In the 90’s and early 00’s, before we had phones to keep our hands busy, we had “fidget” crafts. You know what I mean… Friendship bracelets. Boondoggle. Holographic pastel seed bead bracelets.

Among these crafts that work to keep the hands busy is the origami star from paper strips. A simple folding process makes a fun little puffy star – and is easy to make by the dozen.

The paper strips can be purchased pre-cut and glued together on one end so that they don’t make a mess. It may take a few tries to really get the hang of it, but the more you make, the more you’ll want to – and the better they’ll be coming out!

What to use your puffy origami star from paper strips for

So is this an exclusively “fidget” craft or is it actually useful? Honestly, most people make it just for fun. But yes, it can be useful, and here are some of my favorite ways.

To make it look really nice, use different shades of yellow (it’ll look like a solid color but give a little texture). Or choose a cohesive color scheme.

Confetti

If you’re decorating for Christmas, for a summer picnic, a fairy party, graduation, or anything where stars are a fit, you can use these as less-messy confetti. Team up to make piles of it and scatter them on the table, toss them in the air…

Fill a jar decor

On that note, you can also make them to fill decorative containers (such as candle holders, cylinder vases) as centerpieces. You’ll definitely need a lot of them to fill ‘er up – but this is one of those crafts that is addictive and fun to make a lot of!

“Pick a chore/activity/wish jar”

The stars can easily be folded, so you can write anything you’d like on it before folding! This is a fun way to do any “pick a” type jars – whether it’s for a family or a party! You can combine this with the idea above, writing a fortune or wish on each and having partygoers pick one from the centerpiece.

What you need to make an origami star from paper strips

• Paper strips
• A ready pair of hands

How to make puffy origami stars

I’m going to go into as much nitty gritty details as I can in case you don’t have access to the images, but the photos really say it best. First, if you’d like you can watch the YouTube video:

1. Start with a paper strip. Lay it flat on your surface.

2. Create a loose knot, leaving about 1cm on one side.

3. Flatten out your knot into a pentagon shape. This is the base of your origami star from paper strips. Proportionally, the piece sticking out should be slightly longer than the diameter of the pentagon.

4. Fold that extra bit over to the other side, so that it’s flush on the bottom of the pentagon and reaches the other side that connects to the bottom.

5. Tuck whatever is leftover between the layers of the knotted pentagon and the extra strip.

6. Now you’re going to start “wrapping” that extra bit of paper around your pentagon until it’s finished. Again, this is something that’ll become easier as you make more as it requires some “instinct” with the direction that you’re wrapping in. Fold over your paper so that it reaches the side opposite.

Fold it under again to the opposite side.

Fold it over and under again until you only have a little bit – not enough for a complete fold.

7. Tuck that little extra bit between the layers of your star. Crease into place.

8. Use your nail to poke the sides – between the corners – in, allowing the front and back of the star to puff out. Again, it might make a few tries to really get the hang of this, but once you do it a few times, you’ll “nail” it (ouch).

Repeat with all five sides to complete your origami star from paper strips!

What will you be using yours for? Comment below!

Yield: Dozens

DIY Origami Wish Stars

Active Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 1 minute

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $5

Make these tiny origami wish stars from paper strips! Write a message on them first and fill a jar, use them as confetti, or just enjoy them as a fun fidget craft.

Print

Materials

• Paper Strips

Instructions

1. Start with a paper strip. Lay it flat on your surface.

2. Create a loose knot, leaving about 1cm on one side.

3. Flatten out your knot into a pentagon shape. This is the base of your origami star from paper strips. Proportionally, the piece sticking out should be slightly longer than the diameter of the pentagon.

4. Fold that extra bit over to the other side, so that it's flush on the bottom of the pentagon and reaches the other side that connects to the bottom.

5. Tuck whatever is leftover between the layers of the knotted pentagon and the extra strip.

6. Now you're going to start "wrapping" that extra bit of paper around your pentagon until it's finished. Again, this is something that'll become easier as you make more as it requires some "instinct" with the direction that you're wrapping in. Fold over your paper so that it reaches the side opposite.

7. Fold it under again to the opposite side. Fold it over and under again until you only have a little bit - not enough for a complete fold.

8. Tuck that little extra bit between the layers of your star. Crease into place.

9. Use your nail to poke the sides - between the corners - in, allowing the front and back of the star to puff out. Again, it might make a few tries to really get the hang of this, but once you do it a few times, you'll "nail" it (ouch).

Repeat with all five sides to complete your origami star from paper strips!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Origami Star from Paper Strips appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

We love origami and one of our favorite themes is transportation!

These include some of the more beginner level origami tutorials, like those paper airplanes we made as kids, paper boats, and of course, this adorable origami truck.

This beginner level tutorial even comes with free printable illustrated visual instructions so that you can do them at a workshop with an easy reference, or keep them handy for later.

I added a fun window to mine, but you can also just leave it as is.

Use this as a party activity, to make decorations such as garlands for a truck-themed party, or just make it for fun.

Take it up a notch with those markers! Write the name of an imaginary company on the side, or just have fun decorating it.

Practice makes progress, and this is not a tutorial that needs to come out perfect to look like what it is. You can see that even mine isn’t perfect – I just focused on having fun making it!

What you’ll need

• Origami Paper (or trim copy paper to square)
• I recommend using a bone folder
• Markers

How to Fold an Origami Truck

1. Start with a square sheet of paper. Fold it in half…

… and unfold to form a horizontal line in the center.

2. Fold down from the top and up from the bottom halfway to the center (approximately is fine).

3. Fold up each corner of your original paper so that it sticks out above (and below) the fold line. You can match it up to try to make the top and bottom even, or just go with your gut – it’ll still come out fab.

4. Now fold down the very tip of the corner to “round off” what will become your wheels.

5. Fold your left side over, close to where the wheels are (about 1/3 or a little more)

6. Fold that same side back, leaving a skinny little bit still folded over as a mini accordion fold.

7. Refold your origami truck in half along that center fold line that you created in the beginning.

8. Fold down your top left corner, starting from where the vertical pleat is, and about 1/3-halfway down the left side (minus the wheel).

9. Invert/tuck in that last fold.

10. Add any detail you’d like! I drew on a window and some wheel detail.

Your origami truck is complete! What will you be making next? Comment below!

Download the origami truck folding instructions

To download, fill out the form below. You’ll be signed up for our free newsletter – unsubscribe at any time in the footer of the emails. I respect your privacy and the law and won’t share your information with anyone.

The post Origami Truck: Step by Step Tutorial appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I’m sure we all know someone – likely more than a few someones – who are obsessed with unicorns. Who doesn’t want to escape to a world of fantasy now and then? To the kids in your life and maybe also your own inner child, unicorns represent beauty, innocence, and all things fantastic. They also make lovely decorations for parties, stationery, and gifts – the combination of white body and rainbow-colored accents complements just about anything.

And origami purists – look away. This has some kirigami elements but with all that folding, yes, I’m calling it origami. And you can totally stop at the origami unicorn’s silhouette and then it’s pure origami.

Now you can learn how to use origami techniques to craft a little unicorn out of a simple sheet of paper. You can use paper to add details to the unicorn shape, or use your own materials to decorate the silhouette however you like.

I’ve used colored paper and markers for starters, but this is a project that most definitely calls for glitter or glitter glue! For a real added dimension you might try using colored yarn for the unicorn’s mane, or add a 3-D wiggly eye.

