Art projects come in various shapes and sizes, and as children we are influenced by art in so many ways. As we age and grow, we tend to forget about art and the soothing and enjoyable way that it affects the mind and body. There are so many art projects to choose from, but one that really stands out since it is easily done by both the young and the old is origami. Given that origami instructions are generally easy to follow, although many are quite challenging, children can enjoy constructing simple, paper craft pieces and deriving a sense of accomplishment from their efforts.
There are only a few key items that are needed for origami; paper being the only tangible thing you really need. You can use regular paper or even newspaper, but it can be too thick to make proper folds. Origami paper that you purchase at a store is thin enough and already cut to the proper size and shape. Now all you need to construct beautiful shapes, like origami flowers, is some origami instructions and your fingers.
One of the easiest shapes to make is the rose. You will need one sheet of origami craft paper for the stem and leaves, and three sheets for the flower itself. The second sheet needs to be slightly smaller than the first sheet, and the third sheet should be slightly smaller than the second sheet. The sheet for the leaves should be the same size as the first sheet. A square crane base is the pattern that will be used to make all three of the flower pieces.
This really is a simple origami process to learn. To begin, diagonally fold the large square for then flower, and then fold it on the east to west line and then the north to south line. The colored side of the origami paper should be facing up. The diagonals should be folded downwards, as a valley fold, and the east to west and north to south lines should be going upward, as a mountain fold. Repeat this same process on the other two smaller flower sheets.
Next, you need to fold and then unfold the right corner of the base so that it lines up with the imaginary line in the middle. Unfold the edge onto the crease mark you just made and then fold the right side over to the left side. After that, repeat these same steps on the other side. Use these steps on the two remaining sheets of paper.
Now all you need to do is place each successive rose “petal” inside the larger sheet to create a three dimensional origami flower. You can shape some leaves and a stem out of the other piece of paper as you wish. This is the time to be creative. Finally, place all the “petals” on top of the stem and leaves.
Origami as art is a very inexpensive hobby that can be rewarding for anyone; young or old. Once you find the right origami instructions, it is not difficult to learn and then create hundreds of different models and designs. Origami is very easy to learn in just a few hours, and you can even buy an “Origami Kit For Dummies; however, it may take you a lifetime to perfect and hone your skills.