary film, celebrity-industrial complex, celebrity gossip and other entertaining topics.

E Entertainment Television broadcasts “E! News,” one of the leading entertainment news programs in the United States. This weekday program features the latest news about celebrities, as well as fresh updates about the television, music and movie industry. Since the day it was launched, it has already been broadcasted in various areas. There was also a time when several episodes of E! Entertainment were aired live. Giuliana Rancic and Ryan Seacrest have been its hosts since 2006.

Entertainment Tonight and E Entertainment Television are two of the best cable programs that deal with the latest celebrity news and updates. Both of these channels have been around for a long time, so you have no reason to doubt their credibility.