Get ready to add some festive cheer to your holiday season with this easy-to-follow guide on how to make an origami candy cane! Whether you’re looking for a fun and creative activity with your kids or just want to impress your friends with your paper-folding skills, this classic origami project is perfect for you. With a little patience and some simple steps, you’ll be able to create your own beautiful origami candy cane that will surely bring holiday joy to your home.
This article will provide you with step-by-step instructions, accompanied by clear illustrations, making the process accessible to folders of all levels. You’ll learn how to transform a simple square sheet of paper into an elegant and festive candy cane ornament. So grab your favorite origami paper and let’s get started on this sweet and seasonal project!
Before diving into the detailed steps, let’s gather the necessary materials. You’ll need a square sheet of origami paper in your desired color, preferably red or white for a traditional candy cane look. If you want to add a touch of sparkle, you can also use metallic or glittery origami paper. Once you have your materials ready, find a comfortable spot and follow along with the step-by-step instructions below.
How to Make an Origami Candy Cane
Follow these simple steps to create your own origami candy cane:
- Start with square paper.
- Fold in half twice.
- Unfold and squash fold.
- Unfold and fold in half.
- Fold top corners to center.
- Fold top flaps down.
- Fold model in half.
- Fold top point down.
- Fold bottom point up.
- Pinch to shape.
With these steps, you’ll have your very own origami candy cane, perfect for holiday decorations or as a sweet and simple gift.
Start with square paper.
The first step in making an origami candy cane is to start with a square sheet of paper. You can use any color you like, but traditional candy canes are red and white. If you want a double-sided candy cane, you can use two different colors of paper.
To make a square sheet of paper, you can either cut a square out of a larger piece of paper or fold a rectangular piece of paper in half and then cut off the excess paper.
Once you have your square sheet of paper, you need to fold it in half twice, both horizontally and vertically. This will create a crease in the center of the paper.
After you have folded the paper in half twice, unfold it and then squash fold it. To squash fold, hold the paper in front of you with the creases running vertically. Grasp the top two corners and the bottom two corners and pull them towards each other, squashing the paper flat. Then, unfold the paper again.
Now that you have prepared your square paper, you are ready to start folding it into a candy cane shape. Follow the next steps to complete your origami candy cane.
Fold in half twice.
After you have prepared your square sheet of paper by squash folding it, you need to fold it in half twice, both horizontally and vertically.
To fold the paper in half horizontally, hold the paper in front of you with the squash fold crease running vertically. Bring the right edge of the paper to the left edge, aligning the edges carefully. Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
Unfold the paper and then fold it in half vertically by bringing the top edge of the paper to the bottom edge. Again, crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
Now, unfold the paper again. You should now have two creases running through the center of the paper, one horizontal and one vertical. These creases will help you to fold the paper into the candy cane shape.
Once you have folded the paper in half twice, you are ready to move on to the next step, which is to unfold and squash fold the paper.
Unfold and squash fold.
After you have folded the paper in half twice, you need to unfold it and then squash fold it. Squash folding is a technique that will help you to create the curved shape of the candy cane.
- Hold the paper in front of you with the creases running vertically.
The squash fold crease should be running from top to bottom.
- Grasp the top two corners and the bottom two corners and pull them towards each other.
As you pull, the paper will start to buckle and fold in on itself.
- Continue pulling until the paper is flat.
The paper should now be folded in half, with the squash fold crease running diagonally from top right to bottom left.
- Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a crease running diagonally across the paper.
The squash fold crease will help you to fold the paper into the candy cane shape in the next step. So, make sure that the crease is sharp and well-defined.
Unfold and fold in half.
After you have unfolded the paper from the squash fold, you need to fold it in half again.
- Hold the paper in front of you with the squash fold crease running diagonally from top right to bottom left.
- Bring the right edge of the paper to the left edge, aligning the edges carefully.
- Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
- Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a vertical crease running down the center of the paper.
This vertical crease will help you to fold the paper into the candy cane shape in the next step. So, make sure that the crease is sharp and well-defined.
Fold top corners to center.
Now that you have folded the paper in half vertically, you need to fold the top corners to the center.
- Hold the paper in front of you with the vertical crease running down the center.
- Fold the top left corner down to the center crease.
Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
- Fold the top right corner down to the center crease.
Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
- Unfold the paper.
You should now have two diagonal creases running from the top corners to the center crease.
These diagonal creases will help you to fold the paper into the candy cane shape in the next step. So, make sure that the creases are sharp and well-defined.
Fold top flaps down.
After you have folded the top corners to the center, you need to fold the top flaps down.
- Hold the paper in front of you with the diagonal creases running from the top corners to the center crease.
- Fold the top left flap down to the bottom edge of the paper.
Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
- Fold the top right flap down to the bottom edge of the paper.
Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
- Unfold the paper.
You should now have two horizontal creases running across the paper, one near the top and one near the bottom.
These horizontal creases will help you to fold the paper into the candy cane shape in the next step. So, make sure that the creases are sharp and well-defined.
Fold model in half.
Now that you have folded the top flaps down, you need to fold the model in half.
- Hold the paper in front of you with the horizontal creases running across the paper.
- Bring the top edge of the paper to the bottom edge, aligning the edges carefully.
- Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
- Unfold the paper.
You should now have a vertical crease running down the center of the paper.
This vertical crease will help you to fold the paper into the candy cane shape in the next step. So, make sure that the crease is sharp and well-defined.
Fold top point down.
After you have folded the model in half, you need to fold the top point down.
- Hold the paper in front of you with the vertical crease running down the center.
- Fold the top point down to the bottom edge of the paper.
Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
- Unfold the paper.
You should now have a horizontal crease running across the paper, near the top.
This horizontal crease will help you to fold the paper into the candy cane shape in the next step. So, make sure that the crease is sharp and well-defined.
Fold bottom point up.
Now that you have folded the top point down, you need to fold the bottom point up.
- Hold the paper in front of you with the horizontal crease running across the paper, near the top.
- Fold the bottom point up to the top edge of the paper.
Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
- Unfold the paper.
You should now have a horizontal crease running across the paper, near the bottom.
This horizontal crease will help you to fold the paper into the candy cane shape in the next step. So, make sure that the crease is sharp and well-defined.
Pinch to shape.
After you have folded the bottom point up, you need to pinch the paper to shape the candy cane.
To do this, hold the paper in front of you with the horizontal crease running across the paper, near the bottom. Pinch the paper together at the bottom point, where the two diagonal creases intersect.
Gently pull the pinched point out and to the side, forming the curved shape of the candy cane. Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.
Continue pinching and shaping the paper until you have formed a candy cane shape that you are happy with. Make sure that the curves are smooth and that the candy cane is symmetrical.
Once you are satisfied with the shape of your candy cane, you can add some final touches. You can use a pen or marker to draw stripes on the candy cane, or you can add a ribbon or bow to the top.
FAQ
Have more questions about making cool origami? Check out these frequently asked questions and answers for extra guidance and insights:
Question 1: What are some good beginner-friendly cool origami projects?
Answer 1: For beginners, try simple yet visually appealing origami like the jumping frog, flapping bird, or origami heart. These projects require basic folds and are great for practicing fundamental techniques.
Question 2: I’m looking for a challenge. Any complex cool origami projects you recommend?
Answer 2: If you’re up for a challenge, try your hand at modular origami like the kusudama ball or the 3D origami dragon. These projects require patience and attention to detail but offer stunning results.
Question 3: How can I make my origami models more durable?
Answer 3: To increase the durability of your origami models, use high-quality paper like Tant or double tissue paper. Additionally, applying a sealant or glue to the final model can help preserve its shape and prevent it from unraveling.
Question 4: Where can I find inspiration for cool origami ideas?
Answer 4: Explore origami books, websites, and online communities for a wide range of cool origami ideas. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are also great sources of inspiration and tutorials.
Question 5: Can I sell origami models that I make?
Answer 5: Selling origami models can be a way to share your passion and earn some extra income. However, it’s important to consider copyright laws and respect the rights of the original designer. Make sure to credit the designer and, if necessary, obtain permission before selling their creations.
Question 6: Is origami a good activity for kids?
Answer 6: Absolutely! Origami is an excellent activity for kids as it promotes hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and spatial reasoning. It’s also a fun and engaging way to introduce them to the world of papercraft.
Remember, practice makes perfect in the art of origami. Stay patient, have fun, and keep folding to create amazing cool origami pieces.
Now that you have some cool origami inspiration, let’s explore some helpful tips to enhance your origami journey.
Tips
Ready to take your cool origami skills to the next level? Here are some practical tips to help you create even more impressive and intricate origami pieces:
Tip 1: Master the Basics:
Before attempting complex folds, ensure you have a solid understanding of basic origami techniques. This includes folds like the square fold, triangle fold, and mountain/valley folds. Practice these fundamental folds until they become second nature.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Paper:
The type of paper you use can significantly impact the outcome of your origami model. For crisp folds and sharp creases, opt for high-quality origami paper like Tant or double tissue paper. These papers are specially designed for origami and hold creases well.
Tip 3: Work in a Clean and Organized Space:
To avoid creases and folds in unwanted places, work in a clean and organized space. Ensure your work surface is flat and free of clutter. This will help you maintain precision and accuracy in your folding.
Tip 4: Be Patient and Persistent:
Origami can be challenging, especially for intricate models. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Be patient, take your time, and keep practicing. With persistence and dedication, you’ll eventually master the art of cool origami.
Remember, origami is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Keep experimenting with different folds, explore new techniques, and let your creativity shine through in your origami creations.
As you continue your origami journey, you’ll discover new challenges, explore various folding styles, and create stunning pieces that showcase your skill and imagination.
Conclusion
As you embark on the fascinating journey of cool origami, remember that it’s a creative art form that offers endless possibilities for self-expression and exploration.
Whether you prefer simple yet elegant designs or intricate and challenging models, the world of origami has something to offer everyone. With practice and dedication, you can master the art of paper folding and create stunning pieces that showcase your skill and imagination.
Origami not only provides a fun and engaging activity but also helps develop problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and hand-eye coordination. It’s a wonderful way to relax, de-stress, and tap into your creative side.
So keep folding, keep learning, and keep creating. The world of cool origami awaits your unique touch and artistic vision. Embrace the beauty of paper folding and let your creativity soar.
