Kawaii Origami: Super Cute Origami Projects for Easy Folding Fun
128
Kawaii Origami: Super Cute Origami Projects for Easy Folding Fun
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Overview
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781631065903 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | WellFleet Press |
| Publication date: | 04/02/2019 |
| Pages: | 128 |
| Sales rank: | 480,466 |
| Product dimensions: | 7.30(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.80(d) |
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Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Tools & Techniques
Before we start our super fun Kawaii origami projects, there are a couple of basic tools and techniques that you will need to start, and some that come in handy when you want to make variations of the basic origami project.
Paper
All you really need for most origami models is ... paper! There are quite a few different kinds of paper that you can use. The most popular and easy-to-use paper for origami is known as kami paper. Kami paper is thin, crisp, and easy to fold but doesn't rip easily like regular printer paper. You can find kami paper in packs of 50, 100, or 500 in most craft stores and many places online. Depending on your budget, you can get inexpensive packs for under $3 or higher-quality papers that cost a good deal more. Another paper that is commonly used in origami is chiyogami paper, which is traditional Japanese paper that is printed in a countless array of beautiful patterns and colors.
But you don't need specialized paper to make origami. There are lots of different types of paper you can fold with, some which you may already have around your house. Wrapping paper, pages from a magazine or newspaper, fancy handmade paper, and even parchment paper used for baking all work!
When you first begin learning origami, it helps to use paper you don't mind throwing away so you can experiment without worrying about wasting special or pricy paper. This could be cheap kami paper or even just printer paper that you cut into a square.
Included in this book are 50 sheets of 6 × 6-inch (15 × 15-cm) origami paper to get you started, which is both the most common size of origami paper and the one needed for most of the projects included in the following pages. In a couple of projects, you will need to cut a sheet of origami paper into one or more smaller pieces or strips.
Other Tools
A few tools can make origami easier to do. I suggest making an origami tool kit that includes:
• A folding tool, or "bone folder," which is used to flatten creases.
• A ruler and a pencil, because some models require that you measure something.
• Scissors, or another cutting tool.
• A paper scoring tool to make precision folds.
• A chopstick to round the edges of the paper.
• Glue to reinforce a box or attach decorations like glitter and ribbons.
Kawaii Art Style
Kawaii is a Japanese concept that started in the 1970s. The word itself translates to "cute" in English. Although the word Kawaii in Japanese can be used to describe almost anything that is "cute," ranging from clothing to jewelry, it is commonly used to describe the immensely popular and immediately identifiable art style seen in emojis and characters like Hello Kitty and Pokémon. Like most art styles, there are countless interpretations of what is considered "Kawaii," the common attributes to this pop style are simple black lines, rounded characters with a youthful appearance, and the use of pastel colors. Kawaii art also makes use of simple facial expressions on characters with oversized heads on top of small bodies. In this book, use your imagination and turn any, or all, of the origami models into fun and whimsical Kawaii characters. Use pens, markers, or crayons to transform your paper art into fully realized animals, characters, and personas!
Basic Origami Folds
Throughout the book, you will see symbols that represent common origami folds in the instructional diagrams. Always be sure to align the fold sides as precisely as possible in each step before moving on to the next. Hold and rotate the origami model according to the instructional diagrams, and use whichever fingers are the most comfortable for you and allow you to make a correct fold. Over time, you will develop a preference. Remember, practice makes perfect, and after a couple of trials and a few errors, you will soon be folding like an origami pro.
FOLD
Fold the paper in the direction of the arrow.
VALLEY FOLD
This is one of the basic origami folds. It indicates you should fold the paper over itself to make a crease so the paper bends downward, resembling a V shape or "valley."
MOUNTAIN FOLD
Like the valley fold, this is another basic origami fold. It indicates you should fold the paper behind itself to make a crease so the paper bends upward, resembling a "mountain" peak.
DOUBLE FOLD
Fold the paper two times.
FOLD BEHIND
Fold the paper behind itself.
FOLD AND UNFOLD
Fold once and then unfold.
FOLD BEHIND
Fold the paper behind itself.
FLIP OVER
Flip the origami model over from either its front to its back or vice versa as indicated.
ROTATE
Rotate the origami model in the direction indicated.
INFLATE
Blow air into the origami model.
PRESS OR PUSH
Firmly press or push on the fold where indicated.
CUT
Using scissors, cut where indicated.
CLOSE-UP VIEW
Indicates an enlarged view on a particular area of the origami model.
Masu Box
This traditional origami masu box is probably the easiest project in this book. Besides being easy, it is a very good model to start with because it incorporates lots of different folding techniques. Masu boxes were originally used to measure rice, but nowadays serve lots of different uses such as storage for little cute things, a thoughtful gift box, a stand for an adorable figurine — and it is fun to fold.
DIFFICULTY: *
1. Start with your paper color side up.
2. Fold the paper in half and unfold, then fold the paper in half in the other direction and unfold.
3. Flip the paper over to the other side.
4. Fold each corner to the middle.
5. Rotate the paper.
6. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center, making sure the edges are aligned.
