Origami, the art of paper folding, has captured the hearts of crafters and art enthusiasts worldwide. Its intricate folds and mesmerizing designs add charm to any space. Among the many origami projects, creating an origami paper ornament is a delightful and easy way to add a personal touch to your home décor or make a thoughtful gift. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of making a charming origami paper ornament, perfect for any occasion.
As you embark on this origami journey, gather the necessary materials: a square piece of origami paper in your desired color, a pair of scissors (optional), and a thread or ribbon for hanging. With patience and a little creativity, you’ll soon have a delightful origami paper ornament to adorn your space or share with loved ones.
Now that you have the materials ready, let’s dive into the fun part: folding your origami paper ornament. We’ll start with simple folds, gradually building upon them to create our intricate design.
How to Make an Origami Paper Ornament
Follow these simple steps to create a charming origami paper ornament:
- Choose origami paper
- Fold in half diagonally
- Fold in half again
- Unfold and squash-fold
- Fold edges to center
- Flip and repeat steps
- Fold top corners down
- Fold bottom corners up
- Unfold and flatten
- Add string or ribbon
Hang your origami paper ornament and enjoy its beauty!
Choose origami paper
Selecting the right origami paper is crucial for a successful origami paper ornament. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Paper weight:
Choose paper that is thin and lightweight, making it easier to fold and manipulate. Kami paper, a traditional Japanese origami paper, is a popular choice.
- Paper size:
The size of the origami paper determines the size of your finished ornament. For a small ornament, use a 6-inch or 8-inch square paper. For a larger ornament, use a 10-inch or 12-inch square paper.
- Paper color and pattern:
Choose paper in a color or pattern that complements your décor or the occasion. Solid colors work well for a minimalist look, while patterned paper adds a touch of whimsy and charm.
- Paper quality:
Use high-quality origami paper that is strong and durable. This will ensure that your ornament holds its shape well and lasts for a long time.
With these factors in mind, you can select the perfect origami paper to create a beautiful and unique ornament.
Fold in half diagonally
Now that you have chosen your origami paper, let’s begin folding. The first step is to fold the paper in half diagonally, creating a triangle.
To do this, place the origami paper in front of you as a diamond. Imagine a line running from the top corner to the bottom opposite corner. Fold the paper along this diagonal line, bringing the top corner down to meet the bottom corner.
Use your fingers to crease the fold sharply. This crease will serve as the backbone of your origami ornament, so make sure it is straight and precise.
Once you have folded the paper in half diagonally, you will have a triangle in front of you. This triangle is the starting point for many origami projects, including our paper ornament.
Remember to take your time and make each fold carefully. The more precise your folds are, the better your finished ornament will look.
With the first diagonal fold complete, you are one step closer to creating your origami paper ornament. Let’s move on to the next step.
Fold in half again
With the first diagonal fold complete, we will now fold the triangle in half again, creating a smaller triangle.
To do this, place the triangle in front of you with the folded edge at the bottom. Imagine a line running from the top corner to the bottom opposite corner, perpendicular to the existing crease. Fold the triangle along this diagonal line, bringing the top corner down to meet the bottom corner.
Again, use your fingers to crease the fold sharply. This second diagonal fold will intersect the first fold, creating a small crease in the center of the triangle.
Now, unfold the triangle. You should now have two diagonal creases intersecting in the center, dividing the triangle into four smaller triangles.
These creases are important for the next steps, as they will guide us in creating the intricate folds of our origami paper ornament.
With the second diagonal fold complete, we have prepared our origami paper for the next steps. Let’s move on to the next step.
Unfold and squash-fold
Now, we will unfold the triangle completely, returning it to its original diamond shape.
Next, we will perform a “squash-fold.” This is a technique used in origami to flatten the paper and create sharp creases.
To do a squash-fold, place the diamond-shaped paper in front of you with the two diagonal creases running from corner to corner. Pinch the center of the diamond with your thumb and forefinger.
While pinching the center, push down on the paper with your other hand, flattening it against the table. Make sure to keep the diagonal creases aligned.
Once the paper is flat, unfold it again. You should now have two sharp diagonal creases intersecting in the center of the diamond.
The squash-fold has prepared our origami paper for the next steps, where we will start to create the intricate folds of our ornament.
Fold edges to center
Now, we will begin folding the edges of the paper towards the center, creating the basic shape of our origami ornament.
- Fold the top edge to the center crease:
Starting at the top corner, carefully fold the edge of the paper down to the center crease. Use your fingers to crease the fold sharply.
- Fold the bottom edge to the center crease:
Next, fold the bottom edge of the paper up to the center crease. Again, crease the fold sharply.
- Fold the right edge to the center crease:
Now, fold the right edge of the paper to the center crease. Make sure the fold is aligned with the top and bottom folds.
- Fold the left edge to the center crease:
Finally, fold the left edge of the paper to the center crease, aligning it with the other folds.
You should now have a square shape with four triangles folded in towards the center. This is the foundation for the next step, where we will start to create the intricate folds of our ornament.
Flip and repeat steps
Now, we will flip the origami paper over and repeat the steps we just did on the other side.
To do this, simply turn the paper over so that the folded edges are facing down.
Then, follow the same steps as before, folding the top, bottom, right, and left edges to the center crease. You should end up with a square shape with four triangles folded in towards the center, just like you did on the other side.
Make sure to crease each fold sharply to ensure that your ornament holds its shape well.
With both sides of the paper folded, we have created the basic structure of our origami ornament. In the next steps, we will start to add the intricate folds that will give our ornament its unique shape and design.
Fold top corners down
Now, we will start to create the intricate folds that will give our origami ornament its unique shape and design. Let’s begin by folding the top corners down.
