Are you looking for a creative and meaningful way to celebrate the Chinese New Year? Why not try making your own origami angpao (red envelopes)? This traditional Chinese New Year craft is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your gift-giving and spread some holiday cheer. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make an origami angpao from paper.
Origami angpao are a beautiful and symbolic way to gift money or small presents during Chinese New Year. The red color of the envelope is said to bring good luck and prosperity, while the intricate folds and designs represent joy, longevity, and happiness. Making your own origami angpao is a thoughtful and heartwarming gesture that will surely be appreciated by your loved ones.
Before we delve into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather the materials you’ll need. You’ll require a square piece of origami paper (preferably red), a pair of scissors, and a glue stick. Once you have all the necessary materials, you’re ready to embark on this creative journey.
How to Make an Origami Angpao from Paper
Follow these simple steps to create your own origami angpao:
- Prepare materials: paper, scissors, glue
- Cut square paper
- Fold in half twice
- Unfold and fold diagonally both ways
- Fold sides to the center
- Fold bottom corners to the center
- Fold top point down
- Glue sides and bottom flap
With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you’ll have a beautiful origami angpao ready to fill with your gifts or money.
Prepare materials: paper, scissors, glue
Before embarking on your origami angpao-making journey, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials. These include:
1. Paper:
- Choose a square piece of origami paper, preferably in red or another auspicious color.
- The size of the paper will determine the size of your finished angpao.
- If you don’t have origami paper, you can use regular square paper and decorate it with festive designs or Chinese characters.
2. Scissors:
- Sharp scissors are essential for making precise cuts.
- Use scissors that are specifically designed for paper crafts or origami.
- Avoid using dull or blunt scissors, as they can tear the paper and ruin your angpao.
3. Glue:
- A glue stick is the most convenient and mess-free option for adhering the angpao together.
- Ensure that the glue stick is strong enough to hold the paper securely.
- If you don’t have a glue stick, you can use double-sided tape or even a small amount of liquid glue, but be careful not to apply too much, as it can seep through the paper and create a mess.
Once you have all the necessary materials, you’re ready to begin the exciting process of creating your own origami angpao. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to bring your creative vision to life.
Cut square paper
Now that you have your origami paper and scissors ready, let’s move on to cutting the square paper.
1. Prepare the paper:
- Place the square piece of origami paper on a flat and stable surface.
- Ensure that the paper is oriented correctly, with the colored or decorated side facing up.
2. Fold and cut:
- Fold the paper in half diagonally, from one corner to the opposite corner.
- Unfold the paper and repeat the diagonal fold in the opposite direction.
- You should now have two diagonal crease lines intersecting in the center of the paper.
- Fold the paper in half again, this time from top to bottom.
- Unfold the paper and repeat the vertical fold from left to right.
- You should now have four crease lines, forming a plus sign (+) in the center of the paper.
- Use your scissors to carefully cut along the two diagonal crease lines, from the center crease to the edges of the paper.
3. Trim the edges:
- Once you have made the diagonal cuts, you will have four triangular flaps.
- Carefully trim the edges of these flaps to create a perfect square.
After following these steps, you will have a square piece of paper ready to be transformed into a beautiful origami angpao. Now, let’s move on to the next step and start folding the paper to create the angpao’s unique shape.
Fold in half twice
With your square paper prepared, let’s begin the folding process to create the basic shape of the origami angpao.
- First fold:
Hold the square paper in front of you, with the colored or decorated side facing up.
Fold the paper in half vertically, bringing the right edge to meet the left edge. Press along the fold to create a sharp crease.
- Second fold:
Unfold the paper and then fold it in half horizontally, bringing the top edge to meet the bottom edge. Press along the fold to create another sharp crease.
- Third fold:
Unfold the paper again. You should now have two perpendicular crease lines dividing the paper into four equal sections.
- Fourth fold:
Fold the paper in half diagonally, from the top-right corner to the bottom-left corner. Press along the fold to create a diagonal crease line.
After completing these four folds, you will have a square piece of paper with multiple crease lines. These crease lines will guide you in shaping the angpao’s unique envelope form in the next steps.
Unfold and fold diagonally both ways
After making the initial folds, we’re going to create diagonal creases to shape the angpao’s envelope structure.
- Unfold the paper:
Unfold all the previous folds to return the paper to its original square shape.
- First diagonal fold:
Hold the paper in front of you like a diamond, with one corner pointing towards you.
Fold the top-right corner down and to the left, aligning its edge with the bottom-left corner.
Press along the fold to create a sharp crease.
- Second diagonal fold:
Unfold the paper.
Repeat the previous step but this time fold the bottom-left corner up and to the right, aligning its edge with the top-right corner.
Press along the fold to create another sharp crease.
- Unfold and observe:
Unfold the paper again.
You should now have two diagonal crease lines intersecting in the center of the paper.
These diagonal creases will help us shape the angpao’s flap and body in the next steps. The precision of these folds is crucial for achieving a clean and symmetrical angpao.
Fold sides to the center
Now, we’ll fold the sides of the paper towards the center to create the angpao’s main body.
- Fold the right side:
Bring the right edge of the paper towards the center crease.
Align the edge of the paper with the vertical crease line.
Press along the fold to create a sharp crease.
- Fold the left side:
Repeat the previous step on the left side, bringing the left edge towards the center crease.
Align the edge of the paper with the vertical crease line.