7. Unfold the top and bottom flaps.
8. Fold the left and right edges to the center.
9. Unfold the left and right flaps.
10. Open the left and the right sections.
11. Refold the top and bottom edges to the center.
12. This is what it should look like.
13. Using the existing diagonal creases, open up the middle section.
14. Lift up the left and right ends, making the model become three-dimensional.
15. Continue to push the left and the right sides of the model together.
16. Fold the right end over and inside the model, locking it into place.
17. Repeat on the left side to complete your masu box.
Lucky Stars
A traditional origami lucky star is made using a long strip of paper. You can cut strips from your own paper using scissors; they do not need to be exact. These cute, little stars make for perfect ornaments or little tokens of good luck for family and friends!
PAPER SIZE: 8 × .5 inches (20 × 1.5 cm)
DIFFICULTY: *
1. With your strip color side up, bring the right end of the strip down and to the back.
2. Bring that same end up and over the left end.
3. Bring the same end under and through the loop.
4. Pull the end through, tightening the loop.
5. Continue to tighten the loop by pulling both ends of the strip, until you have a pentagon-shaped knot. Do not flatten the knot too tightly. You should only have a little overhang on the right side and a good amount of paper on the left.
6. Fold the right end of the paper backwards behind the pentagon.
7. Next fold the left end of the strip behind to the right.
8. Fold the strip diagonally the left.
9. Fold the strip diagonally down behind.
10. Fold the strip up and to the right.
11. Continue wrapping the star in the same manner until only a small tail remains.
12. If needed trim off some excess paper.
13. Lastly tuck the end of the strip inside the pocket.
14. Use your fingers to push the sides of the model in firmly but gently, causing the lucky star to puff up into shape.
Kawaii Envelopes
These little envelopes are as easy to make as they are cute! They are great for party invitations, as their rounded corners allow for lots of ways to decorate the envelopes depending on the occasion. The envelopes can also be decorated like mochi, which is a round Japanese dessert — or you can draw a cute emoji face, donut, or cake on them!
DIFFICULTY: *
1. Create small horizontal creases by bringing the bottom point up to the top point and pressing your nail lightly across the paper where indicated.
2. Rotate the paper so that the creases you made in the previous step are on the lower section, and create another small horizontal crease in the center.
3. Bring the bottom point up to the middle, creating a small horizontal crease in the lower section. You should now have two plus-shaped creases.
4. Fold the bottom point up to the middle of the lower plus-shaped crease.
5. Fold the bottom edge up to the middle crease.
6. Fold the top point down to the lower plus-shaped crease and unfold.
7. Fold the bottom left and right edges up diagonally.
8. Fold the left and right edges inward, using the layer underneath as a guide.
9. Fold the top point down. It should reach the lower plus-shaped crease.
10. Now you've got a super-cute Kawaii envelope!
11. You can insert the point inside the envelope to secure it.
12. Here is what a closed Kawaii envelope looks like.
13. To make a rounded envelope, fold the top left and right corners diagonally inward and unfold.
14. Unfold the top flap.
15. Fold the left and right points inward, creating new vertical creases where indicated.
16. Refold the top flap down.
17. You can secure the envelope by inserting the point back into the pocket.
18. Flip the envelope over to the other side, and draw whatever you like here!
19. You can even make an onigiri rice ball by just folding a small sheet of black paper in half ...
20. ... and gluing the black paper to the envelope!
21. Make a Japanese mochi by using pastel paper and drawing a cute face!
Water Balloon
This traditional origami water balloon is easy to make, and you can use it as a hanging decoration, a round object such as an apple, or even a little cube of wasabi, as on page 73. What makes this origami model extra fun is that you have to blow into it to make it take shape!
WASABI VARIATION PAPER SIZE: 3 × 3 inches (7.5 × 7.5 cm)
DIFFICULTY: * *
1. Starting colored side up, fold the paper in half from top to bottom and unfold, then fold the paper in half from left to right and unfold.
2. Flip the paper over to the other side. Fold the paper diagonally in half in one direction and unfold, then repeat in the other direction.
3. Bring the left and right folds diagonally down and inward while folding the top section down as well.
4. This is an origami water bomb base. Flatten the paper.
5. Fold the left and right lower points diagonally up to the top point.
6. Next make a horizontal crease on the right flap by folding the top point down to the bottom and then unfolding it.
7. Fold the right point to meet left end of the crease you made in right side. the previous step.
8. Fold the left point to match the right side.
9. Fold the two top points down.
10. Fold the two top points diagonally down and unfold.
11. Insert the two top flaps down inside the pockets of the flaps underneath.
12. Flip the model over and repeat the same process on the other side.
13. Fold the right side over to the left, flip the model over, and repeat on the back so that the model becomes three-dimensional.
