Origami, the art of paper folding, is a fun and creative way to make beautiful shapes and objects. With just a few simple folds, you can turn a humble gum wrapper into a unique piece of art. Whether you’re a seasoned origami enthusiast or a complete beginner, this easy-to-follow guide will help you create a stunning origami piece out of a gum wrapper.
Origami is a great way to relax and de-stress, and it’s also a fun activity for kids. It’s also a great way to upcycle a piece of trash, turning it into something beautiful and useful.
Now that you know a little bit about origami and its benefits, let’s get started on making our gum wrapper origami. We’ll start with a simple square base fold, which is the foundation for many origami projects.
How to Make Origami Out of a Gum Wrapper
With just a few simple folds, you can turn a humble gum wrapper into a unique piece of art.
- Choose your wrapper.
- Make a square base.
- Fold the wrapper in half.
- Unfold and refold the wrapper.
- Finish the origami.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to make all sorts of origami creations from gum wrappers, from simple shapes to complex animals and objects.
Choose Your Wrapper
The first step in making origami out of a gum wrapper is to choose the right wrapper. Not all gum wrappers are created equal, and some are better suited for origami than others.
- Size matters. The size of the gum wrapper will determine the size of your finished origami piece. If you want to make a large origami piece, choose a larger gum wrapper. If you want to make a small origami piece, choose a smaller gum wrapper.
- Material matters. Some gum wrappers are made of paper, while others are made of plastic. Paper gum wrappers are easier to fold than plastic gum wrappers, so they are a better choice for beginners. If you are using a plastic gum wrapper, you may need to score the folds with a knife or scissors to make them easier to fold.
- Color matters. The color of the gum wrapper will determine the color of your finished origami piece. If you want a brightly colored origami piece, choose a brightly colored gum wrapper. If you want a more subdued origami piece, choose a more subdued gum wrapper.
- Condition matters. The condition of the gum wrapper is also important. If the gum wrapper is wrinkled or torn, it will be more difficult to fold. Choose a gum wrapper that is in good condition.
Once you have chosen the right gum wrapper, you are ready to start folding your origami piece.
Make a Square Base
The square base is the foundation for many origami projects, including the gum wrapper origami. To make a square base, follow these steps:
Step 1: Hold the gum wrapper with the colored side facing up. Fold the wrapper in half lengthwise, then unfold it.
Step 2: Fold the wrapper in half widthwise, then unfold it.
Step 3: Fold the top and bottom edges of the wrapper into the center crease. You should now have a rectangle.
Step 4: Unfold the rectangle and turn it over.
Step 5: Fold the top and bottom edges of the rectangle into the center crease again. You should now have a square.
Step 6: Unfold the square and fold it in half diagonally in both directions. You should now have four creases that intersect in the center of the square.
Step 7: Unfold the square and you have a square base.
The square base is now complete and you can start folding your origami piece.
Fold the Wrapper in Half
Once you have made the square base, you need to fold the wrapper in half again. This will create the basic shape for your origami piece.
Step 1: Hold the square base with the colored side facing up. Fold the wrapper in half lengthwise, aligning the left and right edges. Crease the fold well.
Step 2: Unfold the wrapper and turn it over.
Step 3: Fold the wrapper in half widthwise, aligning the top and bottom edges. Crease the fold well.
Step 4: Unfold the wrapper again.
You now have a square with two creases, one lengthwise and one widthwise. This is the basic shape for many origami pieces, including the gum wrapper origami.
Unfold and Refold the Wrapper
Once you have folded the wrapper in half twice, you need to unfold it and refold it in a different way. This will create the final shape for your origami piece.
Step 1: Unfold the wrapper so that it is flat again.
Step 2: Fold the wrapper in half diagonally, from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Crease the fold well.
Step 3: Unfold the wrapper again.
Step 4: Fold the wrapper in half diagonally in the opposite direction, from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Crease the fold well.
You now have a square with four creases, two lengthwise and two widthwise. This is the final shape for the gum wrapper origami.
Finish the Origami
Now that you have folded the wrapper into the final shape, you can finish the origami by adding details and embellishments.
- Add details. You can add details to your origami piece using a variety of techniques, such as scoring, folding, and cutting. For example, you could score the edges of the wrapper to create a more defined shape, or you could fold the wrapper in different ways to create different shapes and patterns.
- Add embellishments. You can also add embellishments to your origami piece, such as glitter, beads, or stickers. This is a great way to personalize your origami piece and make it unique.
- Display your origami. When you are finished, you can display your origami piece in a variety of ways. You could hang it from a string, place it on a shelf, or even frame it. This is a great way to show off your creativity and share your origami with others.
- Give your origami as a gift. Origami pieces make great gifts for friends and family members. They are a unique and thoughtful way to show someone you care. You can even make a special origami piece for a specific occasion, such as a birthday or holiday.
With a little practice, you will be able to create beautiful and complex origami pieces out of gum wrappers. So get creative and have fun!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about origami art:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer 1: Origami is the art of paper folding. It is a fun and challenging way to create beautiful and intricate shapes and objects using only a single sheet of paper.
Question 2: What are the benefits of origami?
Answer 2: Origami has many benefits, including improved hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. It is also a great way to relax and de-stress.
Question 3: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer 3: The best paper for origami is thin and strong, with a smooth surface. Some popular types of origami paper include kami, mulberry paper, and rice paper.
Question 4: What are some basic origami folds?
Answer 4: There are many basic origami folds, including the square fold, the triangle fold, and the bird base. These folds can be used to create a variety of different origami shapes and objects.
Question 5: What are some popular origami projects?
Answer 5: Some popular origami projects include the crane, the lotus flower, and the samurai helmet. These projects can be challenging, but they are also very rewarding.
Question 6: Where can I learn more about origami?
Answer 6: There are many resources available to learn more about origami, including books, websites, and videos. You can also find origami classes and workshops in many communities.
Question 7: Can origami be used for anything practical?
Answer 7: Yes, origami can be used for a variety of practical purposes, such as creating gift boxes, envelopes, and decorations. Origami can also be used to create furniture and other functional objects.
Origami is a beautiful and versatile art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. With a little practice, you can create amazing origami pieces that will impress your friends and family.
Now that you know more about origami, you may be interested in learning some tips and tricks for creating your own origami pieces.
Tips
Here are some tips for creating your own origami pieces:
Tip 1: Start with simple folds. When you are first starting out, it is best to start with simple folds. This will help you to build your confidence and learn the basics of origami. Once you have mastered the basic folds, you can move on to more complex projects.
Tip 2: Use good quality paper. The type of paper you use will affect the quality of your origami piece. Choose thin and strong paper with a smooth surface. Some popular types of origami paper include kami, mulberry paper, and rice paper.
Tip 3: Be patient. Origami can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing and you will eventually be able to create beautiful and complex origami pieces.
Tip 4: Have fun! Origami is a fun and creative activity. Enjoy the process of folding and creating something beautiful. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
With a little practice and patience, you can create amazing origami pieces that will impress your friends and family. So get started today and see what you can create!
Origami is a beautiful and versatile art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced folder, there is always something new to learn and create.
Conclusion
Origami is a beautiful and versatile art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is a fun and challenging way to create unique and intricate shapes and objects using only a single sheet of paper.
Origami has many benefits, including improved hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. It is also a great way to relax and de-stress. With a little practice, you can create amazing origami pieces that will impress your friends and family.
So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see what you can create! There are many resources available to help you learn origami, including books, websites, and videos. You can also find origami classes and workshops in many communities.
