Origami And Folded Paper | Origami And Folded Paper Guide

Paper crafts can be as varied as you want them to be. From complex to simple, opulent to frugal. The choice is yours. The beauty of paper crafts lies with the possibilities. It's an art medium with which you can truly let your creativity and imagination go.

Paper Realm:
The realm of paper crafts is a large one, ranging from rubberstamping to scrapbooking to origami and ancient paper-cutting. Tools and techniques dating back centuries are still used today and even still, there's room for us as individual artists to come up with our own style and method.

As for how to get started in paper crafts, you'll want to ask a few questions before diving in. Crafts supplies stores offer all the basic tools you'll need, but for the newbie, the choices can be overwhelming. However, ask a few questions first. The answers should guide you step by step:

What kind of paper craft are you most interested in? What will your first project be? Do you wish to save this project for posterity or is it just a trial?

The last question will affect the kind of paper you get. As the name suggests, the main component of paper crafts is: paper. As an artist, you'll have a choice of either archival or non-archival papers. The former is for long-lasting projects and the latter, for projects you won't mind discarding in time.

What you need to remember is that, the type of paper chosen will invariably dictate the other supplies you use. You wouldn't want to use a non-archival ink with your specially-chosen archival paper. The project should be consistent throughout.

The Project:
As for the types of projects you can try - where to begin? If you wish to start with a very basic project (yet with the potential to be pro-like), try rubberstamping. This paper craft essentially finds you adding pattern and dimension to paper using stamps. The creativity comes from the patterns, use of space, and color combinations you'll need to balance. It's also fairly simple to learn and is open to experimentation. Unlike scrapbooking, which can seem overwhelming for some, rubberstamping presents less pressure for a beginner's project.

Feeling more ambitious? Paper crafts also include paper folding, better known as "origami," collages, custom cards, and even, paper-cutting - an art form first practiced in Ancient China some 1,400 years ago. Paper cutouts are also interesting as they can easily be applied to other projects, such as scrapbooking, collages, or shadow boxes. All are a great way to create contrast.

Wrap-up:
Beyond the above ideas though, there are dozens more, not to mention hundreds of variations. Indeed, even today, paper crafts continue to evolve. Artists are finding new ways to stretch the medium, expanding it to make use of modern technology and tools, while still holding onto the craft's defining principles.

And so, whether you're interested in starting a hobby or studying to become a professional, the chances are that in time you'll find your own "stamp" when it comes to paper crafts. A signature tool, technique, or shortcut that identifies your craft as your own. The ideas are boundless.

If you are planning a party to watch your favorite NFL football team, then you will surely want to add some crafts to the occasion. Crafts are great for sports party because it adds to the atmosphere and creates fun things to look at and eat. Your guests will definitely appreciate the effort that you put in when you make your own decorations and foods.

Food crafts are a pretty big deal when it comes to NFL football parties. People generally like to eat meat when they are watching such a rough sport like football. You can make your own pulled pork pretty easily for the occasion. Pick up some pork and cook long enough so that the meat falls apart. Then, smother it in your favorite barbecue sauce. You can surround it in chips so that your guests use it as a dip. Or, they can put it on bread and eat it like a sandwich.

You should also make some crafted decorations for your NFL football party as well. If you are rooting for a particular team, you can put up the colors or logo for that team. You can make these with colored construction paper. You could also cut out the shapes of footballs to put on the walls and tables as well. Although this is pretty simple, it adds a certain atmosphere to your party. People will know what they came for when they come to your football party and they definitely won't regret that they came.

The word origami is derived from the Japanese words 'oru' meaning 'to fold' and 'kami' meaning 'paper'. Thus, this is the art of paper folding. It is an interesting craft that people of all ages enjoys. However, kids enjoy it most, converting a plain sheet of paper into a variety of objects.

There are numerous origami project ideas ranging from easy origami and crafts for children, to the advance level of paper crafting. Young children are introduced to this craft in order to help develop their fingers, as well as their coordination. Making them make paper objects also helps them to concentrate better and follow instructions with more focus.

Given here are two basic origami objects that can be created at the beginner levels. There are varied books published that teach this craft. There are also experts, who conduct origami classes...

Origami airplane:

Take a rectangular sheet of paper.
Fold the sheet down the middle, then unfold it, making a crease.
Then fold each corner towards the center crease line forming triangles on the top two corners.
Now fold along the crease line, thereby forming the body of the airplane.
Now fold each side to form the wings of the airplane.
Fold the corners of the wings forming a triangle on either side.
The airplane is ready to fly...

Origami floating boat

Take a rectangular sheet of paper.
Fold the sheet into two equal halves.
Fold it once again as though folding a handkerchief.
Open the second fold, forming a crease down the center.
Now create two triangles on the same side in such a way that one side of each triangle touches the center crease.
It now looks like a house.
Fold the lower rectangular edges of the paper outwards.
Now with your fingers open this into a hat, carefully so that you do not tear it.
Then bring the corners of the brim of the hat towards each other.
The edges have to be pushed outwards.
The hat is to be squashed into the shape of a square.
Fold the lower corner of the square upwards, flipping it over. Repeat the same for the other corner.
Now open up the folded triangle so as to bring the corners together.
Squash this triangle forming a square.
Pull the outer corners of the square till the boat is formed.

Preschoolers need to have fun through activities that will keep them busy while also learning to use and develop new skills. As a parent or teacher the question becomes: What are the right activities as well as fun activities for them to create? If you look around you on the Internet or in a crafts for kid's book, you can find several great ideas from paper making to painting and so much more. These are a few simple and basic ideas that you can use to have fun with your preschooler.