This is not a very difficult project to do, but it does involve quite a lot of folds of different types, and some steps  where you’ll need to use your own judgment to get the right angle or size for the fold. It’s a good fit for someone who has some experience and skill with origami – or, if you’re a beginner but ready to learn, try doing it together with a friend or teacher who can help you along.

As always with origami, but especially with a complex design, you’ll want to use a lightweight paper so it won’t get too bulky with the many folds. I was able to get beautiful results using plain copy paper that I cut into a square. Or you can buy specialty origami papers – white is classic for unicorns, but they come in many colors and designs.

Another helpful tool for origami is a bone folder. This is a smooth, flat tool that you can use to sharpen the folds you’ll be making in each step. For some projects, this is a bit of an extra – but this project has several layers of folds, so you will really need to work on flattening them out nicely. If you don’t have a bone folder, you can use another smooth, flat object such as a plastic ruler to help you out.

Bring on the rainbows and glitter, because we’re about to raise some unicorns!

What you’ll need

• White origami or lightweight paper
• Colored paper
• Pencil
• Glue
• Marker or pen
• Bone folder (optional but very helpful)

How to fold origami unicorns

1. If you’re not using square origami paper, cut a sheet of paper into a square (you can do this easily by folding one side down diagonally, then cut off the extra paper that sticks out from the triangle)

2. Fold the square in half and then unfold, leaving a crease down the center.

3. Fold the right edge in to the center crease.

4. Fold the left edge in to the center.

5. Fold the entire thing in half from top to bottom, creating a new crease that goes across the first one – unfold it.

6. Fold the bottom edge up to the center crease and unfold it to form a crease ¼ of the way up the page.

7. Grasp the bottom edge of the left-side flap and pull it slightly upward.

8. Bring the corner to the center of the page, aligning the bottom edge with the line down the center. Flatten it to form a triangle on the left side.

9. Repeat to form the same triangle on the right side.

10. Fold the top tips of the triangles (the ones aligned with the center of the page) down to align with the bottom point.

11. Fold the pattern in half, folding the edges away from you so the flaps are on the outside.

12. Rotate the project so the pointy end  is on the top left.

13. Notice the square formed by the two horizontal creases. Fold the project so that the right top corner of the square touches the bottom left corner.

14. Undo the last fold, leaving a diagonal crease across the square.

15. On the right side, find the center of the layers of paper. Open it along the new diagonal crease.

16. Continue to open the flaps until you can fold down the diagonal crease.

17. Take the tip that is still sticking up at the top, and fold it down to the back so that the entire top lays flat.

18. Take the top flap (on your left side) and fold it up toward the center. You want the edge to go a little farther than the edge of the main piece of paper, with the tip of the flap sticking up past the flat top of the page.

19. Still working with that top flap, take the newly formed corner on the left side and fold it to the opposite, vertical edge – in other words, you’re folding the tip in half. This is going to be the unicorn’s horn.

20. Take the top corner on the right and fold it toward the middle about 1 cm. This will be the front of the unicorn’s head.

21. Unfold the last fold.

22. Take the same corner and use the new crease to tuck it inside, so you keep the shape of the head without seeing the folded flap of paper.

23. Take the remaining flap on the top left side. Fold the corner down to the edge, meeting about halfway down the side.

24. Take the newly formed left corner and fold it about 1cm toward the middle.

25. There is a small flap sticking out below the last fold. Fold it upward along the edge of the last fold. It will stick out past the edge of the project to make the unicorn’s ear.

26. Now we’re going to work with the bottom of the paper, which is still one big rectangle. Fold it upward and to the side so that the bottom edge overlaps the bottom of the ear a bit.

27. Take the corner that sticks out on the left and fold it down.

28. Tuck the edge under the ear to hold it in place.

29. Turn the entire project over to the other side, so most of the folds are hidden in back.

If you’d like, you can use the finished origami as a guide to trace and cut out mane, horns, and blush designs from colored paper.

30. Glue the accents onto the origami unicorn outline.

31. Use markers or pens to finish off your project with an eye, nose, and mouth.

How to Fold and Origami Unicorn

Print

Materials

• White origami or lightweight paper
• Colored paper
• Pencil
• Glue
• Marker or pen
• Bone folder (optional but very helpful)
• Unicorn features template

Instructions

1. If you’re not using square origami paper, cut a sheet of paper into a square (you can do this easily by folding one side down diagonally, then cut off the extra paper that sticks out from the triangle)
2. Fold the square in half and then unfold, leaving a crease down the center.
3. Fold the right edge in to the center crease.
4. Fold the left edge in to the center.
5. Fold the entire thing in half from top to bottom, creating a new crease that goes across the first one - unfold it.
6. Fold the bottom edge up to the center crease and unfold it to form a crease ¼ of the way up the page.
7. Grasp the bottom edge of the left-side flap and pull it slightly upward.
8. Bring the corner to the center of the page, aligning the bottom edge with the line down the center. Flatten it to form a triangle on the left side.
9. Repeat to form the same triangle on the right side.
10. Fold the top tips of the triangles (the ones aligned with the center of the page) down to align with the bottom point.
11. Fold the pattern in half, folding the edges away from you so the flaps are on the outside.
12. Rotate the project so the pointy end is on the top left.
13. Notice the square formed by the two horizontal creases. Fold the project so that the right top corner of the square touches the bottom left corner.
14. Undo the last fold, leaving a diagonal crease across the square.
15. On the right side, find the center of the layers of paper. Open it along the new diagonal crease.
16. Continue to open the flaps until you can fold down the diagonal crease
17. Take the tip that is still sticking up at the top, and fold it down to the back so that the entire top lays flat.
18. Take the top flap (on your left side) and fold it up toward the center. You want the edge to go a little farther than the edge of the main piece of paper, with the tip of the flap sticking up past the flat top of the page.
19. Still working with that top flap, take the newly formed corner on the left side and fold it to the opposite, vertical edge - in other words, you’re folding the tip in half. This is going to be the unicorn’s horn.
20. Take the top corner on the right and fold it toward the middle about 1 cm. This will be the front of the unicorn’s head.
21. Unfold the last fold.
22. Take the same corner and use the new crease to tuck it inside, so you keep the shape of the head without seeing the folded flap of paper.
23, Take the remaining flap on the top left side. Fold the corner down to the edge, meeting about halfway down the side.
24. Take the newly formed left corner and fold it about 1cm toward the middle.
25. There is a small flap sticking out below the last fold. Fold it upward along the edge of the last fold. It will stick out past the edge of the project to make the unicorn’s ear.
26. Now we’re going to work with the bottom of the paper, which is still one big rectangle. Fold it upward and to the side so that the bottom edge overlaps the bottom of the ear a bit.
27. Take the corner that sticks out on the left and fold it down.
28. Tuck the edge under the ear to hold it in place.
29. Turn the entire project over to the other side, so most of the folds are hidden in back.
Use the template (download at the end of this post) to trace the mane, horns, and blush designs onto colored paper, then cut them out.
30. Glue the accents onto the origami unicorn outline.
31. Use markers or pens to finish off your project with an eye, nose, and mouth.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Origami Unicorns appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Hang on tight to your favorite eucalyptus tree – we’re all about koalas today! These furry friends from Down Under aren’t actually bears, but they have the same endearing effect that makes everybody want to hug one! Now you can make your own koala friend using the creative art of paper folding, origami.

