Weddings are expensive! One of the many challenges faced when planning that big day is finding decorations that are both unique and economical. Origami, the ancient art of Japanese paper folding, provides many solutions to this dilemma. Napkins, good-luck symbols, trinket boxes, and other appropriate objects can all be created via origami. The two projects described below - the swan and tulip - can be used as centerpieces, favors, or to enhance a wedding's décor in any way you can imagine.
For both projects, remember to make your creases as sharp as possible. Working on a hard, flat surface will help with this. Going over each crease with a ruler edge or pencil will also help make your creases even sharper. Also make sure that you start with paper that has been cut into a true square.
Origami Swan
This paper swan is easy to make and would make a wonderful addition to any centerpiece. You could add feathers to a large swan or simply place it atop a bed of white feathers. A swan done in beautiful silver or white paper (even stiffened fabric) would be lovely.
One 8 ½" square of paper makes a swan that is approximately 6 ½ inches long by 4" high. Determine the desired size of your swan and adjust the paper size accordingly. Practice with plain white copy paper first and perfect your technique before moving on to your final project paper.
1. Place a square of paper on your work surface and position it so that its points are facing up and down, left and right.
2. Bring the left point over to meet the right point. Crease and leave folded.
3. Bring the lower left edge over to meet the center crease line. Crease and leave folded. Repeat for the right lower edge to create a kite-shaped model. Make sure that the edges do not overlap at the center crease. Turn the model over.
4. Bring the lower left edge over to meet the center crease line. Crease and leave folded. Repeat with the lower right edge.
5. Bring the bottom point up toward the top point, stopping just above the folded flaps. Crease and leave folded. This folded up portion creates the neck of the swan.
6. Bring the tip of the neck flap toward the bottom of the model to form the swan's head. Crease and leave folded. You can make the head any size you like, but it shouldn't be longer than half the neck's overall length. Turn the model over.
7. Bring the left lower edge of the model over to meet the right lower edge. Crease and leave folded.
8. Pull the swan's neck away from the model. Once the head and neck are in the desired position, then pinch the base of the head to keep it in place.
Origami Tulip
This tulip would be a beautiful addition to any spring wedding! Use either brightly colored paper or simple white for your bloom. Create stems with florist’s wire, green florist’s tape and artificial leaves.
1. Place a square of paper on your work surface and position it so that the edges are facing up and down, left and right.
2. Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease and unfold.
3. Bring the left edge over to meet the right edge. Crease and unfold.
4. Turn the square over and position it so that its points are facing up and down, left and right.
5. Bring the left point over to meet the right point. Crease and unfold.
6. Bring the top point down to meet the bottom point. Crease and leave folded.
7. Grasp the left and right points of the resulting triangle and push inward. The model should collapse along the pre-existing folds. The result will be another triangle shape that has one folded flap sticking out from the back of the model and another sticking out from the front.
8. Fold the front flap to the left and fold the back flap to the right so that your model will lie flat. Position your model so that its open end is facing toward you.
9. Bring the left point of the top left flap up to meet the top point. Crease and leave folded. Repeat with the right point. Fold the resulting left flap over to create a smooth surface. Turn the model over and repeat to form a diamond shaped model.
10. Bring the left flap over so that its top edge just crosses over the center crease line. Crease and leave folded.
11. Bring the right flap toward the center of the model and tuck its point into the folded left flap for a snug fit. Crease and leave folded.
12. Flip the model over and repeat Steps 10 and 11.
13. Turn back each of the four pointed flaps so that they curl outward.
14. Blow into the hole at the base of the model and inflate the tulip. Be careful not to "untuck" any portion. Adjust the tulip as desired.
