Origami is so much fun for kids of all ages. There are many projects that you can do even as a beginner and the kids will just love it. You can create origami as a group during a birthday party, holiday celebration, or sleepovers.

There are many different projects that you can do with either boys or girls. They will have a great time and they will be able to go home with something special.

Here are some origami projects you can create during your parties.

* Baskets
* Flowers
* Airplanes
* Hats
* Stars
* Animals

In order to begin, you will need the instructions typed out for each child or have someone available to demonstrate each step of the process. You will only need paper available. If you plan to decorate each origami project, you will need to provide any extras decorations based on the project you will create.

For example, if you are creating baskets you may want to either make flowers to put in the baskets or have a selection of silk flowers or candy available to add to the baskets. If you are making paper airplanes, you may want to have some markers available to customize each plane.

The kids will love to make them and will love it even more when they get to take home their creation. This type of party is relatively inexpensive and requires very little clean up.

Creating origami designs can be a fun and creative hobby. It can also be a very time consuming hobby that takes a certain amount of patience in learning and creating. If origami is something you find you have a desire to do, you should follow a few tips before you begin.

* When starting out, go for the beginner designs like the airplane or the swan. The easier the better it will be for the novice to create the model and practice the skills needed to make them.

* When first starting out use inexpensive paper to practice with until you get better at the designs. Once you have reached a confidence level and want to create more in depth models, go for rigid and crisp paper either specifically designed for origami or try using construction paper.

* Make sure your hands are clean and free of any oils or dirt. This will transfer to the paper causing your design to look sloppy. You want a crisp, clean model to show off!

* Look through the directions thourouly before attempting the fold. If you do this, you will have a better understanding of what the design entails.

* Take your time when making the folds. Precision is key to making a beautiful product. Take the time to properly fold the paper to meet each corner.

* Take short breaks to refresh your eyes. If you concentrate on a model for too long you could lose sight of the bigger picture. In this case, put down the model and come back to it later with fresh eyes.

The whole art of origami takes time to learn and patience to endure. If you truly find that origami is a true passion set aside some time daily to practice and work on your craft. You will be amazed at how quickly you pick up the more difficult designs in the future.

Modular origami or sometimes called “unit origami” is unlike traditional origami because it uses more than one sheet of paper. The way this intricate art of folding works is each sheet of paper is folded into a module or unit and then placed together to form a grander scale model.

When folding the original modules there are little pockets that are made by the individual folds. When two or more modules are joined together, the creator will insert a flap into the slot of one module and join them together making a much more sturdier model. This is much like the old “insert slot a into slot b” instructions we see on various objects.

You may think by looking at module origami that there must be some other form of adhesive keeping the structure together but this is not the case. In modular origami one must use the same rules as in traditional origami making, so there is no use of extra items to keep the model together. It’s all in the way you attached each modular structure to the other.

Depending on how well you do this, the model you create can be as big or as small as you want it to be. There have been some spectacular models made this way, many that look to defy the laws of gravity.

There are different types of modular origami. There are flat models, and 3 dimensional models. The flat modules are normally in the shape of stars or rings and the three-dimensional modules are more intricate and can vary in shape.

Modular origami has said to have been around for centuries and gained popularity in the 1950’s. One thing is for sure; it is surly meant for the expert as these designs can take years of practice and know-how.

Paper folding or Origami was known all of Japan, but it was also done in the West. Europe was a place where you would find not only paper folding, but the folding of cloth. People were folding napkins and other material as well as paper.

In Japan, the crane was the most well known item to fold, but in the West it was the flapping bird. It?s thought that the reason is because someone tried to create the crane, but instead created the flapping bird.

Friedrich Froebel was the founder of the kindergarten movement. The kindergarten movement was where they encouraged the art of paper folding be taught in the schools rather than the home.

There are many books that were published in the 1940?s that were all about folding which included both paper and material. Since then there have been many more books published regarding the art of folding.

How to Make Origami Dragon – Video Instruction

We show you how to fold a piece of paper in to a dragon. Watch the videos below.

