The Origami Forum

i like to make the lotus and snail because theyre pleasing to fold, and the turtle from waterbomb base because it' sentimental

I would say it's probably the Star Box, the first thing I ever folded. It has a simple enough folding sequence, it looks nice when completed, and the last step is interesting (for lack of a better word).

the collapseable box was one of my favorites

Samaurai Helmet is my favourite I think. I really like cranes too.

To me, you just can't beat the crane. It's beautiful in its geometric simplicity, and symbolic as well. The samurai helmet is also up there, and the lily. Though I got a bit burned out on the lily when I had to fold some 30 of them from large, thick paper for a window display.

Chinese Junk, or Treasure ship, depending on which book it's in.

I'm as fascinated by intermediate, high intermediate and complex models as the next guy, but I believe that the question related to traditional models .
A fairly good collection may be seen here :
http://www.giladorigami.com/SW_traditional.html
That being said, I used to enjoy making mazu boxes, flapping bird and the iris .