- Fold the top right corner down:
Starting with the top right corner, carefully fold it down towards the center of the square. Make sure the fold is parallel to the bottom edge of the square.
- Fold the top left corner down:
Next, fold the top left corner down in the same way, creating a symmetrical fold.
- Unfold the top corners:
Now, unfold both of the top corners.
- Fold the top edges to the center:
Instead of folding the corners down again, we will now fold the top edges of the square to the center crease. Start with the right edge, folding it down to the center crease. Then, fold the left edge to the center crease.
You should now have a diamond shape with two triangles folded in at the top.
Fold bottom corners up
Next, we will fold the bottom corners up to create the bottom section of our origami ornament.
- Fold the bottom right corner up:
Starting with the bottom right corner, carefully fold it up towards the center of the diamond. Make sure the fold is parallel to the top edge of the diamond.
- Fold the bottom left corner up:
Next, fold the bottom left corner up in the same way, creating a symmetrical fold.
- Unfold the bottom corners:
Now, unfold both of the bottom corners.
- Fold the bottom edges to the center:
Instead of folding the corners up again, we will now fold the bottom edges of the diamond to the center crease. Start with the right edge, folding it up to the center crease. Then, fold the left edge up to the center crease.
You should now have a diamond shape with two triangles folded in at the bottom.
Unfold and flatten
Now, we will unfold the origami paper completely, returning it to its original diamond shape.
Next, we will flatten the paper by pressing down on it with our hands. Make sure to press firmly and evenly to ensure that the paper is completely flat.
Once the paper is flat, we will make two diagonal creases by folding the paper in half diagonally in both directions. To do this, imagine a line running from the top corner to the bottom opposite corner. Fold the paper along this line, bringing the top corner down to meet the bottom corner. Then, unfold the paper.
Repeat this process by folding the paper in half diagonally in the opposite direction. You should now have two diagonal creases intersecting in the center of the diamond.
These diagonal creases will help us in the next steps, where we will start to shape our origami ornament into its final form.
Add string or ribbon
Now that our origami ornament is complete, we can add a string or ribbon so that it can be hung.
- Choose a string or ribbon:
Select a string or ribbon that complements the color and design of your ornament. Make sure it is strong enough to support the weight of the ornament.
- Cut the string or ribbon to the desired length:
Determine how long you want the ornament to hang and cut the string or ribbon accordingly. Leave a few extra inches at the end for tying.
- Attach the string or ribbon to the ornament:
There are several ways to attach the string or ribbon to the ornament. You can use a hole punch to make a hole in the top of the ornament and thread the string or ribbon through. Alternatively, you can use glue or tape to secure the string or ribbon to the back of the ornament.
- Tie the string or ribbon to create a loop:
Once the string or ribbon is attached to the ornament, tie it to create a loop. This loop will allow you to hang the ornament from a hook or branch.
Your origami paper ornament is now complete and ready to be displayed. Hang it in a window, on a Christmas tree, or anywhere else you like to add a touch of festive charm.
FAQ
Have questions about origami? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: Origami is the art of paper folding, which originated in Japan. It is a fun and challenging activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
Question 2: What materials do I need for origami?
Answer: All you need is a square piece of paper. Traditional origami uses thin, square sheets of paper called “kami”. However, you can use any type of paper, such as printer paper or construction paper.
Question 3: What are some basic origami folds?
Answer: There are many basic origami folds, such as the square fold, triangle fold, and bird base. These folds are the building blocks for more complex origami models.
Question 4: How do I learn origami?
Answer: There are many resources available to learn origami, such as books, websites, and videos. You can also find origami classes at local community centers or art studios.
Question 5: What are some popular origami models?
Answer: Some popular origami models include the crane, the butterfly, the elephant, and the rose. These models are relatively easy to fold and make great decorations or gifts.
Question 6: Can I create my own origami models?
Answer: Absolutely! Once you have mastered the basic folds, you can start experimenting and creating your own origami models. The possibilities are endless.
Question 7: Where can I find origami paper?
Answer: Origami paper can be found at craft stores, online retailers, and some office supply stores. You can also use regular printer paper or construction paper, but origami paper is specially designed for folding and holds creases better.
Closing Paragraph:
These are just a few of the many questions that people have about origami. If you have any other questions, feel free to search online or ask an experienced origami folder.
Now that you know a little bit more about origami, here are some tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you get started with origami:
Tip 1: Start with simple folds.
There are many different origami folds, but it’s best to start with the basics. Master the square fold, triangle fold, and bird base, and you’ll be well on your way to creating more complex models.
Tip 2: Use high-quality paper.
Origami paper is specially designed for folding, and it holds creases better than regular paper. If you’re serious about origami, it’s worth investing in a pack of good quality origami paper.
Tip 3: Be patient and persistent.
Origami can be challenging at first, but with practice, you’ll be able to fold more complex models in no time. Don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake – just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get it right.
Tip 4: Have fun!
Origami is a great way to relax and de-stress. So put on some music, grab a piece of paper, and let your creativity flow.
Closing Paragraph:
With a little practice and patience, you’ll be able to create beautiful and intricate origami models. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Now that you have some tips to help you get started, it’s time to learn more about the art of origami and start creating your own paper masterpieces.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
In this article, we explored the art of origami, a fun and challenging activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. We learned about the different types of origami folds, the materials needed, and how to create basic origami models.
We also discussed the benefits of origami, such as improving fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and concentration. Additionally, origami can be a great way to relax and de-stress.
Closing Message:
Origami is a beautiful and rewarding art form that can be enjoyed by anyone. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced folder, I encourage you to continue learning and creating origami models. The possibilities are endless!
With a little practice and patience, you can create stunning origami masterpieces that will impress your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Start folding today!
