Festive Origami
Origami 折り紙, the Japanese art of paper folding, symbolises precision, creativity, and mindfulness. Derived from ori (folding) and kami (paper), it transforms a single sheet into intricate forms. Beyond a craft, origami reflects simplicity, attention to detail, and deeper meanings, like the crane symbolising peace and longevity.
Christmas Stocking
Materials needed:
Origami paper x1
Strings (optional)
Steps
1. Fold a square paper into half, then unfold.
2. Fold down a small stripe from the top.
3. Turn over, and fold both sides to the centre crease.
4. Fold in half again.
5. Fold down ¼ from the top, then unfold.
6. Fold the remaining ¾ to the bottom to make a diagonal crease, then unfold.
7. Open the bottom flap and fold along the diagonal crease, bringing the flap down to the bottom.
8. Fold the bottom side over to the top.
9. With the flap you just folded over, take the top half and fold it down.
10. Open the front of the stocking and tuck in the toe.
11. Similarly, bend a small part of the bottom of the toe inwards.
12. Your Christmas stocking is done! To make it hangable, you can attach a string to it.
Pyramid Box
Materials needed:
Origami paper x3
Strings (optional)
Steps
1. Choose 3 different colours of origami paper.
2. Fold the paper into half, then unfold.
3. Fold both sides to the centre crease.
4. Fold one corner diagonally to the bottom centre.
5. Fold the opposite corner diagonally to the bottom centre.
6. Open the bottom pocket and tuck in the top flap.
7. Do the same to the other side.
8. Unfold the small triangles at each tips. Tuck them in.
9. Flip it over and fold both tips diagonally to the centre.
10. Then, fold it into half diagonally to create crease.
11. You have now finished one of the three parts of the pyramid box.
12. Repeat the previous steps with the other two papers.
13. You will end up with three identical parts in different colours.
14. To assemble the pyramid box, take the tip of one part and tuck into the corresponding section of another part.
15. Make sure everything is tucked in nicely and your pyramid box is complete!
16. To make it hangable, you can attach a string to it.
Star
Materials needed:
Origami paper x3
Scissors
Glue \ Tape
Strings (optional)
Steps
1. Cut each square paper into 4 even stripes. To get 12 strips, use 3 square papers.
2. Glue a small section at the end of a strip and attach it to another strip.
3. Tie a knot at one end and gently tighten the knot.
4. Fold the short end along the pentagon's edge so it stays neatly aligned.
5. (Optional step) To make it hangable, add a string.
6. Wrap the long end around and around the pentagon, following the edges and the folds.
7. As you wrap, the strip will shorten. Extend it by gluing on more strips and continue wrapping.
8. Keep gluing and wrapping until all the strips are used.
9. Trim any excess from the last bit and tuck in the loose end.
10. Gently press the edges to puff up the star.
11. Hang the star as Christmas ornament!