Origami Hangings
A lime green boat floating in the air while a beautiful pink flamingo is spreading its wings, soaring above the boat as the wind gently blows on them. Oh, wait, a red heart and a dark blue balloon are also hanging above the crane.
They are all aligned in a line by a thin thread as they gently sway in the direction of the wind next to the window.
You must be wondering how is this possible? Well, through the art of origami, any creation is possible.
Origami is a Japanese art or technique of folding paper into shapes and objects to represent an animal, flowers, or any objects. “Ori” means folding, “gami” means paper. It usually consists of folding a single square paper without cutting, gluing, or taping it.
Growing up in Japan, origami was a very integrated part of the culture where it was taught from Kindergarten to higher grades; it was in all households; and it was used as decoration for festivals and in houses. From kids to adults, everyone seem to knew some or other shapes of origami.
I decided to introduce origami to them as an entertaining activity which they can do on their own when they are bored. I got origami papers from Daiso. Then I went on YouTube, looked up easy videos, and helped the kids create a boat, and a balloon. I made them practice it over and over again till they were comfortable making it themselves.
The kids decided to explore on their own and ended up learning how to make a heart, nunchaku, a frog, and a paper crane. You can also use this art as decorative pieces around the house. We decided to make window hangings from the different pieces the kids created and hang it in their rooms.
First, choose a color thread you like and put it through the needle. Make sure both ends are tied in a knot. Then, with the needle poke a hole through the origami and let it slide down to the bottom. (You may need to help your kids with this part). Lastly, as you keep adding more objects through the thread, your hanging will get ready.
According to an article, 5 Reasons Why Origami Improves Students’ Skills, by Ainissa Ramirez, “Origami is not only an art, but it teaches geometry, thinking skills, fractions, problem-solving, and fun science. Researchers have found that students who use origami perform better in math and all aspects of STEAM.”
I totally agree because origami does require a lot of precision and following the steps in the correct manner to get the shape you like. As a kid, origami looks like a simple, fun art and craft activity; however, you are developing lots of other skills too.
Another key aspect of Japan is its origami paper cranes. Senbazuru, is paper cranes that are folded into groups of 1,000. Cranes are considered very auspicious creatures and are said to leave to a 1,000 years according to legend.
Therefore, whoever wants eternal happiness and good luck has to fold 1,000 cranes within one year. I remember folding such cranes as a school project when someone was majorly sick or for loved-ones who are battling a major illness. It is a way for society to come together for a good, fun cause.
Then you hang the cranes from the ceiling. There are different groups who collect cranes for a cause which then they give to those in need.
- Cranes for Cancer – They collect cranes from schools and organizations and deliver 1,000 cranes to cancer patients. The address to send is: Karen Grinfeld11140 N. Canada Ridge DriveTucson, AZ 85737
- International Crane Foundation – Through 1,000 cranes campaign, they work to help rescue cranes.
- 1000 Cranes of Hope – This is also another site where they use cranes to send messages of hope to cancer patients.
Here are some videos of kids showing how to make various origami objects. You can also YouTube these videos.
- Origami Boats by Aria – https://youtu.be/mGAjy-cEbR4
- Origami Heart by Aarav – https://youtu.be/p9yJcTqx_g0
- Origami Balloon by Kiara – https://youtu.be/hTIN6EX4N2w
- Origami Crane by Sanaya – https://youtu.be/WJmw56NnNOU