This clever origami project can also double as a corner bookmark (we’ve made a different type of corner bookmarks before) because its body has a hollow inside that you can slip over the corner of a book you’re reading. The koala will hang onto your page just like it hangs onto the trees at home!

Or, you can make your koala sit up on your desk or shelf by spreading apart that same opening a little to make a stand.

I think you’ll find this origami project easy and fun to do. It’s a good choice for crafters who have done a little origami before, but you don’t need to be an expert – I’ll show you everything you need. As always, you’ll want to choose a lightweight paper for this origami project so it can hold the layers of folds without getting too bulky. You can also use a bone folder or another smooth, flat tool to help sharpen your folds.

Paper folding will give you the distinctive outline of a koala’s head along with a body, and then you get to use markers, paper scraps, eyes, or whatever you like to design its facial features or other details. Make your koala friend as unique as you!

What you need

• Origami or other lightweight paper
• Markers
• Glue
• Scissors (optional – if your paper is not the right size)
• Bone folder (optional but helpful!)

How to fold an Origami Koala 

1. Take a square sheet of paper (or cut your paper down to a square by  folding it diagonally and trimming the excess).

Fold the square in half diagonally, and unfold to leave a crease. Fold it along the other diagonal, and unfold it again so you have two creases forming an X.

2. Flip the paper over to the other side. Fold it in half vertically, and unfold to leave a crease. Fold it in half horizontally, and unfold it again so you have two new creases forming a + shape.

3. Pinch the horizontal and vertical creases inward/toward each other, while the diagonal creases pop outward, forming the shape of a four-pointed star.

4. Flatten it into a triangle with two flaps on each side.

5. Fold the tip of the triangle (on the closed edge) down to the center of the open edge of the triangle, lining up the crease in the center.

6. Keeping that fold intact, turn the project so that the bottom/open side faces toward you. Gently begin to widen the opening of the open side.

7. As you gently pull apart the two flaps on one side, open and flatten the middle layer of the paper triangle.

8. Flatten it fully and crease the edges, forming a small triangle.

9. Do the same thing for the other side, flattening the middle layer of paper to form a small triangle.

10. Fold the project in half by joining the pointy ends together, with the new triangles hidden in the center.

11. The project now appears as two overlapping triangles. Take the right-angle corner of the top triangle (on the side that was formed in the last step when you folded in half) and fold in a little piece of the corner. Use a bone folder or other tool to make a crease.

12. Unfold that last corner fold to show the crease.

13. Fold the corner along the crease into the inside of the project.

14. The four points sticking out are the arms and legs of the koala. Make a small fold on each point to create a crease.

15. Unfold the points and then fold them inward. This gives your koala’s hands and feet a more natural shape.

16. Take another square paper for the koala’s head. It should be at least 1 cm shorter than the paper you used for the body – trim it down if necessary.

17. Fold the square in half horizontally and vertically, and open to leave creases.

18. Fold each corner in to the center of the square (where the creases meet) to create four triangle flaps.

19. Fold the top two adjacent flaps over to the other side.

20. Take the edge where one of the flaps was folded backward, and fold it down to the crease in the middle of the page.

21. Fold the other edge to the middle as well. Now those two flaps that you had folded backward are in front, sticking out to the sides.

22. Notice the triangle that was formed below the flaps. Take the bottom tip of the triangle and fold it up to the bottom of the flaps, along the center line.

23. Fold the project in half by taking the top point and folding it down to bottom, keeping the center aligned.

24. Flip the project over to the other side.

25. Cut out cheek blushes from light pink paper and glue them onto the koala’s face. Use a marker or pens to draw the eyes, nose, and mouth.

26. Use a little glue to attach the head to the body to complete the koala bear.

Your origami koala bookmarks are complete! What will you be making next? Comment below!

How to Fold an Origami Koala

This origami koala can be turned into an adorable corner bookmark - fun to craft and to gift!

Print

Materials

• Origami or other lightweight paper
• Markers
• Glue
• Scissors (optional - if your paper is not the right size)
• Bone folder (optional but helpful!)

Instructions

1. Take a square sheet of paper (or cut your paper down to a square by folding it diagonally and trimming the excess).
   
2. Fold the square in half diagonally, and unfold to leave a crease. Fold it along the other diagonal, and unfold it again so you have two creases forming an X.
   
3. Flip the paper over to the other side. Fold it in half vertically, and unfold to leave a crease. Fold it in half horizontally, and unfold it again so you have two new creases forming a + shape.
   
4. Pinch the horizontal and vertical creases inward/toward each other, while the diagonal creases pop outward, forming the shape of a four-pointed star.
   
5. Flatten it into a triangle with two flaps on each side.
   
6. Fold the tip of the triangle (on the closed edge) down to the center of the open edge of the triangle, lining up the crease in the center.
   
7. Keeping that fold intact, turn the project so that the bottom/open side faces toward you. Gently begin to widen the opening of the open side.
   
8. As you gently pull apart the two flaps on one side, open and flatten the middle layer of the paper triangle.
   
9. Flatten it fully and crease the edges, forming a small triangle.
   Do the same thing for the other side, flattening the middle layer of paper to form a small triangle.
   
10. Fold the project in half by joining the pointy ends together, with the new triangles hidden in the center.
    
11. The project now appears as two overlapping triangles. Take the right-angle corner of the top triangle (on the side that was formed in the last step when you folded in half) and fold in a little piece of the corner. Use a bone folder or other tool to make a crease.
    
12. Unfold that last corner fold to show the crease.
    
13. Fold the corner along the crease into the inside of the project.
    
14. The four points sticking out are the arms and legs of the koala. Make a small fold on each point to create a crease.
    
15. Unfold the points and then fold them inward. This gives your koala’s hands and feet a more natural shape.
    
16. Take another square paper for the koala’s head. It should be at least 1 cm shorter than the paper you used for the body - trim it down if necessary.
    
17. Fold the square in half horizontally and vertically, and open to leave creases.
    
18. Fold each corner in to the center of the square (where the creases meet) to create four triangle flaps.
    
19. Fold the top two adjacent flaps over to the other side.
    
20. Take the edge where one of the flaps was folded backward, and fold it down to the crease in the middle of the page.
    
21. Fold the other edge to the middle as well. Now those two flaps that you had folded backward are in front, sticking out to the sides.
    
22. Notice the triangle that was formed below the flaps. Take the bottom tip of the triangle and fold it up to the bottom of the flaps, along the center line.
    
23. Fold the project in half by taking the top point and folding it down to bottom, keeping the center aligned.
    
24. Flip the project over to the other side.
    
25. Cut out cheek blushes from light pink paper and glue them onto the koala’s face. Use a marker or pens to draw the eyes, nose, and mouth.
    

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Origami Koala Bookmarks appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

If you’ve been following our origami posts, you’ve seen that we’re finding animals all around the world. Come with me to China, where we’ll use the art of paper folding to make a model panda bear!

Now, Origami purists might not love this: it has cut-out add-ons but I personally can’t resist what you can do when you add just a bit extra!

One really cool feature of this project is that the panda’s head and body are both part of the same piece of paper. Some of our other tutorials (such as the origami dog)  had you craft a head and body separately and then combine them.

That’s a great way to make a complex figure work, and it also serves a double purpose if you want to feature just a face, but I feel especially accomplished when I can create the whole project with a single sheet, using only folding to make the magic happen!

