Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, is a fun and creative way to celebrate Thanksgiving. With just a few folds and a little patience, you can create beautiful origami decorations like turkeys, cornucopias, and pumpkins to add a festive touch to your holiday table or mantle.
This article provides step-by-step instructions for beginners to create easy-to-make Thanksgiving-themed origami pieces. We’ll start with a basic turkey origami that’s perfect for kids and newcomers to the art form. Then, we’ll explore more advanced origami projects like a cornucopia and a pumpkin, which are sure to impress your friends and family.
So, gather your origami paper and follow along with our instructions to create your own Thanksgiving origami decorations. Let’s get started!
Thanksgiving Origami Easy
Celebrate Thanksgiving with these easy origami projects:
- Colorful Turkey Table Decor
- 3D Origami Cornucopia
- Mini Pumpkin Placeholders
- Folded Paper Mayflower Ship
- Origami Pilgrim Hat Ornaments
- Thankful Garland with Origami Leaves
- Folded Paper Corn on the Cob
- Origami Pumpkin Pie Slice
- Gratitude Cranes for Thanksgiving
Add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebration with these simple yet creative origami decorations!
Colorful Turkey Table Decor
Create a vibrant centerpiece or add festive touches to your Thanksgiving table with this easy-to-make origami turkey. With just a few simple folds, you can transform a square piece of paper into a colorful turkey that’s sure to impress your guests.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own origami turkey:
- Start with a square piece of origami paper. For a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, use orange or brown paper. You can also use any other color you like.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions to create crease lines. Unfold the paper.
- Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease. Then, fold the left and right edges to the center crease as well.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease again.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous folds. This will create the turkey’s head and tail.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly outside the previous folds. This will create the turkey’s wings.
- To make the turkey’s neck, gently pull the top layer of the head fold outward. Then, fold the tip of the head down to create the beak.
- Use a marker or colored pencils to draw the turkey’s eyes and add other details like feathers or wattles.
Your colorful origami turkey is now complete! Place it on your Thanksgiving table or use it as a centerpiece to add a festive touch to your holiday decor.
Tip: You can also use different colors of paper to create a variety of colorful turkeys. For example, use red, orange, and yellow paper to create a rainbow turkey, or use green and brown paper to create a forest turkey.
3D Origami Cornucopia
Bring the bounty of Thanksgiving to your table with this 3D origami cornucopia. This impressive decoration is surprisingly easy to make, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter among your guests.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own 3D origami cornucopia:
- Start with a square piece of origami paper. For a traditional cornucopia, use brown or orange paper. You can also use any other color you like.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions to create crease lines. Unfold the paper.
- Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease. Then, fold the left and right edges to the center crease as well.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease again.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous folds. This will create the cornucopia’s base.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly outside the previous folds. This will create the cornucopia’s sides.
- To shape the cornucopia, gently push the sides inward and bring the top and bottom edges together. Use your fingers to adjust the shape until you’re satisfied with how it looks.
- To add the cornucopia’s horn, fold a small piece of paper into a cone shape and attach it to the top of the cornucopia with glue or tape.
Your 3D origami cornucopia is now complete! Fill it with candy, nuts, or other Thanksgiving treats, and place it on your table as a festive centerpiece.
Tip: You can also use different colors of paper to create cornucopias in different colors and styles. For example, use green and yellow paper to create a cornucopia filled with autumn leaves, or use blue and white paper to create a cornucopia filled with seashells.
Mini Pumpkin Placeholders
Add a touch of autumn charm to your Thanksgiving table with these adorable mini pumpkin placeholders. These origami pumpkins are easy to make and can be personalized with different colors and patterns to match your Thanksgiving decor.
- Easy to Make: These mini pumpkin placeholders are perfect for beginners, as they require only a few simple folds.
Customizable: Use different colors and patterns of paper to create pumpkins that match your Thanksgiving theme.
Versatile: These pumpkins can be used as placeholders, napkin rings, or even as festive decorations around your home.
Eco-Friendly: Origami pumpkins are made from paper, so they are a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic placeholders.
To make your own mini pumpkin placeholders, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Start with a square piece of origami paper. For a traditional pumpkin, use orange paper. You can also use any other color you like.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions to create crease lines. Unfold the paper.
- Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease. Then, fold the left and right edges to the center crease as well.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease again.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous folds. This will create the pumpkin’s shape.
- To make the pumpkin’s stem, fold a small piece of green paper into a thin strip and attach it to the top of the pumpkin with glue or tape.
Your mini pumpkin placeholders are now complete! Write your guests’ names on them and use them to mark their seats at your Thanksgiving table.
Folded Paper Mayflower Ship
Embark on a journey back in time and create your own folded paper Mayflower ship, the iconic vessel that carried the Pilgrims to America. This origami project is a fun and educational way to celebrate Thanksgiving and learn about the history of the holiday.
- Historical Significance: The Mayflower ship holds a significant place in American history, making this origami project a meaningful way to commemorate Thanksgiving.
Easy to Make: Despite its intricate appearance, the folded paper Mayflower ship is surprisingly easy to make, with step-by-step instructions suitable for beginners.
