The Japanese art of origami always seems like a fitting thing to do at Christmas. It’s peaceful and calming, almost meditative to work on, and it makes a beautiful decoration when finished! As with many origami projects, this unique hanging ornament looks much more difficult than it is. It’s really just the same simple sequence repeated over and over and then glued together. … [Read more...]
Basic Japanese Notan Designs for 1st Grade & Up
Are you looking for an easy project that will give your youngest students more practice with scissors? This very basic Japanese Notan lesson is perfect for working on cutting and gluing skills, and kids will love the striking designs they create! Notan is a type of Japanese art that uses the contrast of light and dark to make an eye-catching composition. (Pronounce it just like … [Read more...]
Christmas in July! Origami Crane Ornaments
Students love to bring home these exquisite origami cranes to hang on their Christmas tree! I make these with my 5th & 6th graders, and even though this is not a beginner level project, every year I have at least one student with a passion for origami who already knows how to make them! While these cranes are challenging, they're definitely do-able, and they're such fun to … [Read more...]
Christmas in July! Japanese Notan-Inspired Ornaments
Even though Christmas falls on the same day every year, it still manages to sneak up on me! Why is that??! My best intentions are always to post some new Christmas art projects & ideas a month or two ahead of time, but then the busyness of the season just gets the best of me! So my answer to that is to get a head start by posting them in July! My 5th graders loved making … [Read more...]
Origami Lotus Book
Here's a fun project that both kids and adults really get excited about! The Lotus Book may look complicated, but its folds are actually very simple. Don't be intimidated by all the steps.... once you've made one you'll have it down. It's so much easier than it looks!Materials:Heavy-weight paper or card stock for pages (5 pieces, 8½” x 8½”)Heavy-weight paper or card stock … [Read more...]