Press along the fold to create another sharp crease.
- Unfold and observe:
Unfold both sides.
You should now have two vertical crease lines, dividing the paper into three equal sections.
- Refold the sides:
Refold both sides towards the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous crease lines.
This will create a small gap between the folded edges and the center crease.
These side folds will form the angpao’s opening and allow us to insert the monetary gifts or small presents inside.
Fold bottom corners to the center
Next, we’ll fold the bottom corners of the paper towards the center to shape the angpao’s base.
- Fold the bottom-right corner:
Bring the bottom-right corner of the paper up and towards the center crease.Align the corner with the vertical crease line.
Press along the fold to create a sharp crease.
- Fold the bottom-left corner:
Repeat the previous step on the bottom-left corner, bringing it up and towards the center crease.Align the corner with the vertical crease line.
Press along the fold to create another sharp crease.
- Unfold and observe:
Unfold both corners.You should now have two diagonal crease lines intersecting in the center of the paper, forming a “V” shape.
- Refold the corners:
Refold both corners towards the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous crease lines.This will create a small triangular flap on each side.
These corner folds will help shape the angpao’s base and add an extra decorative element to the design.
Fold top point down
Now, we’ll fold the top point of the paper down to create the angpao’s closing flap.
- Fold the top point:
Bring the top point of the paper down towards the center crease.
Align the point with the horizontal crease line.
Press along the fold to create a sharp crease.
- Unfold and observe:
Unfold the top point.
You should now have a horizontal crease line dividing the paper into two unequal sections.
- Refold the top point:
Refold the top point down, but this time, fold it slightly inside the previous crease line.
This will create a small flap at the top of the angpao.
- Shape the flap:
Gently press down on the folded flap to flatten it.
Use your fingers to shape the flap, ensuring it lies flat against the angpao’s body.
The folded top point forms the angpao’s closing flap, which will keep the contents secure inside the envelope.
Glue sides and bottom flap
Finally, it’s time to glue the angpao together and seal it securely.
- Apply glue to the sides:
Take your glue stick or double-sided tape and apply a thin line of adhesive along the edges of the folded sides.
Make sure to apply the glue evenly and avoid using too much, as it can seep through the paper.
- Press the sides together:
Carefully press the folded sides against the center crease, aligning the edges.
Hold them firmly for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond.
- Apply glue to the bottom flap:
Next, apply a thin line of adhesive along the folded edge of the bottom flap.
Make sure to cover the entire width of the flap.
- Press the flap down:
Gently press the bottom flap down onto the angpao’s body, aligning the edges.
Hold it firmly for a few seconds to secure the closure.
Once the glue has dried, your origami angpao will be complete and ready to be filled with gifts or money. Admire your creation and enjoy the satisfaction of making a beautiful and meaningful Chinese New Year craft.
FAQ
Have questions about origami? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you on your origami journey:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: Origami is the art of folding paper into different shapes and forms without using glue or scissors. It is a fun and challenging activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Question 2: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer: Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is usually thin and lightweight. However, you can use regular printer paper or even newspaper for simple origami projects.
Question 3: Where can I learn origami?
Answer: Origami books, online tutorials, and classes are all great ways to learn origami. There are also many origami communities and clubs where you can connect with other enthusiasts.
Question 4: Is origami difficult?
Answer: Origami can range from simple folds to complex and intricate designs. The difficulty level depends on the chosen project. Start with beginner-friendly projects and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones as you gain experience.
Question 5: What are some popular origami folds?
Answer: Some popular origami folds include the bird base, the fish base, and the square base. These basic folds can be used to create a variety of different origami models.
Question 6: What are some benefits of origami?
Answer: Origami has many benefits, including improved hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. It can also be a relaxing and enjoyable activity that promotes creativity and mindfulness.
Remember, origami is a journey of patience, practice, and creativity. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep folding, learning, and enjoying the process.
Feeling inspired? Head over to the next section for some helpful tips and tricks to enhance your origami experience.
Tips
Ready to take your origami skills to the next level? Here are some helpful tips to make your folding journey more enjoyable and productive:
Tip 1: Start with simple folds:
Don’t overwhelm yourself with complex projects right away. Begin with beginner-friendly folds and gradually progress to more challenging ones as you gain confidence and experience.
Tip 2: Use quality paper:
Origami paper is designed to hold creases well and is easier to fold. If you’re using regular paper, make sure it’s thin and lightweight to avoid tearing.
Tip 3: Be patient and persistent:
Origami can be challenging at times, especially with intricate folds. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually master the folds.
Tip 4: Experiment and have fun:
Origami is a creative art form. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different folds and techniques. Try combining different models to create your own unique designs.
Remember, origami is a journey of exploration and self-expression. Enjoy the process of folding, learning, and creating beautiful origami models.
Now that you’re equipped with these tips and tricks, dive into the world of origami and let your creativity shine. Happy folding!
Conclusion
As you embark on your origami journey, remember that it’s a continuous process of learning, practice, and creativity. With patience and dedication, you can master the art of folding paper into beautiful and intricate forms.
Origami is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to express yourself, challenge your mind, and connect with people from all over the world. It’s a reminder that even from a simple square of paper, something extraordinary can be created.
So, keep folding, keep learning, and keep sharing your origami creations with the world. Embrace the joy of origami and let it inspire you to explore the endless possibilities of paper.
