I've recently finished reading the first installment in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, and since then I have been trying to avoid spoilers like the plague, what with the show now in its fourth season and all. I have not had the time to get into a good fantasy series in a long time, so I thought I'd do a House Sigil series as I get into the second book, A Clash of Kings.
I start with House Stark because they are the coolest/least dysfunctional, and House Targaryen because dragons.
I realize this is very late in the day, so I will keep it short and sweet. Enjoy with me these little easter-inspired models!
This basket is not strictly origami as it involves some *cough*cutting*cough*, but it is a lot of fun to construct. Here is a tutorial on how to make it. For the handle, I twisted some thin strips of paper then braided them together instead of the simple handle shown in the video.
What I learned from this project: I do not like licorice-flavored jelly beans.
And for the wonderful egg masterpieces you will have by the end of the day, here is a nice flower stand you can display them on. Fabergé's got nothin' on you. Learn how to make the egg cup designed by Kunihiko Kasahara here.
As for your Easter Bunny needs, I've got you covered. Check out these previous posts here, here, and here.
I am not Christian myself, and I don't care what religion you are. We've all painted eggs and stuffed ourselves with chocolate on this day as children. So Happy Easter to you!
In France, when someone plays a prank on you, they triumphantly declare "poisson d'avril!", which means "April Fish". I am sure there is a reason for this, but as a kid, we always just went with it. If you grew up a Frenchie, you'll remember spending the whole day cutting out little paper fish to stick on your friends' backs when they weren't looking. Once again, I never questioned these traditions as a child. Just enjoy this meta-fish and don't judge.
For all of you non-Frenchies, here are some other things.
So I don't have students to torment this year (how I miss those days). I thought I'd regale all of you with some paper tricks instead. These neat little models are not what they appear. I have made GIFs to prove it.
Here's an old favorite: the amazing modular transforming ninja star. If you would like to make this model, check out my tutorial.
And what's this? A box? Nop.
Check out Jo Nakashima's tutorial for Valerie Vann's Magic Rose Cube.
Ok, so I ain't fooling you. You're too smart. But the mechanics behind these models are very interesting, and not because I'm writing this at 5am.
Fine, I'm sorry. You wanted neat pranks to play on your friends, didn't you? And I blew it. Truth is, paper is meant to make people happy. Unless you don't know how to hold it and get paper cuts. I guess this whole post was some kind of bad April Fools' joke. But before you go, take a look at this neat trick inspired by origami (this one's legit).
Leave me a comment if you can figure out how he does it. And good luck finding ways to make other people miserable!
Once there was a guy called Saint Valentine who died. The end. Cool story, huh?
What's that? "Not really," you say? Then why do people, over sixteen centuries later, feel obliged to spend obscene amounts of money every year on February 14th to prove that they love someone?
Who's the culprit, you ask? As usual, we have Chaucerto blame. Or the guy who misinterpreted him. The author of The Canterbury Tales was the first to associate the Feast of Saint Valentine with love and romantic activity. Critics believe that the Feast of Saint Valentine that Chaucer was referring to actually falls on May 3rd.
Nevertheless, since February 14th has come to be celebrated as the Day of Love in some countries, and since I have avoided making a Valentine's Day post in the past, it might be time for Paper Moon to show some love.
(Note: You will not see any hearts on this blog. Except this one. It was Halloween, and the thing was cute.)
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SO, what are you going to give your sweetheart tomorrow?
Apparently, nothing says I love you like a nice single red rose. Here is a pretty paper alternative to the kind that dies. This model was designed by Jo Nakashima. If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you know I have voiced some strong opinions about the giving of flowers as gifts. Don't get me wrong, I think flowers are great. When they're outside. With their roots still attached. So for alternative options, please check the previous post.
How about a pretty card made by you? Find out how to make this elegant origami card here.
And did you get her a gift? Do you want to make him think you're super creative? Why not put your trinkets in a nice little origami box? I have dug around and found some nice, non-gushy options for the less "romantic" among us. You're welcome.
How about this cute candy-shaped box? It is best for holding candy and/or chocolate.
There is also the Love Swan Box by Tadashi Mori. I am quite partial to this one.
And even though I am clearly not into all the sickly, sugary cr... criminal injustice that is pink hearts and creepy red plush dolls we must endure year after year, here is a beautiful and elaborate model, also by Tadashi Mori. The Versailles Box is made up of three sections. Find out how to make the flower part here, and the leaf part here.
These models can be given to anyone you love on this, the Day of Love. If you're not romantically involved, it doesn't mean there's no one out there who loves you. I mean, there has to be someone, right? Just spend tomorrow with someone you love if you can. Do it for all of us who are missing our loved ones but can't be with them.
I will end this tribute to poor Saint Valentine, the martyr, who I am sure died very painfully at the hands of the Romans, with these parting words of wisdom:
I made a post about origami flowers a while ago featuring this pretty flower right here. I couldn't find the instructions I used anymore, and I have no idea who designed this model. Luckily though, I was able to remember how I made it and created my own tutorial!
So without further ado, here is an origami flower tutorial, featuring Checkers, the naughty cat. (For more on cats, see this post.)
This is a relatively easy model, though not for beginners. For your first attempt, I recommend paper that is not too thick.
For more origami flowers and details about how to make the stem, check out my earlier post.
Happy folding!
EDIT: Someone very graciously pointed out that this is Ernesto Del Rio's Flor Del Rio. Thanks Serendipidade!
I don't like flowers. They smell funny and they are too pink. I think the worst gift you can give someone is a dead thing wrapped in pretty ribbons that will later be displayed at the center of a table in an expensive piece of ceramic or crystal with water in it to create the illusion of suspending its miserable life for a couple of days longer. Seriously, what ironic sentiment is that meant to express?
If you want to make that special someone sad and depressed, give them flowers.
A good alternative (if you can't find a potted flower, or if you know that they will never water it and that it will die anyway) is paper.
Carambola Flower Instructions.
You should still be able to follow the instructions
even if you don't speak German.
I made this pretty ornament as a gift by gluing six Carambola flowers together. They loved it.
I cannot for the life of me find the instructions I used to make this flower. Maybe I'll make my own and post them here sometime soon.
EDIT: Here is my tutorial for making this lovely model.
To make flower stems, just roll up a green sheet of paper into a really tight tube.
A bunch of lovely Irises and Lilies
Instructions for making Irises and Lilies differ only in one step. Here are Tadashi Mori's Instructions for making them.
A bouquet can make a nice gift with a personal touch.
This was made with two large Lilies one inside the other and two smaller lilies on the side.
A special girl deserves something extra special.
She will love it (and secretly think you are insane.)
And, of course, the traditional Lotus Flower, ladies and gentlemen.
And they can be just a random gift for a friend or office mate.
EDIT: Some people were asking for instructions on how to do the carambola flower. I thought I would post links while I was at it. Sorry this is so late. Carambola Flower Iris Lotus