The thing is, it took a lot of folding to make this particular magic happen. This project is a good fit for intermediate crafters who are already pretty comfortable with origami. If you’re more of a beginner, I have some perfect tutorials to get you started – try making an origami fish, for example –  and then you can come back to the panda when you’re feeling confident!

What really sets pandas apart is their unique markings. To make the distinctive black markings on this origami panda, you can cut them out from black paper, or you can use markers to draw the panda-rific eye spots, ears, and paws. I’ve used black to stay true to nature, but you can feel free to go wild with colors if that’s what you feel like.

As always with origami, but especially with a complex design, you’ll want to use a lightweight paper so it won’t get too bulky with the many folds. I was able to get beautiful results using plain white copy paper that I cut into a square, but you can also buy special origami papers for this.

Another helpful tool for origami is a bone folder. This is a smooth, flat tool that you can use to sharpen the folds you’ll be making in each step. This is especially helpful for a project like this one which has many steps and it is CRITICAL that your folds are sharp. If you don’t have a bone folder, you can use another smooth, flat object such as a plastic ruler to help you out.

Step into the bamboo forest with me and let’s find the panda in your paper!

What you’ll need

• Origami paper or thin copy paper
• Glue
• Markers
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Bone Folder

How to fold an origami panda

1. Prepare a square sheet of white paper or origami paper (trim it down to a square if needed) 

2. Fold the paper in half and then unfold it.

3. Fold one side of the square in to the center crease. 

4. Fold the other side to the center crease.

5. Fold the paper in half the other way – bringing the shorter sides together.

6. Unfold to leave a crease going across the middle.

7. Fold one short end to the middle crease.

8. Unfold the last fold.

9. Fold the paper in half again along the same center crease you created in step 5. 

10. Take the closed (folded) edge and fold it up to the crease that is now in the middle.

11. Unfold the last fold.

12. Open the top layer of paper along that last crease you created in step 10-11.

13. Now you have a closed edge sticking up in middle of the paper. Take one corner of that closed flap and fold it over to the crease.

14. Fold the opposite corner of the flap to the crease. Unfold both corners.

15. Tuck in those corners, inverting the fold.

16. Take one side and fold it in to the middle, opening the corner crease into a triangle.

17. Fold the other side to the middle, again flattening the corner crease into a triangle.

18. You now have a small square sticking out from the bottom of the project, formed by the two flaps that you just folded inward. Take the bottom corner of each flap and fold it outward on a diagonal angle, going from the top inner corner to slightly inside the bottom corner.

19. Flip the project over.

20. Leaving the small square flat on the table, take the large square part and fold it open/down.

21. Take the diagonal sides and fold them toward the center.

22. Unfold.

23. Holding down one of the diagonal sides, open up the top layer of paper along that last diagonal fold.

24. Smooth the diagonal fold and fold up the right side along the adjacent crease.

25. Repeat on the other side.

26. Turn it around so you can see the original small square sticking out at the bottom.

27. Flatten the big part. We’re going to make that into the head of the panda.

28. Flip over the project back to the side with all the folds showing.

29. Fold the sides of the head (the wide part) so the outer edges reach the middle.

30. Then, fold the edges from the middle back out to the new edge.

31. Undo the last folds so the edges are back in the middle.

32. Fold the top right corner down to the first crease.

33. Unfold the corner, and then tuck it inside.

34. Take the edge of the flap from the center and fold it outward (to the right). Fold it so that the crease in the middle of the flap aligns with the closed edge of the project. As you do this, the corner piece that you had tucked in will start to open up – flatten it out.

35. Repeat steps 32-34 on the other side. This forms the panda’s ears.

36. Fold the top outer corners of the ears slightly inward.

37. Take the bottom squared corners of the head and fold them upward.

38. Flip the project over to the smooth sides.

39. Cut out embellishments for the black parts of the panda. Or, draw it on with markers. 

40. Glue the black designs onto the origami panda to complete the project. Add details with markers if desired.

Your origami panda is complete! Which origami project do you want to learn next? Comment below!

How to Make an Origami Panda

Print

Materials

• White origami paper or thin craft paper
• Black or gray paper
• Glue
• Markers
• Scissors
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Prepare a square sheet of white paper or origami paper (trim it down to a square if needed)
2. Fold the paper in half and then unfold it.
3. Fold one side of the square in to the center crease.
4. Fold the other side to the center crease.
5. Fold the paper in half the other way - bringing the shorter sides together.
6. Unfold to leave a crease going across the middle.
7. Fold one short end to the middle crease.
8. Unfold the last fold.
9. Fold the paper in half again along the same center crease you created in step 5.
10. Take the closed (folded) edge and fold it up to the crease that is now in the middle.
11. Unfold the last fold.
12. Open the top layer of paper along that last crease you created in step 10-11.
13. Now you have a closed edge sticking up in middle of the paper. Take one corner of that closed flap and fold it over to the crease.
14. Fold the opposite corner of the flap to the crease. Unfold both corners.
15. Fold the corner creases along the outside.
16. Take one side and fold it in to the middle, opening the corner crease into a triangle.
17. Fold the other side to the middle, again flattening the corner crease into a triangle.
18. You now have a small square sticking out from the bottom of the project, formed by the two flaps that you just folded inward. Take the bottom corner of each flap and fold it outward on a diagonal angle, going from the top inner corner to slightly inside the bottom corner.
19. Flip the project over.
20. Leaving the small square flat on the table, take the large square part and fold it open/down.
21. Take the diagonal sides and fold them toward the center.
22. Unfold.
23. Holding down one of the diagonal sides, open up the top layer of paper along that last diagonal fold.
24. Smoothen the diagonal fold and fold up the right side along the adjacent crease.
25. Repeat on the other side.
26. Turn it around so you can see the original small square sticking out at the bottom.
27. Flatten the big part. We’re going to make that into the head of the panda.
28. Flip over the project back to the side with all the folds showing.
29. Fold the sides of the head (the wide part) so the outer edges reach the middle.
30. Then, fold the edges from the middle back out to the new edge.
31. Undo the last folds so the edges are back in the middle.
32. Fold the top right corner down to the first crease.
33. Unfold the corner, and then tuck it inside.
34. Take the edge of the flap from the center and fold it outward (to the right). Fold it so that the crease in the middle of the flap aligns with the closed edge of the project. As you do this, the corner piece that you had tucked in will start to open up - flatten it out.
35. Repeat steps 32-34 on the other side. This forms the panda’s ears.
36. Fold the top outer corners of the ears slightly inward.
37. Take the bottom squared corners of the head and fold them upward.
38. Flip the project over to the smooth sides.
39. Cut out embellishments for the black parts of the panda. Or, draw it on with markers.
40. Glue the black designs onto the origami panda to complete the project. Add details with markers if desired.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Origami Panda – Step by Step Intermediate Tutorial appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Are we all animal lovers here? Good, because we’re about to add a friendly origami pup to the family! This paper craft is so simple to make with a totally rewarding result. This is a great choice for origami beginners, as well as a fun activity for those who are already into it. The folding is simple enough for even small, young fingers.

I tend to find origami to be mindful, and this origami dog is so satisfying to create. 

Being easy doesn’t make this craft simplistic, though – you can add as much personality to it as you’d like. I’ve gone with a classic brown dog with a collar, but you can change it up by using different colored papers, drawing spots or other features, and adding accessories, such as a ribbon leash. 

