lifestyle

Origami animals

February 12, 2018

Since the kids had Japan as their topic in school, origami was obviously on the menu. You all know what an arts and crafts nerd I am so I wanted to practice before showing my class how to do the folding. Needless to say, I got addicted to this seemingly simple art form, which I found is very relaxing. I thought I’d share some of my favorite things to make in a few of my posts, starting with some animals. Here they are, from the easiest to most challenging. If my P7s could do it, anyone can. Trust me.

All you will need is some square paper. Origami paper works best since it is thin and often two different colors, but otherwise just use normal plain paper cut into a square. The bigger the paper the easier it is to fold. The folds are very important- take time over creasing sharply as this will make a big difference to the finished piece.

This first one is as easy as pie to make, and its cute. Introducing- the owl.

Not much harder to fold is this angel fish. You could even make a whole shoal of fishies in different colors and sizes…

I love making origami dogs. I adapted this slightly with my class and we just made dog faces, but I prefer this pup.

This elephant is adorable, and worth making even if its a bit trickier. You will need a pair of scissors to finish the legs.

A squeaky little mouse. This one is more challenging, it took me a few attempts.

Ah, the crane. Probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of origami, but definetly not to be attempted till you’ve had some practice, as I discovered. It took me tons of attempts to make a perfect crane, including watching countless Youtube tutorials. But I managed in the end.

I used an excellent origami book to help me out, which also provided the beautiful paper. I drew on the eyes, noses etc. with a black pen. You can be creative and start a whole farm/ zoo/ woodland with creatures in all colors and sizes. My shelves are full of them…

Hope you enjoyed an insight into origami and look out for more soon!

All pictures my own and taken on the iPhone 8 🙂

 

 

 

 

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  • Subha Kuijper February 14, 2018 at 6:39 am

    Wow – I really am impressed! They look like the animals they represent – great job and lovely photos too.

    • Layla February 14, 2018 at 7:19 pm

      thanks! i can teach you if you like…

  • Bhama February 14, 2018 at 9:33 am

    Enjoyed the superb art work , always facinated this Origami art form. With all the features drawn you brought the animals alive. Cant believe you can make these animsls by folding a square paper. Well done. Love to learn this folding art during summer.

    • Layla February 14, 2018 at 7:19 pm

      thanks guys im really glad you enjoyed seeing them.
      i can teach you this summer!

  • Bert February 18, 2018 at 6:04 pm

    It’s really quite amazing what you can create from a square piece of paper. keep those art blogs coming i am learning all the time. Looking forward to the pottery post.

    • Layla February 18, 2018 at 7:16 pm

      thank you 🙂 there will be more…

  • Maya Kuijper July 6, 2018 at 1:37 pm

    these are so cute! still making dog faces though…

    • Layla July 8, 2018 at 6:48 am

      nothing wrong with dawgs x