Stamping and printing with paint is among the best fun any kid can have. Whether it's finger-painting or making shapes and designs using a potato stamp, the limits are endless with this activity. Only supply children with the non-toxic types of craft paint for their safety. Toss in some paper, a stamp and then let them loose to have fun. Afterwards clean-up is a must and you might have a few art projects to hang-up on your refrigerator. Getting kids involved in the clean up aspect of crafts is important. Start when they are young to encourage the habit.

Since children love to be creative and like to play pretend, why not help them with the experience by making masks of animals, robots, or their favorite superhero? All you need for materials are some paper, markers, string, and scissors. The fun part for them will be to design the mask while the fun part for you will be helping them cut the design out.

Hats are fun to make if you have a simple paper plate or some construction paper. Because pirates are always so popular, making a pirate hat with a scull and cross-bones on it might be the thing to get the fun started. Having a party? What about helping your child make party hats for their next birthday or with their friends during the party?

Ever go to a store and find windmills that are a little pricey? You can make a windmill that children can enjoy at home with some paper, a plastic drinking straw, and of course a pin. Make sure to assist with the pin to avoid injury. Windmills can be made in a variety of colors in any desired array of patterns.

Origami is a nice, safe choice for preschooler crafts. It helps them use their fingers and practice dexterity. Of course, the simplest origami crafts are recommended but if they're curious enough, you can show them how to create more complicated shapes, animals and objects to let them try. They don't have to be perfect either so don't put unnecessary pressure on children. All you need is a square piece of paper, especially made for origami which can be found in any craft store as well as your local Asian market.

While many ideas exist, these are just a few that can get you started. Open the door to creativity for preschool children and you might be amazed at the magnificent results.

Any loving parent enjoys seeing the fruits of their child's creative endeavors. From painting, to collages, to sculpture, we all want to see kids experience as many art forms and creative outlets as they can. If you sometimes feel overwhelmed with the amount of artwork your kid produces (and sometimes feel guilty when you worry whether it'll go with your existing decor scheme), we've rounded up six fun arts and crafts projects that you and your children can do together and that you'll not only want to display proudly in any room, it'll have guests asking where you got the new art!

Origami
Why stick to only two-dimensional art? Origami, that ancient Japanese art of folding paper, is a fun, educational and relatively mess-free activity for both grown-ups and kids of many ages. Tons of books on the subject are available for purchase, as well as available through your public library, and don't forget about online sources (we like Origami Resource Center and Origami Fun). So what can you do with these origami masterpieces once they've been created? Clear off a tabletop, mantle or windowsill and create a fun and colorful arrangement. Add string and hang a bunch of origami pieces from the ceiling for an impromptu mobile and art installation. Even promote recycling with your kids by using old paper for the project!

Silhouettes
A most traditional and darling craft, this is a fun way to show off all the members of your family without just using photos. We love how customizable this idea is: there are several different methods of creating the silhouettes (like cutting out photos or tracing shadows) but you can also use all sorts of different materials (fabric, cardboard, construction paper, wrapping paper, old magazines) to feature any pattern, color or texture you want! Check out this Apartment Therapy post for a good how-to. Framing your silhouettes in vintage frames makes for the perfect wall composition in a family room, entryway, staircase and more.

Nature print paper
In what is perhaps the easiest craft to do, just purchase a package of this neat Nature Print Paper and watch while the magic of the sun helps create gorgeous nature-inspired art! Go out in your backyard, or plan a trip to a park or beach to gather "art supplies" with your child (just remember to only gather from areas that aren't environmentally sensitive!). Leaves, feathers, rocks, stones, anything can become a part of this art composition. Once completed, these prints would look practically professional matted, framed and hung on a wall in a composition. Do this a few times a year and have a rotating gallery as the seasons change!

Abstract canvas art
Do you remember that episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8 where she took the kids to an arts education center to create large-scale abstract canvas art pieces? Kate was able to pick out colors of acrylic paint that went with her home's color scheme, and the kids were given a whole manner of instruments of which to use the paint with, from brushes, to tin foil, to sponges, to tissue paper and more. Only your imagination is your limit- let the kids go crazy and you'll have abstract art in your home's colors that would rival those of a modern art museum! Tip: the larger the canvas, the more like a real piece of art it will feel! Though the canvases will be your largest investment, keep your eye out for sales, and start collecting the painting implements now! Or look for similar organizations that run programs like the one in the episode and have them clean up the mess! Along with local art stores, there are places online to find deals on art supplies (we like Utrecht Art Supplies).

Fabric embroidery hoops
As the kids get older, they may grow out of their old tee-shirts, pajamas and other clothes. While most will either go to thrift stores or younger siblings, there may be a few that are too damaged or too beloved to part with. Rather than take up a space in a drawer, grab a bunch of embroidery hoops from your local craft store in a number of sizes, and create fun and colorful fabric circles! Great for highlighting color and pattern, these fabric circles could be hung in a kid's room, but they're hip enough to create a graphic and "pop art" statement. Let the kids get in on the decisions of what articles of clothing to choose, what graphics/designs to frame and how to arrange them on the wall!

Graphic prints
All the rage for modern decor lovers, why spend tons of money on them when you and your kids can produce them for fun? Creating stamps is a time-honored kids craft project, and there's no reason why this art form can't be transformed into a hip project that you'll love to see on your walls. There are tons of different and easy ways to make your own stamps (we love the sophisticated ideas in this Apartment Therapy post and the classic potato stamp idea on ehow.com). Let kids choose the colors and placements for art that's fun, and feel free to suggest a few compositional changes for art that will look like a professional print by a graphic designer.