You can especially have fun with facial expressions by changing the direction of the eyes, adding eyebrows, or adjusting the shape of the mouth. And of course, iIt’s easy to vary the size of your dog friends by using different sizes of paper.

If you happen to have a hole punch with a fun shape (or even a circle), you can use that to help you make the dog’s tag for its collar. If not, you can just cut one out with a scissor. Use a Micron or similar fineliner to add your own pup’s name to the collar!

This dog was created by using glue to combine a folded head with a folded body. If you’re a one-page origami purist, or if you just feel like it, you can make the head alone as a doggie-faced portrait. It would make a cute decoration for a notebook, card, or gift box.

Because this is a relatively simple project without too many folds, you can use pretty much any type of paper. Usually thinner paper is best for origami, but I think you could pull this one off fine with construction paper if you’d like. Be aware that if using something to help you with your folds, a bone folder would be the best option, as its smooth edge won’t tear at the fibers of the construction paper

Get ready to adopt your new paper pet today!

What you’ll need

• Colored paper (origami or thin copy paper are recommended)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers
• Recommended: bone folder

How to fold an origami dog

1. Choose two square sheets of paper for the dog’s body and head (or turn a rectangular paper into a square by folding one side down into a triangle and trimming off the extra). Choose a different color for the dog’s collar and collar tag, and cut out eyes from white paper.

2. Take one of the square papers and fold it in half diagonally.

3. Bend one corner of the closed side over to the other as if you’re going to fold it in half, but only make a slight crease to mark the center.

4. Take the same corner as before and fold it downward. The fold should start from that slight crease you just made, and slant down to the middle of the open right side of the triangle. The tip of the corner will stick out past the edge of the triangle.

5. Fold the opposite corner the same way. These are the ears of the origami dog.

6. Fold the tip of one of the ears up slightly, about 1 cm, keeping the corner aligned with the inner edge of the ear.

7. Unfold the last fold.

8. Tuck that new creased part inside itself.

9. Repeat steps 6-8 on the other side.

10. Flip the entire project over to the other side.

11. Fold down the pointed top about 1 cm.

12. Flip back to the front again. Glue on eyes and use a marker to draw facial features such as mouth and nose. This completes the dog’s head.

13. Take the other square paper to make the dog’s body.

14. Fold it in half diagonally.

15. Take one of the open sides and fold it over about 2cm, aligning the bottom edge  that you’re folding with the bottom edge of the open right side

16. Unfold the top layer of that fold, opening up the corner tip so you can flatten it down.

17. Now the next layer of paper is on top. Fold that in half lengthwise, back toward its folded edge.

18. Now fold the opposite edge in half to meet that one in middle.

19. Flip over the whole page.

20. Take the corner opposite from the side you just folded, and fold it over toward the center, aligning the open sides.

21. Fold that corner back on itself so that it sticks out past the previous fold. Tilt it upward a little before creasing it. This is the dog’s tail.

22. Flip back to the other side.

23. Glue the head onto the body.

24. Cut a little strip of a contrasting color paper for the collar, and glue it under the head. Add a tag or charm to the collar.

Your origami dog is complete! Which origami would you like to learn next? Comment below!

Origami Dog Tutorial

Print

Materials

• Colored paper (origami or thin copy paper are recommended)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers

Instructions

Choose two square sheets of paper for the dog’s body and head (or turn a rectangular paper into a square by folding one side down into a triangle and trimming off the extra). Choose a different color for the dog’s collar and collar tag, and cut out eyes from white paper.
Take one of the square papers and fold it in half diagonally.
Bend one corner of the closed side over to the other as if you’re going to fold it in half, but only make a slight crease to mark the center.
Take the same corner as before and fold it downward. The fold should start from that slight crease you just made, and slant down to the middle of the open right side of the triangle. The tip of the corner will stick out past the edge of the triangle.
Fold the opposite corner the same way. These are the ears of the origami dog.
Fold the tip of one of the ears up slightly, about 1 cm, keeping the corner aligned with the inner edge of the ear.
Unfold the last fold.
Tuck that new creased part inside itself.
Repeat steps 6-8 on the other side.
Flip the entire project over to the other side.
Fold down the pointed top about 1 cm.
Flip back to the front again. Glue on eyes and use a marker to draw facial features such as mouth and nose. This completes the dog’s head.
Take the other square paper to make the dog’s body.
Fold it in half diagonally.
Take one of the open sides and fold it over about 2cm, aligning the bottom edge that you’re folding with the bottom edge of the open right side
Unfold the top layer of that fold, opening up the corner tip so you can flatten it down.
Now the next layer of paper is on top. Fold that in half lengthwise, back toward its folded edge.
Now fold the opposite edge in half to meet that one in middle.
Flip over the whole page.
Take the corner opposite from the side you just folded, and fold it over toward the center, aligning the open sides.
Fold that corner back on itself so that it sticks out past the previous fold. Tilt it upward a little before creasing it. This is the dog’s tail.
Flip back to the other side.
Glue the head onto the body.
Cut a little strip of a contrasting color paper for the collar, and glue it under the head. Add a tag or charm to the collar.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Origami Dog – Step by Step Tutorial appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

We’re diving deep under the sea for our next origami adventure! Using the simple magic of paper folding, even beginners can make this adorable paper origami jellyfish! 

And if you’re new here, you’ll want to fold our other sea creatures, including an origami whale and a sweet little origami fish.

Use these to round off any ocean-themed decor, from bulletin boards to journal covers. This craft is simple enough to be an activity for your underwater themed birthday party or after school group. 

As with all origami projects, this can easily be “dressed up” by choosing papers with fun patterns or finishes. Just make sure not to go thicker or heavier than regular copy paper, so you’ll still be able to fold it. Origami paper IS best for more complex origami projects. 

You can also embellish it after folding, by adding wiggly eyes, glitter glue, or accents of your choice.

The basic shape of a body with tentacles can also be used as an octopus or squid. For an octopus, make two sets of the 4 legs and glue them back to back. For a squid, leave the tip of the head pointed by skipping the last part of step 19.

Come dive into this origami jellyfish craft with me!

What you’ll need

• Origami paper
• Scissors
• Glue (I recommend tacky glue)
• Markers
• Optional: bone folder

How to make an origami jellyfish

1. Prepare two square sheets of paper. Both should be the same size – mine are 6 inches square. 

Cut out two eyes from white paper and draw the colored part on them. Cut out two small pink circles for blushing cheeks.

Preparing the Tentacles

2. Take one paper and fold it in half diagonally, then unfold it to leave a crease. Fold and unfold the same way in the other direction so you have two diagonal creases making an X.

3. Turn the paper over. Fold and unfold it vertically and horizontally to make two more creases in a cross shape.

4. Fold the horizontal creases away from you and in toward the center, so that the diagonal creases stick up toward you.

5. Flatten this into a triangle with two flaps on each side.

6. Fold it in half and move all the flaps to one side so you have one smaller triangle.

7. Take the loose corner of the top flap and fold it up toward the closed side, folding at a 25-30 degree angle.

8. Fold the second flap a little less than the first one, so the first one sticks out a little from behind the top (the angles don’t need to be precise, as long as each flap is folded pretty evenly)

9. Fold the third flap a little lower down than the second one.

10. Now fold the fourth and final flap to match the other ones. That’s it for this paper – these are the jellyfish’s tentacles. Make two of these for an octopus!

