September 9, 2019
Thinking of You Week (22nd – 28th September) aims to inspire people to spread love and best wishes through greetings cards with lovely handwritten messages. Everyone can get involved in the event and being lovers of craft ourselves, we’re big believers in sending handmade cards with a thoughtful message to match. You can read all about the event and the Greeting Card Association’s mission here.
In the spirit of Thinking of You Week, we’ve decided to create something a bit different that you can gift to someone special. This year, we’re making an origami butterfly keepsake using our beautiful Chiyogami Papers. Why not attach your origami butterfly to a card for the perfect handmade gift.
Here’s a really easy step-by-step guide on how to create an origami butterfly…
Step 1
Begin by cutting your Chiyogami paper (we’ve chosen Rhubarb & Custard) into a square (approx. 15cm x 15cm).
Step 2
Next, you need to fold your paper in half horizontally. Unfold the paper, fold in half vertically. Unfold the paper so it is flat.
Step 3
Fold your paper diagonally both ways. Then, unfold the paper so it is flat.
Step 4
Create a waterbomb base by pushing the two opposite halves inwards.
You should be left with a triangle. Make sure the colourful side of the paper is showing.
Step 5
Point-side-up, fold the left side of the triangle behind the other. You should be left with a right triangle.
Step 6
Trim a semi-circle around the bottom right corner of your folded triangle (you can leave this step out if you don’t want curvy wings).
Turn 180 degrees and unfold.
Step 7
Fold the front top-left flap down in line with the middle crease.
Complete again on the front top-right side.
Step 8
Fold the bottom flap backwards, up and over the top of the wings.
Fold the little triangle over the wings and pinch in place to form your butterfly.
This origami butterfly is great as a hanging decoration, just attach a length of ribbon with some PVA craft glue or washi tape! Check out our full range of beautiful Chiyogami Papers here and learn about how Japanese papers are handmade here.
Tag us on Instagram and Facebook with your version of this origami butterfly with #LetsMake.