Before that, you might want to get a piece of paper or Origami Kit

More Dragon Origami Resources at Amazon.
Mythical Creature Origami [With Oragami Dragon and 50 Sheets] [PAPER CREATIONS MYTHICAL CREAT]

Origami, the art of paper folding, isn’t just restricted to paper. There are many items you can fold into an origami shape such as fabric, foil and even plastic. The possibilities are actually endless; it really just depends on how pliable the object is. If it will bend, you can probably make an origami creation from it.

One of the most popular forms of origami that you may have seen is towel origami. Most of us have seen the popular cruise line commercials that show a towel folded into the shape of an animal, usually a bunny or a dog.

This is an example of what you can make using a towel as a medium and let me say just how poplar these creations are. The cruise lines get many compliments on their towels and many questions about how they made them. Kids, especially find these little works of art appealing.

Another medium you may have never thought to use is a toilet paper roll. The paper rolls are malleable enough to fold it into many different shapes and this is quickly becoming a favorite, again with cruise lines and hotel chains. To make these creations, the housekeeping staff have to be fully trained in the art of making origami, so it is something that takes some time and practice to do.

Napkins can also be made into various shapes using the origami basics. Many restaurants use this in the presentation of their napkins and again, it never ceases to amuse people.

The art of creating something from an ordinary object such as a towel, napkin, paper or what have you is not only creative but also interesting to those viewing said creations. Learning more about this incredible art is recommended reading for those wanting to be in the know.

All this time we have talked about Origami designs that are made of paper or fabric. Did you know that you can use food in your Origami designs? You sure can and the best part about it is you can eat it once it?s finished.

Edible Origami designs are perfect for parties or weddings. For some of the designs you will need to purchase items from a website or company, but others require food that you can purchase in your local grocery store.

Here are some ideas.

Chocolate
Hat
Crane

Cake
Butterfly
Flowers
Boat

Seaweed
Insects
Birds

There are websites that you can visit and purchase sheets of fruits and vegetables that will make your edible Origami designs easier and you will go further with your creations. These sheets are healthy and they will make it easier to get kids to eat what they need.

The designs that you can create will be enjoyed by all and they will be great conversation starters as well.

After you create your Origami designs, you will want to show them off to people. Whether you show them to people when the come to your home or you take them to shows, you will want some type of display. There are many to choose from and what you use will depend on what you create and how you want to display them.

Shadow box

One way to display your creations and keep them safe is to purchase shadow boxes. You can get these at most craft or hobby stores in the picture frame aisle. They have a clear glass or plastic cover so they are protected. Now the problem with these is you won?t be able to easily show them off if they have designs on all sides.

Hangers

Hangers are great for birds and other flying pieces. You can also use them as Christmas tree ornaments or door hangers.

Clear plastic boxes

These are for footballs, but will work for Origami pieces as well. These can also be found at hobby stores.

Figurine boxes

These are usually in a square design and have pieces that separate them so you have several different spots.

There are many other types of displays you can use. Showing off your Origami pieces is wonderful and fun at the same time.

Modular Origami pieces are made with multiple sheets of paper and most times are different colors. These are three dimensional pieces as well. Sometimes each piece is shaped before inserted into the piece.

There are many different types of modular Origami groups and many designs within each of those groups. Below are just a few of the groups and designs.

Cubes
Flower cube
Whirl cube
Jackson cube

Dodecahedra
Hacky Sac
Pentagon
Star

Ball
Football
Modular ball
Triangle

Intersecting planes
Cross
Diamond
Rectangle

There are many other groups that fit into the modular Origami design. They are fun to make and they can be educational at the same time. These types of pieces require more time to make them, but the outcome is sweet.

Purchasing large amounts of paper may give you a discount or it may be the only way to purchase. When this happens, you?ll need to find a way to organize them and keep them nice and neat.

Another reason you would need to store items is if you make flat pieces to be used later on for different projects.

There are several different options you can choose from when you are looking at storage ideas.

Expandable folders

Expandable folders usually have four or more dividers so you can store multiple types of paper in one. They usually come with a lid or flap for secure storage.

Trays

Plastic trays are great for paper and they can be stacked for storage when you have limited space.

File cabinets

Hanging file folders are perfect because you can use tabs for easy locating. You can color coordinate them for different types and alphabetize them as well.

You can look at your office supply store for more ideas on storing your Origami paper and designs. You can use the same ideas to organize your tips and designs you come across.