The origami jellyfish head

11. Take the other sheet of paper to make the bell (body/head) of the jellyfish.

12. Fold it in half diagonally.

13. Fold the right side corner up to the middle.

14. Fold the left side corner up to the middle.

15. Take the new bottom corner (where everything is closed with no flaps) and fold it up, lining up with the middle, stopping about 1 cm below the top corner.

16. Take the corners that stick out on the right and left, and fold them up so the corners touch the edges of the smaller/top triangle.

Assembling the Origami Jellyfish

17. Take the tentacles we made earlier and turn them over, so the back is facing up.

18. Spread glue on the triangle part of the head/body that we just made.

19. Stick the closed corner of the tentacle piece onto the glued part of the head (everything is still wrong side up)

Fold the top corner of the head piece down, overlapping the corner of the tentacle piece.

20. Flip the whole thing over. Now you can really see the jellyfish shape!

Get your eyes and cheek pieces ready.

21. Glue the eyes and cheeks onto the head. Draw a mouth and any other accents to give your jellyfish its own personality!

Yield: 1

How to Make Origami Jellyfish

Print

Materials

• Origami paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers
• Optional: bone folder

Instructions

<ol><ol><li>Prepare two square sheets of paper. Both should be the same size - mine are 6 inches square. <br/>Cut out two eyes from white paper and draw the colored part on them. Cut out two small pink circles for blushing cheeks.\</li><li>Take one paper and fold it in half diagonally, then unfold it to leave a crease. Fold and unfold the same way in the other direction so you have two diagonal creases making an X.<br/></li><li>Turn the paper over. Fold and unfold it vertically and horizontally to make two more creases in a cross shape.<br/></li><li>Fold the horizontal creases away from you and in toward the center, so that the diagonal creases stick up toward you.<br/></li><li>Flatten this into a triangle with two flaps on each side.<br/></li><li>Move all the flaps to one side so you have one smaller triangle.<br/></li><li>Take the loose corner of the top flap and fold it up toward the closed side, folding at a 25-30 degree angle.<br/></li><li>Fold the second flap a little less than the first one, so the first one sticks out a little from behind the top (the angles don’t need to be precise, as long as each flap is folded pretty evenly)<br/></li><li>Fold the third flap a little lower down than the second one.<br/></li><li>Now fold the fourth and final flap to match the other ones. That’s it for this paper - these are the jellyfish’s tentacles.<br/></li><li>Take the other sheet of paper to make the bell (body/head) of the jellyfish.<br/></li><li>Fold it in half diagonally.<br/></li><li>Fold the right side corner up to the middle.<br/></li><li>Fold the left side corner up to the middle.<br/></li><li>Take the new bottom corner (where everything is closed with no flaps) and fold it up, lining up with the middle, stopping about 1 cm below the top corner.<br/></li><li>Take the corners that stick out on the right and left, and fold them up so the corners touch the edges of the smaller/top triangle.<br/></li><li>Take the tentacles we made earlier and turn them over, so the back is facing up.<br/></li><li>Spread glue on the triangle part of the head/body that we just made.<br/></li><li>Stick the closed corner of the tentacle piece onto the glued part of the head (everything is still wrong side up)<br/>Fold the top corner of the head piece down, overlapping the corner of the tentacle piece.<br/></li><li>Flip the whole thing over. Now you can really see the jellyfish shape!<br/>Get your eyes and blush pieces ready.<br/></li><li>Glue the eyes and blushing cheeks onto the head. Draw a mouth and any other accents to give your jellyfish its own personality!<br/></li></ol></ol>

Notes

The basic shape of a body with tentacles can also be used as an octopus or squid. For an octopus, make two sets of the 4 legs and glue them back to back. For a squid, leave the tip of the head pointed by skipping the last part of step 19.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Super Easy Origami Jellyfish appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Seeing the tulips, daffodils, and crocuses starting to open up in the early Spring is so exciting. It reminds me of the excitement of finishing an origami project – you make all these seemingly random folds, and then suddenly a new shape emerges!

 In this post we combine both the beauty of Spring, and crafting, with a beautiful origami tulip tutorial.

These pretty tulips are perfect for spring decor – I would love a row of these on a door or windows! If you don’t want to tape up your windows or walls, you can hang them from a garland. These paper flowers would also look great on a notebook cover or greeting card (think: Mother’s Day).

I love how origami enables you to make such a wide variety of items using only paper and your hands. In this project we also add just a bit of glue so you can add a stem and leaves to your origami tulip. You can use simple, plain colored papers for a lovely, simple look, or you can use more decorative papers for extra pizzazz.

 If you only have plain paper and want some style, grab your markers and dress up that paper! The important part is to choose paper that’s easy to fold – stay away from heavyweight papers that will be too stiff and thick for the many folds involved in origami.

Even if you’re using thinner paper, you’ll probably want a tool to help you smooth down the folded edges for this project. I like to use these bone folders, but a stiff ruler will do in a pinch.

This is an intermediate type of origami project – it’s approachable enough for a beginner to try, but you’d need some extra patience for some of the later steps. I’ve broken them down for you to make this project really doable, and I really think you’ll have fun making these origami tulips!

What you need

• Colored paper, such as Origami or colored copy paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Optional: bone folder to smooth creases

How to fold an Origami tulip

1. Prepare one colored paper for the flower and another color for the stems and leaves. You’ll need a square sheet about 15×15 cm or 6×6” for the flower, a square about 11×11 cm or about 4 ½” for the leaves, and a strip of paper for the stem.

Take the flower paper and fold it diagonally. Open the fold, and then fold it diagonally the other way. Open that fold too, so you have an X shaped crease going through the center of the square.

2. Grab one corner and fold it to the center of the X crease. Smooth it down to make another crease.

3. Unfold the corner.

4. Now, fold the same corner up to the new crease you just made. Do not unfold it.

5. Take the same corner/side you just folded, and fold the paper up along the original diagonal. Now you have a triangle, but with one corner folded in.

6. Take the other corner that is sticking out from behind the folded one, and fold it in to match the first one.

7. Make sure both corners are tucked into the inside of the folded triangle.

8. Holding the paper with the longest side toward you, take the lower left corner and fold it upward until the edge meets the vertical crease in the middle of the paper.

9. Fold the right side the same way.

10. Unfold both of the sides you just folded.

11. The previous step created creases going from the bottom center up to the top sides of the triangle. Take the bottom corners and fold them up to the place where the creases reach the sides of the triangle.

12. Re-fold the diagonal creases created in steps 8-10.

13. Flip the project over to the other side.

14. Holding the project with the pointed side toward you, take the corner on the left side and fold it to the middle crease.

15. Fold the right corner to the center the same way.

16. Turn the project so the straight side is toward you. This next part is a bit tricky so pay attention!

17. Look at the square corners. The outer layer of paper is part of the triangle that you folded toward the center in steps 14-15. The inner layer of the paper is part of the background square. We’re going to grab only that inner square layer and fold it upwards.

18. Fold it until the square edge lines up with the middle crease.

19. Do the same thing to the opposite corner.

20. Take the point at the top and fold it down about 1 cm.

21. Flip the project over – there’s your tulip head!

22. Now we’ll work on the leaves. Take your other, smaller square paper.

23. Fold the square in half diagonally.

24. Take one of the open sides (the sides of the original square) and fold it up to the closed side (the diagonal fold)

25. Unfold the last fold, then fold the same way from the other side – take the other open side and fold it up to the closed side.

