Origami, the ancient art of paper folding has been used throughout the centuries for many purposes. For some it was used as a way to show thanks and appreciation, for others it was a way to honor a fellow soldier and show him respect and for others, it was a path to hope. No matter what the reasons are for creating origami, there are numerous applications where it can be used in normal day-to-day life.

Let’s talk about the crane, this is one of the most recognizable origami figures in the world and it carries a lot of weight with it. It was said that if you create 1000 origami cranes you would be able to have your heart’s desire granted to you in the form of one perfect wish. It is also the symbol for love, honor, peace and loyalty in both Japan and many other parts of the world.

Making a crane is one of the first forms you learn when creating origami and it is one that has practical uses no matter where you go. You can use it as hanging window art, turn it into a mobile or use it to present gifts to someone on a special day. There really is no limit to how you can use this ancient form in any part of your day.

You can take many cranes and turn them into a centerpiece for a holiday dinner or use them as small favors for each of you guests. If you make 1000 cranes and use different colored paper you can create a design out of them or you can simply put them together into the form of a heart or some of other meaningful shape.

Flowers are another quick and easy form to fold and you can make these quickly and present them to people you care about throughout the day. Some hotels use origami to hide small chocolates on your pillow when you check in as a welcome gift. You could even leave the tip for your server using money for origami. They’ll be hard pressed to unfold it you can be sure.

You can use these flower designs to make beautiful multicolored bouquets in your home and, with a little flower scented spray or oils, even give the origami roses the correct smell. Just don’t spray anything directly on the origami, it is paper after all and if you get it wet, the folds may not hold very well.

If you have children, the easiest origami you can make for them would be a paper airplane and this is origami they can actually play with. There are hundreds of designs available for making planes designed to do just about anything from fly long distances, do loops and make crazy turns. You can be sure you kids will love it and it may get them into practicing this art form.

No matter how you use origami in your home, you will find that whatever you do will be something that will impress your friends and family and show them how much you care.

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