Origami to Enjoy January and Winter! A Collection of Simple Ideas to Use in Childcare
Many people may be unsure which motifs to choose for origami activities in January childcare.
If you express New Year’s traditional games and decorations with origami, you can enjoy making them with children while feeling the season.
There are plenty of New Year motifs like battledores, spinning tops, Daruma dolls, and kagami mochi.
Winter-themed creations such as snowmen and snow bunnies are also perfect for this time of year.
Here, we’ll introduce origami ideas that you can enjoy with children in January childcare.
We’ve gathered a variety of ideas, from simple step-by-step projects to those made by combining several parts, so please use them as a reference!
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Origami to Enjoy January and Winter! A Collection of Simple Ideas to Use in Childcare (71–80)
Ema of Mount Fuji
Recommended for January! Here’s how to fold a Mount Fuji ema (votive plaque).
First, fold the origami paper into a square twice.
Fold two corners to the center, then fold the left and right edges upward so they align with the edges you just folded.
On the opposite side, fold the left and right edges slightly inward at a diagonal to create the shape of an ema.
Make a crease by folding in half so that a white area shows, then cut a small slit at the corner on the folded side.
Next, for folding Mount Fuji: Fold the origami into a triangle and fold one layer down slightly.
Using that folded edge as a guide, fold the other layer down as well, shaping it to look like Mount Fuji’s peak.
Flip it over and fold up the bottom portion, then flip it back again and fold the left and right sides along the edges so it forms the shape of Mount Fuji.
Attach the Mount Fuji to the ema with cellophane tape, and you’re done!
Kotobuki turtle
You can make an auspicious longevity turtle with just one sheet of origami! Here’s a New Year–recommended origami project.
First, place the paper color-side down and fold it into a triangle twice to make crease lines.
Lift the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, offsetting it slightly.
Flip it over, then fold the left and right corners up to meet the center line, and fold those lifted sides back down to the bottom corner.
Unfold, turn the white side down, and fold the left and right corners up diagonally to just below the center, then fold those lifted sections back down to align with the bottom edge.
Turn it upside down and fold the corner upward, then flip it again and fold up the single top layer corner.
Slightly offset the left and right corners from the edges and fold them down diagonally, then fold them back up in parallel to suggest the turtle’s front legs—and you’re done!
Hanging ornament of fans
Perfect for January decorations! Here’s how to make a hanging fan ornament with origami.
Prepare two sheets each of the following sizes: 7.5×1.5, 3×15, and 0.5×15.
Glue the 0.5×15 strip along the long edge of the 7.5×1.5 piece, and glue the 3×15 strip along the long edge of a 7.5×7.5 piece.
Make two of the same sets.
Next, turn both over, crease them so you can accordion-fold, and then accordion-fold them.
Overlap and close the outer ends where the folds form peaks, staple the bottom so it forms a fan, and then open it up to finish! Attach a string to the back and hang it as a decoration.
maneki-neko (beckoning cat)
Perfect for January! Here’s an introduction to making a beckoning cat (Maneki-neko) with origami.
You’ll use two sheets of origami paper.
As a lucky charm, the Maneki-neko is said to invite happiness and business prosperity.
The meaning changes depending on which paw is raised: the right paw is for “good fortune” and “wealth,” while the left paw is said to “invite people.” The color of the Maneki-neko also carries different meanings, so it can be fun to talk with children about what kind of luck you want to bring in.
Give it a try and make your own original origami Maneki-neko!
Camellia
Perfect for January decorations! Here’s how to make a camellia out of origami.
Place the paper with the white side up and fold it in half by matching the top and bottom corners.
Fold the bottom edge into thirds to create guide creases, then fold the left and right corners in so they meet the crease at the bottom corners.
Turn it over and fold the top corner down to form a square shape.
Fold the bottom edge up to meet the center corner, then round off all four corners with small folds to complete the flower.
Next, the flower center: Fold the square to make a center crease, then fold the top edge down just a little.
Turn it over and fold the left and right edges in—that completes the center.
Finally, the leaf: Place the paper with the white side up.
Make two center creases by folding in half twice, then fold the left and right edges in to meet the creases, twice.
Fold along the creases to shape it like a leaf.
Combine it with the flower and you’re done!