26. Unfold the last fold.

27. Find the place where the last two creases cross each other. Fold up the corner on the left so that the lines of the right side crease line up with each other and the new fold goes through the same crossed spot.

28. Fold the left point in half along its middle crease.

29. After you folded the left point in half, there is a flat side sticking out on bottom (marked in orange in the picture.) Fold this flat side up to meet the edge of the last folded part (marked in white).

30. Fold the right point in half along its middle crease.

31. Unfold the last fold and notice a small loose triangle flap on the right side.

32. Tuck that triangle flap into the pocket in the center of the left part.

33. Cut a rectangular piece of paper to make the stem.

34. Fold the stem over 3 times to make it stronger.

35. Slide the stem into the middle of the origami leaves. Stick them together with glue.

36. Glue the flower to the top of the stem to complete your origami tulip!

How to Fold an Origami Tulip

Print

Materials

• Colored paper, such as Origami or colored copy paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Optional: bone folder to smooth creases

Instructions

<ol><p>1. Prepare one colored paper for the flower and another color for the stems and leaves. You’ll need a square sheet about 15x15 cm or 6x6” for the flower, a square about 11x11 cm or about 4 ½” for the leaves, and a strip of paper for the stem.<br/>Take the flower paper and fold it diagonally. Open the fold, and then fold it diagonally the other way. Open that fold too, so you have an X shaped crease going through the center of the square.<br/>2. Grab one corner and fold it to the center of the X crease. Smooth it down to make another crease.<br/>3. Unfold the corner.<br/>4. Now, fold the same corner up to the new crease you just made. Do not unfold it.<br/>5. Take the same corner/side you just folded, and fold the paper up along the original diagonal. Now you have a triangle, but with one corner folded in.<br/>6. Take the other corner that is sticking out from behind the folded one, and fold it in to match the first one.<br/>7. Make sure both corners are tucked into the inside of the folded triangle.<br/>8. Holding the paper with the longest side toward you, take the lower left corner and fold it upward until the edge meets the vertical crease in the middle of the paper.<br/>9. Fold the right side the same way.<br/>10. Unfold both of the sides you just folded.<br/>11. The previous step created creases going from the bottom center up to the top sides of the triangle. Take the bottom corners and fold them up to the place where the creases reach the sides of the triangle.<br/>12. Re-fold the diagonal creases created in steps 8-10.<br/>13. Flip the project over to the other side.<br/>14. Holding the project with the pointed side toward you, take the corner on the left side and fold it to the middle crease.<br/>15. Fold the right corner to the center the same way.<br/>16. Turn the project so the straight side is toward you. This next part is a bit tricky so pay attention!<br/>17. Look at the square corners. The outer layer of paper is part of the triangle that you folded toward the center in steps 14-15. The inner layer of the paper is part of the background square. We’re going to grab only that inner square layer and fold it upwards.<br/>18. Fold it until the square edge lines up with the middle crease.<br/>19. Do the same thing to the opposite corner.<br/>20. Take the point at the top and fold it down about 1 cm.<br/>21. Flip the project over - there’s your tulip head!<br/>22. Now we’ll work on the leaves. Take your other, smaller square paper.<br/>23. Fold the square in half diagonally.<br/>24. Take one of the open sides (the sides of the original square) and fold it up to the closed side (the diagonal fold)<br/>25. Unfold the last fold, then fold the same way from the other side - take the other open side and fold it up to the closed side.<br/>26. Unfold the last fold.<br/>27. Find the place where the last two creases cross each other. Fold up the corner on the left so that the lines of the right side crease line up with each other and the new fold goes through the same crossed spot.<br/>28. Fold the left point in half along its middle crease.<br/>29. After you folded the left point in half, there is a flat side sticking out on bottom (marked in orange in the picture.) Fold this flat side up to meet the edge of the last folded part (marked in white).<br/>30. Fold the right point in half along its middle crease.<br/>31. Unfold the last fold and notice a small loose triangle flap on the right side.<br/>32. Tuck that triangle flap into the pocket in the center of the left part.<br/>33. Cut a rectangular piece of paper to make the stem.<br/>34. Fold the stem over 3 times to make it stronger.<br/>35. Slide the stem into the middle of the origami leaves. Stick them together with glue.<br/>36. Glue the flower to the top of the stem to complete your origami tulip!</p></ol>

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post How to Fold an Origami Tulip appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

These origami bracelets are a classic childhood staple – like friendship bracelets for when all you have on hand is paper! They’re easy and fun to make, with a repetitive folding pattern that lets you get into a relaxing rhythm. It’s one of those “fidget crafts” that keep the hands busy and are fun to make again and again.

Paper isn’t quite as durable as string, but these are so fun and easy that  you can keep making replacements with different colors and designs to match your mood or outfit of the day. Keep them, gift them, trade them, collect them!

In fact, it’s one of those crafts where the process is just so relaxing, they are perfect for making “just for fun”. 

Any type of paper should work for this craft. Copy paper will be easier to work with, while cardstock will be more durable. You can use solid colored paper to create a neat pattern of squares. Alternatively, origami paper, scrapbook paper, or even gift wrap can be used to provide decorative designs.

You can even recycle used coloring pages for this – do you or someone in your household love to color and then end up with more colored pictures than you can handle? Try prepping watercolor backgrounds to fold into origami bracelets too!

Don’t be scared off by the many steps in this tutorial. We broke it down that way to make sure everything is perfectly clear so you can craft with confidence – this craft is really very easy to learn. What are you waiting for? Grab some paper and enjoy!

What you’ll need

• Colored paper – I recommend copy paper or cardstock – more suggestions above.
• Ruler and pencil

• Scissors
• Glue (optional – for added security)

How to make an origami bracelet

1. Cut your favorite papers into strips about 16×2 cm or about 6x 3/4 inches. The length should ideally be 8 times the width.

2. Take a strip of your choice  and fold it in half by joining the shorter sides. Use your fingers to make a crease.

3. Unfold the strip.

4. Fold one end of the strip almost but not all the way to the middle crease.

5. Fold the other end likewise, almost but not all the way to the middle crease.

6. Fold the paper in half along the middle crease, keeping the loose ends inside.

7. Repeat steps 2-6 to fold the rest of the strips the same way.

8. Take 2 of the folded strips.

9. Take one end of the first strip and slide it inside one end of the second strip.

10. Slide the other end of the first strip into the other side of the second strip.

11. Push the first strip all the way into the second strip, forming a V shape.

12. Turn it over so you’re looking at a sideways V shape.

13. Take a third one of your folded strips.

14. Slide one end of the third strip through the end of the first strip (the inside one of the two connected strips) going from the inside of the V shape toward the outside.

15. Likewise, slide the other end of the third strip through the other end of the first strip (similar to how you connected the first two strips)

16. Push it all the way through.

17. When the new strip is fully inserted through the first strip, it will look like a zig-zag pattern.

18. Flip the pattern over.

19. Now, take a fourth folded strip.

20. Slide the ends of the 4th strip through the ends of the 3rd strip.

21. Pull it all the way through – you got this, now!

22. Continue to add strips, flipping the pattern over after each one.

23. Keep going until your pattern is long enough to make a bracelet. The total number of strips will need to be an even number.

24. For the last strip, take a strip of paper and fold it just in half – without folding in the sides first. Slide the ends through the loops of the last strip you attached and pull it all the way through.

25. Curl the entire pattern around to form a ring.

26. Slide the open ends of the last strip through the loops of the strip on the other end (originally the 2nd one you used). Pull the ends all the way through.