Versatile: The finished origami Mayflower ship can be used as a festive decoration, a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, or even as a unique gift for friends and family.
Educational: This origami project provides an opportunity to teach children about the history of Thanksgiving and the significance of the Mayflower ship.
To make your own folded paper Mayflower ship, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Start with a square piece of origami paper. For a traditional Mayflower ship, use brown or black paper. You can also use any other color you like.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions to create crease lines. Unfold the paper.
- Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease. Then, fold the left and right edges to the center crease as well.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease again.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous folds. This will create the ship’s hull.
- To make the ship’s sails, fold a small piece of white paper into a triangle and attach it to the top of the hull with glue or tape.
- To make the ship’s masts, fold two thin strips of brown or black paper and attach them to the front and back of the hull with glue or tape.
Your folded paper Mayflower ship is now complete! Display it proudly as a reminder of the Pilgrims’ journey and the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Origami Pilgrim Hat Ornaments
Add a touch of historical charm to your Thanksgiving tree or holiday decorations with these adorable origami Pilgrim hat ornaments. These ornaments are easy to make and can be customized with different colors and patterns to match your Thanksgiving theme.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own origami Pilgrim hat ornaments:
- Start with a square piece of origami paper. For a traditional Pilgrim hat, use black or brown paper. You can also use any other color you like.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions to create crease lines. Unfold the paper.
- Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease. Then, fold the left and right edges to the center crease as well.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease again.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous folds. This will create the hat’s brim.
- To make the hat’s crown, fold the top layer of the paper down to the brim. Then, fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease.
- Fold the top layer of the paper down again to create the hat’s band. Then, fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease.
- To make the hat’s buckle, fold a small piece of white paper into a square and attach it to the front of the hat with glue or tape.
Your origami Pilgrim hat ornament is now complete! Hang it on your Thanksgiving tree, use it as a festive decoration around your home, or give it as a unique gift to friends and family.
Tip: You can also use different colors and patterns of paper to create Pilgrim hat ornaments in different styles. For example, use red and white paper to create a Santa Claus hat ornament, or use green and gold paper to create a Christmas tree ornament.
Thankful Garland with Origami Leaves
Express your gratitude and create a festive atmosphere with this Thankful Garland featuring origami leaves. This easy-to-make garland is a perfect way to decorate your home for Thanksgiving and remind yourself and your loved ones of all the things you’re thankful for.
- Meaningful and Personal: The Thankful Garland allows you to personalize your Thanksgiving decorations by writing down what you’re thankful for on each leaf.
Easy to Make: The origami leaves are simple to fold, making this garland a great project for people of all ages.
Versatile: The garland can be hung anywhere in your home, from the mantel to the staircase, adding a touch of Thanksgiving cheer to any space.
Eco-Friendly: The garland is made from paper, making it a more sustainable decoration option.
To make your own Thankful Garland with Origami Leaves, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Start with a square piece of origami paper. You can use any color you like, but autumnal colors like orange, yellow, and red look especially festive.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions to create crease lines. Unfold the paper.
- Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease. Then, fold the left and right edges to the center crease as well.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease again.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous folds. This will create the leaf’s shape.
- To make the leaf’s stem, fold a small piece of green paper into a thin strip and attach it to the bottom of the leaf with glue or tape.
- Write something you’re thankful for on the leaf with a marker or pen.
Once you have made several leaves, string them together with a piece of twine or ribbon to create your Thankful Garland. Hang it up and enjoy the festive atmosphere and the reminder of all the things you’re grateful for.
Folded Paper Corn on the Cob
Bring the harvest to your Thanksgiving table with these adorable folded paper corn on the cob decorations. These origami creations are easy to make and can be used to add a festive touch to your table setting, mantel, or windowsill.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own folded paper corn on the cob:
- Start with a square piece of yellow origami paper. You can also use any other shade of yellow or orange paper.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions to create crease lines. Unfold the paper.
- Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease. Then, fold the left and right edges to the center crease as well.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease again.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous folds. This will create the corn’s shape.
- To make the corn’s husk, fold a small piece of green paper into a rectangle. Then, cut thin strips into one of the longer sides of the rectangle, creating a fringe.
- Glue or tape the green paper husk around the bottom of the corn, covering the folded edges.
- To make the corn’s kernels, cut small circles out of white or yellow paper. Glue or tape the circles onto the corn in rows, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
Your folded paper corn on the cob is now complete! Use it to decorate your Thanksgiving table, mantel, or windowsill, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Tip: You can also use different colors of paper to create corn on the cob in different colors, such as purple or red. You can also add other details to your corn, such as a face or a bow tie, to make it more fun and festive.
Origami Pumpkin Pie Slice
Satisfy your sweet tooth and add a touch of whimsy to your Thanksgiving decorations with this origami pumpkin pie slice. This delightful origami creation is easy to make and can be used to decorate your table, mantel, or windowsill.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own origami pumpkin pie slice:
- Start with a square piece of orange origami paper. You can also use any other shade of orange or yellow paper.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions to create crease lines. Unfold the paper.
- Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease. Then, fold the left and right edges to the center crease as well.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease again.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous folds. This will create the pie slice’s shape.
- To make the pie slice’s crust, fold a small piece of brown paper into a thin strip. Then, glue or tape the strip around the edge of the pie slice.
- To make the pie slice’s filling, cut a small circle out of white or yellow paper. Glue or tape the circle onto the center of the pie slice.
- To make the pie slice’s whipped cream, fold a small piece of white paper into a triangle. Then, glue or tape the triangle to the top of the pie slice.
Your origami pumpkin pie slice is now complete! Use it to decorate your Thanksgiving table, mantel, or windowsill, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Tip: You can also use different colors of paper to create pumpkin pie slices in different colors, such as green or purple. You can also add other details to your pie slice, such as a face or a bow tie, to make it more fun and festive.
Gratitude Cranes for Thanksgiving
Express your gratitude and create a beautiful Thanksgiving decoration with these origami Gratitude Cranes. These elegant origami creations are easy to make and can be used to decorate your table, mantel, or windowsill, or even strung together to create a festive garland.
- Meaningful and Personal: Decorate with these cranes as a reminder of all the things you’re thankful for.
Easy to Make: The Gratitude Cranes are simple to fold, making them a great project for people of all ages.
Versatile: Use the cranes as table decorations, mantel decorations, or even string them together to create a festive garland.
Eco-Friendly: Made from paper, these cranes are a more sustainable decoration option.
To make your own Gratitude Cranes for Thanksgiving, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Start with a square piece of origami paper. You can use any color you like, but traditional origami cranes are often made with white paper.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions to create crease lines. Unfold the paper.
- Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease. Then, fold the left and right edges to the center crease as well.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease again.
- Fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease, but this time, fold them slightly inside the previous folds. This will create the crane’s body.
- To make the crane’s head and neck, fold the top layer of the paper down to the body. Then, fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease.
- Fold the top layer of the paper down again to create the crane’s beak. Then, fold the left and right sides of the paper to the center crease.
- To make the crane’s wings, fold the left and right sides of the paper outward, creating two flaps.
- To make the crane’s tail, fold the bottom layer of the paper up, creating a small flap.
Your Gratitude Crane is now complete! Write something you’re thankful for on the crane’s body with a marker or pen, and display it as a festive Thanksgiving decoration.
FAQ
Have questions about origami? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you get started:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. It is a fun and creative way to make beautiful objects using only paper and your hands.
Question 2: Is origami difficult to learn?
Answer: Origami can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. There are many easy origami projects suitable for beginners, and there are also more challenging projects for experienced folders.
Question 3: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer: Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is typically thin and strong. You can also use regular printer paper, but it may be more difficult to fold.
Question 4: What are some popular origami projects?
Answer: Some popular origami projects include animals, birds, flowers, geometric shapes, and modular origami (where multiple pieces of paper are folded together to create a larger structure).
Question 5: Can origami be used for anything other than decoration?
Answer: Origami has many practical applications, such as in engineering, architecture, and medicine. Origami-inspired designs have been used to create everything from self-folding robots to artificial muscles.
Question 6: Where can I learn more about origami?
Answer: There are many resources available to learn more about origami, including books, websites, and YouTube videos. You can also find origami classes and workshops in many cities.
Question 7: How can I share my origami creations with others?
Answer: You can share your origami creations by posting them online, joining an origami club or society, or teaching origami to others.
Closing Paragraph: Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little practice, you can learn to fold beautiful and intricate origami creations that will impress your friends and family.
Now that you know 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 and improve your folding skills:
Tip 1: Start with Simple Projects:
Begin with easy origami projects suitable for beginners. This will help you build confidence and learn the basic folding techniques. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually move on to more challenging projects.
Tip 2: Use Good Quality Paper:
Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is typically thin and strong. Using good quality paper will make your folds crisp and precise, and your origami creations will look their best.
Tip 3: Be Patient and Persistent:
Origami can be challenging at first, but with patience and persistence, you will eventually master the folds and techniques. Don’t get discouraged if you make mistakes; just keep practicing and learning from your errors.
Tip 4: Use Your Creativity:
Origami is not just about following instructions; it’s also about using your creativity to come up with new and unique designs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different folds and techniques, and see what you can create.
Closing Paragraph: With a little practice and these tips in mind, you’ll be folding beautiful and intricate origami creations in no time. So, grab some paper and start folding!
Now that you have some tips to help you get started, let’s wrap up with a brief conclusion:
Conclusion
Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, is a fun, creative, and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With just a few simple folds, you can transform a square piece of paper into a beautiful and intricate creation.
Origami is a great way to relax and de-stress, and it can also help to improve your hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. It’s also a great way to express your creativity and share your creations with others.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced folder, there’s always something new to learn and explore in the world of origami. So grab some paper and start folding! Who knows what amazing creations you’ll come up with.
Remember, origami is a journey, not a destination. The more you practice, the better you’ll become. So keep folding, keep learning, and keep creating. And most importantly, have fun!