14. Pick up the model and hold it loosely. Blow into the end that has a little opening.
15. While blowing into the model, gently shape the sides into a cube.
16. You can straighten the edges now if you like.
Tea Bag
This cute little origami tea bag is a perfect gift tag! Or you can use it as agreeting card by writing your message on the tea bag. You can then make a special tea bag envelope (page 25) to send them in. It's best to use white paper or the white side of your paper for this tea bag. The colored side of the paper in the instructions is the back (unseen) side of the paper. This cute little origami tea bag is a perfect gift tag! Or you can use it as a greeting card by writing your message on the tea bag. You can then make a special tea bag envelope (page 25) to send them in. It's best to use white paper or the white side of your paper for this tea bag. The colored side of the paper in the instructions is the back (unseen) side of the paper.
OPTIONAL HEART MATERIALS: 1 × 1–inch (3 × 3–cm) paper + 2 inches (5 cm) of string
DIFFICULTY: * *
1. Fold the paper in half from top to bottom and unfold, then fold the paper in half from left to right and unfold.
2. Flip the paper over to the other side. Fold the paper diagonally in half in one direction and unfold, then repeat in the other direction.
3. Bring the left and right folds diagonally down and in while folding the top section down as well.
4. This is an origami water bomb base. Flatten the paper.
5. Fold the left and right lower points diagonally up to the top point.
6. Make a horizontal crease on the right flap by folding the top point down to the bottom and unfolding it.
7. Fold the right point to meet the left edge of the crease you made in the previous step.
8. Fold the left point to match the right side.
9. Fold the two top points down.
10. Fold the two top points diagonally down.
11. Fold the top point down, make a strong crease, and unfold.
12. Open the paper completely
13. With the back of the paper (the colored side in this diagram) facing up, refold the central square shape.
14. Flip the paper over to the front (the white side in this diagram).
15. Sink fold the small square down inside while reforming the water bomb base.
16. Find the two sides of the model that have no extra creases and work with them facing up.
17. Fold the bottom left and right points diagonally up.
18. Fold the left and right points in to the center.
19. Fold the two top points down.
20. Fold the two top points diagonally down and insert them into the pockets of the flaps underneath.
21. Repeat the process on the other side.
22. Your model should now look like this.
23. Fold the left side over to the right while squashing the upper triangle down. Repeat on the back.
24. Fold the bottom point up a little.
25. Rotate the model.
26. To make a little heart for the tag, fold a little square in half, cut out a half-heart shape. Open the paper back up to reveal a perfect heart.
27. You can attach a string to the heart and the tea bag using a dab of glue.
Tea Bag Envelopes
These origami envelopes just happen to be the right size to keep your little origami tea bags in! They also make great envelopes in general. Here are two versions of this easy-to-make envelope, the first is the basic version and the second is a more secure version.
DIFFICULTY: * *
BASIC VERSION
1. Make a horizontal crease by folding the bottom point up to the top point and then unfolding it. Avoid creasing the left and right ends for a cleaner result.
2. Rotate the paper so that the crease you made in the previous step is now vertical. Bring the bottom point up to the top point, make a small crease in the center, and unfold.
3. Bring the top point and the bottom point to the center, make two small creases, and then unfold.
4. Fold the top point and the bottom point to the creases you made in the previous step.
5. Fold the right point over to the left, aligning the diagonal edges to the triangular flaps, and unfold.
6. Repeat the previous step on the left side.
7. Fold the top and bottom edges to the middle.
8. Fold the left and right points to align with the top and bottom sections.
9. Fold all four corners diagonally inward.
10. Fold the left and right points inward so one overlaps the other.
11. Here's your very own basic origami envelope!
12. You can use ribbon to secure the envelope shut.
SECURE VERSION
1. Unfold the envelope back to step 8, or fold a new envelope up to step 8.
2. Flip the paper over and fold the left and right points inward.
3. Flip the paper back over.
4. Fold all four corners diagonally inward.
5. Unfold the previous step.
6. Flip the paper over. Make a vertical crease on the left and right triangular flaps as indicated.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Kawaii Origami"
by .
Copyright © 2019 Chrissy Pushkin.
Excerpted by permission of The Quarto Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Introduction, 4,
Tools & Techniques, 5,
Kawaii Art Style, 6,
Basic Origami Folds, 6,
Masu Box, 8,
Lucky Stars, 11,
Kawaii Envelopes, 15,
Water Balloon, 19,
Tea Bag, 21,
Tea Bag Envelopes, 25,
Love Knots, 29,
Dustpan & Scoop, 33,
Rectangular Masu Box, 36,
Cute Purse, 39,
Woven Bracelet, 44,
Woven Bookmark, 47,
Cat & Dog Hearts, 50,
Cactus, 57,
Round Pot, 62,
Bento Box, 67,
Mini Trash Bin, 75,
Mini Drawer, 80,
Stationery Boxes, 86,
Ice Cream, 91,
Sushi Roll Boxes, 99,
Nigiri Sushi Boxes, 107,
Flower Bowl, 115,
Star Bowl, 121,
Twinkle Star, 123,
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