Have you ever made your own origami? Origami, or the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures, is a fun hobby for all ages and one I enjoy sharing with my grandkids! While creating art from a regular piece of paper may seem daunting, it is easy and surprisingly fulfilling, which is why I recommend trying it.
Here is all you need to know about the world of origami and why I think it is the perfect activity for grandmas and their grands:
Origami Projects for Beginners
Origami projects range from simple to complex, but here are two beginner-friendly designs that can be enjoyed by grandparents and grandkids alike.
- Origami Boat
Materials needed: A square piece of paper.
- Step 1: Start with a rectangle (if you have a square piece of paper, make it a rectangle by folding it in half).
- Step 2: Fold the paper in half again, long side to long side (hot dog style).
- Step 3: Unfold the previous fold. Then fold both long edges to the center crease.
- Step 4: Fold it in half again (the same way you did in Step 2).
- Step 5: Grab the two ends and pull them apart. It will open up and flatten to a diamond shape.
- Step 6: Fold the bottom point of the diamond up to the top point.
- Step 7: Like step 5, grab the two ends and pull them apart. The boat shape should now form.
- Origami Jumping Frog
Materials needed: A square piece of paper.
- Step 1: Begin with a square piece of paper. Fold it in half to make a rectangle, then unfold it.
- Step 2: Fold the paper in half the other way.
- Step 3: Fold the paper diagonally, corner to corner, then unfold.
- Step 4: Fold it diagonally the other way, then unfold it. You should now have many intersecting lines in the center of your paper.
- Step 5: Push the sides in and collapse along the existing creases to form a triangle, known as a “waterbomb base.”
- Step 6: Fold the bottom corners of the triangle to meet at the top.
- Step 7: Fold the bottom corners to meet in the middle.
- Step 8: Fold the bottom part of the model upward, tucking it in under the flaps.
- Step 9: Fold the model in half so that the legs are on one side and the head is on the other.
- Step 10: Make two folds to create “back legs” that will allow the frog to jump. Your frog is now ready to leap!
- Origami Dog Face
Materials needed: A square piece of paper.
- Step 1: Begin with a square piece of paper. Fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle.
- Step 2: Fold the top of the triangle down towards the base. This forms the dog’s snout.
- Step 3: Fold the corners of the base up to form the ears.
- Step 4: Draw the eyes and nose to finish your dog face.
- Origami Butterfly
Materials needed: A square piece of paper.
- Step 1: Begin with a square piece of paper. Fold it in half diagonally and then unfold it.
- Step 2: Fold the paper diagonally the other way and then unfold it.
- Step 3: Fold the paper in half, top to bottom, and unfold.
- Step 4: Fold the paper in half, side to side, and then unfold.
- Step 5: Using the creases as guides, collapse the paper into a small square shape. This is known as a square base in origami.
- Step 6: Fold the lower edges of the front and back layers towards the center and then unfold.
- Step 7: Fold the top triangle down and then unfold.
- Step 8: Lift the top layer upwards while folding the sides inwards. Flatten to finish this step.
- Step 9: Flip over and repeat steps 6 to 8.
- Step 10: Fold the lower edges to the center and unfold.
- Step 11: Fold the top triangle down and then unfold.
- Step 12: Lift the top layer upwards while folding the sides inwards. Flatten to finish this step.
- Step 13: Fold the top points of the front and back layers down to form the upper part of the butterfly’s wings.
- Step 14: Fold the butterfly in half, then unfold it to create a crease down the center of the body.
- Step 15: Fold the butterfly’s body slightly to one side along the crease you just made to give it a 3D effect.
- Origami Tulip
Materials needed: Two square pieces of paper, one for the flower and one for the stem.
For the flower:
- Step 1: Fold the paper in half diagonally and unfold.
- Step 2: Fold the paper diagonally the other way and then unfold it.
- Step 3: Using the creases as guides, collapse the paper into a small square shape.
- Step 4: Fold the lower edges of the front layer towards the center and then unfold.
- Step 5: Fold the top down and then unfold.
- Step 6: Lift the top layer upwards while folding the sides inwards. Flatten to finish this step.
- Step 7: Fold in the remaining flaps on both sides, and you have your tulip head.
For the stem:
- Step 1: Fold the paper in half, bottom to top.
- Step 2: Fold the paper in half, left to right.
- Step 3: Open the bottom part of the paper, bringing the left and right corners to meet at the top. You now have a triangle shape.
- Step 4: Fold the right side of the triangle to align with the center.
- Step 5: Do the same with the left side.
- Step 6: Fold the bottom point of the model upwards.
- Step 7: Finally, insert the tulip head into the top of the stem.
Tips for Age-Appropriate Designs and Materials
- For very young children, consider using larger, more durable paper that can withstand rough handling. Simple projects like the boat or a basic bird are great starting points.
- Older children may enjoy the challenge of more intricate designs. The jumping frog or even an origami crane might be a good project.
- Adults and older individuals might appreciate the detailed work of complex designs, which can also serve as a form of mental exercise. Origami flowers, butterflies, and intricate geometric designs could be ideal for them.
- Origami paper, known as “kami,” is thin and easy to fold, making it the ideal material for any origami project. However, any paper can work for origami as long as it can hold a crease. Feel free to experiment with construction paper, gift wrap, or even newspaper.
- Feel free to decorate the origami creations with markers, glitter, stickers, or anything else you have on hand.
Supplies
Kids Origami Paper Kit: Girls Multi Color Foldable Paper Sheets For Flowers With Decorative Charms & Accessories
If you are like me and like having all-in-one kits, you, too, will appreciate this 150-piece collection that is not only convenient but makes for some beautiful origami bouquets!
Origami Paper | 350 Origami Paper Kit
…because you can’t do origami without paper! (Any paper works – I just love all of these different colors and patterns.)
Origami: Japanese Paper Folding Made Easy
Once you master the beginner’s origami, you will want to move on to some of the more complex folds found in this book.
Conclusion
Are you ready to start making origami? I can’t wait to hear (and see!) how it goes – please let me know if you try it!