Origami And Folded Paper | Origami And Folded Paper Guide

Coloring Easter eggs is a roller coaster of emotion. Children get super excited about decorating them all sorts of beautiful shiny colors, but then may get sad when they either turn rotten or break. Or they may be hesitant to eat the nutritious goodness inside because they worked so hard on decorating the eggs.

Making permanent Easter eggs is a wonderful alternative to the tradition of coloring live eggs. These ornaments of Easter will last indefinitely when wrapped securely and put away in a safe place each year. The color possibilities are endless, as are the decorating possibilities.

Any type of thin paper may be used, but Origami paper is preferable. It comes in a large variety of colors and patterns, it is easy to work with, and the size is ideal for normal-size egg forms. In a pinch, though, pretty scrap-booking paper or fancy printer paper may also be used.

Step by Step Instructions

Materials needed: any number of 3-D wooden egg shapes (they should be round like eggs, not flat), origami paper, clear-drying crafting glue

Technique:

Cut the origami paper so it wraps completely around the egg, plus 1/4". Fold the origami paper in half and cut fringes, leaving 1/2" inch from the fold. Open the paper and lay the egg on the non-printed side (origami paper is often 2-toned or white on one side). Apply a thin stripe of glue down the center of the origami paper, where the fringe ends. Apply the fringed origami paper to the egg, centering the uncut middle with the widest part of the egg. The cut ends of the paper should touch the tips of the egg. Using an inexpensive paint brush, apply glue to each strip and smooth over the egg. Once you have completed one half, let rest until glue is completely dry. Complete the other side of the egg, repeating steps 6 and 7.

Variations

* You could also use two different colored papers. Instead of folding the paper, cut it in half and cutting the fringe 1/2" away from the edge.

* Cut strips of paper in different shades and patterns, then apply each strip lengthwise on the egg

Storage

The best way to store your Origami eggs is either in an egg carton (if your egg forms are small enough) or wrapped in unprinted newspaper (available at storage and moving stores). Because of the glue, you will need to keep the decorated eggs away from light and heat, or else the glue may melt.