27. Fold the top end of the strip over the second strip and slide it through the loop of the last folded strip.

28. Do the same thing to the other loose end of the strip, this time folding it toward the inside of the bracelet.

All done! The bracelet can stay together just the way it is, but if you like extra security you can use a little glue to hold the last strip in place. Slide it carefully over your hand and wear it with flair!

DIY Origami Bracelet

Print

Materials

• Colored paper - I recommend copy paper or cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue (optional - for added security)
• Ruler and pencil

Instructions

1. Cut your favorite papers into strips about 16x2 cm or about 6x 3/4 inches. The length should ideally be 8 times the width.
2. Take a strip of your choice and fold it in half by joining the shorter sides. Use your fingers to make a crease.
3. Unfold the strip.
4. Fold one end of the strip almost but not all the way to the middle crease.
5. Fold the other end likewise, almost but not all the way to the middle crease.
6. Fold the paper in half along the middle crease, keeping the loose ends inside.
7. Repeat steps 2-6 to fold the rest of the strips the same way.
8. Take 2 of the folded strips.
9. Take one end of the first strip and slide it inside one end of the second strip.
10. Slide the other end of the first strip into the other side of the second strip.
11. Push the first strip all the way into the second strip, forming a V shape.
12. Turn it over so you’re looking at a sideways V shape.
13. Take a third one of your folded strips.
14. Slide one end of the third strip through the end of the first strip (the inside one of the two connected strips) going from the inside of the V shape toward the outside.
15. Likewise, slide the other end of the third strip through the other end of the first strip (similar to how you connected the first two strips)
16. Push it all the way through.
17. When the new strip is fully inserted through the first strip, it will look like a zig-zag pattern.
18. Flip the pattern over.
19. Now, take a fourth folded strip.
20. Slide the ends of the 4th strip through the ends of the 3rd strip.
21. Pull it all the way through - you got this, now!
22. Continue to add strips, flipping the pattern over after each one.
23. Keep going until your pattern is long enough to make a bracelet. The total number of strips will need to be an even number.
24. For the last strip, take a strip of paper and fold it just in half - without folding in the sides first. Slide the ends through the loops of the last strip you attached and pull it all the way through.
25. Curl the entire pattern around to form a ring.
26. Slide the open ends of the last strip through the loops of the strip on the other end (originally the 2nd one you used). Pull the ends all the way through.
27. Fold the top end of the strip over the second strip and slide it through the loop of the last folded strip.
28. Do the same thing to the other loose end of the strip, this time folding it toward the inside of the bracelet.
All done! The bracelet can stay together just the way it is, but if you like extra security you can use a little glue to hold the last strip in place. Slide it carefully over your hand and wear it with flair!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Just For Fun Origami Bracelet appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Twinkle, twinkle away – with the nights getting longer and earlier here in the Northern hemisphere, we need as much light as we can get! Add some sparkle and shine to your winter decor with these simple, elegant origami star shapes.

While 5 pointed origami stars may seem like a very basic shape, that’s exactly what makes them so versatile. The little kids among us might want to glue them to the tip of a stick or dowel to make a wand or scepter for a fairy, princess, or angel.

 For some more sophisticated decor, try stringing them together in a garland or banner, or hang them from a clothes hanger or embroidery hoop to create a mobile. You can use them to decorate your holiday or party table, either as place cards, stand-alone accents, or as part of a centerpiece.

Because the shape is so simple, this is the perfect base for some fancy decorating. Try using a patterned or shiny paper, or create your own pattern with markers or glitter on your finished stars.

So, how do you make a 5 pointed origami star out of a 4-cornered paper? It’s not hard at all with these simple-to-follow origami directions. All you need is a lightweight paper that’s easy to fold (plain copy paper or origami paper works fine.) If you’d like, you can also use a tool to flatten your creases, such as a bone folder or plastic ruler. Get your stuff together and let’s make the magic happen!

What you need to make a 5 pointed origami star

• Paper
• Glue (optional)

• Bone folder (optional)

How to fold a 5 pointed origami star

1. Start with a square paper. If your paper is rectangular, cut it down to a square shape.

2. Fold the top down to the bottom to create a horizontal fold.

3. Open the fold.

4. Fold one side to the other to create a vertical fold.

5. Open the fold.

6. Turn the paper over.

7. Fold it in half along the square’s diagonal.

8. Open the fold.

9. Fold it in half along the other diagonal.

10. Open the fold. 

11. Bring the straight edges upward toward the center, folding it along the creases.

12. Flatten it to make a triangle with two layers.

13. Take the top flap on the left and fold it up to the middle crease.

14. Fold the right flap the same way.

15. Undo the last two folds to leave creases.

16. Take the flap on the right and fold it up to the diagonal crease on the left side.

17. Open the fold.

18. Fold the left flap up to the diagonal crease on the right side.

19. Open the fold.

20. Now each side has two diagonal creases after the middle crease. Take the left flap and fold it accordion-style so that the edge formed by the second crease touches the middle. 

21. Fold the right flap the same way, so that the two folded parts meet in the middle with points sticking up. 

22. Flip the whole thing over to the side that isn’t folded yet (the flat triangle)

23. Repeat steps 13-21 so that both sides look the same.

24. Pick up the whole project so that the single point is pointing downward. There are four tips pointing toward you. Grasping the project by the middle, bring the top two points downward toward you, as if opening the pages of a book.

25. You will begin to notice how this forms a star shape. Position the points at an angle that looks good, and flatten it out. Apply glue if you’d like to help hold the flattened shape.

26. Flip the project over to display the smoother side.

You’ve successfully made a 5 pointed origami star. What will you be using yours for? Comment below!

5-Point Origami Star

Print

Materials

• Paper
• Glue (optional)
• Bone folder (optional)

Instructions

1. Start with a square paper. If your paper is rectangular, cut it down to a square shape.
2. Fold the top down to the bottom to create a horizontal fold.
3. Open the fold.
4. Fold one side to the other to create a vertical fold.
5. Open the fold.
6. Turn the paper over.
7. Fold it in half along the square’s diagonal.
8. Open the fold.
9. Fold it in half along the other diagonal.
10. Open the fold.
11. Bring the straight edges upward toward the center, folding it along the creases.
12. Flatten it to make a triangle with two layers.
13. Take the top flap on the left and fold it up to the middle crease.
14. Fold the right flap the same way.
15. Undo the last two folds to leave creases.
16. Take the flap on the right and fold it up to the diagonal crease on the left side.
17. Open the fold.
18. Fold the left flap up to the diagonal crease on the right side.
19. Open the fold.
20. Now each side has two diagonal creases after the middle crease. Take the left flap and fold it accordion-style so that the edge formed by the second crease touches the middle.
21. Fold the right flap the same way, so that the two folded parts meet in the middle with points sticking up.
22. Flip the whole thing over to the side that isn’t folded yet (the flat triangle)
23. Repeat steps 13-21 so that both sides look the same.
24. Pick up the whole project so that the single point is pointing downward. There are four tips pointing toward you. Grasping the project by the middle, bring the top two points downward toward you, as if opening the pages of a book.
25. You will begin to notice how this forms a star shape. Position the points at an angle that looks good, and flatten it out. Apply glue if you’d like to help hold the flattened shape.
26. Flip the project over to display the smoother side.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post 5 Pointed Origami Star Tutorial appeared first on Moms and Crafters.