[For Kids] Easy Origami Ideas to Enjoy in May
May, with its pleasant climate, is a fun season full of events like Golden Week, Children’s Day, and Mother’s Day.
In this article, we’ll introduce origami ideas for children to enjoy in May.
We’ve gathered easy-to-fold projects for kids, including traditional favorites like carp streamers and samurai helmets, as well as flowers and creatures you can see in May.
There are plenty of origami designs perfect for Children’s Day decorations, so be sure to make some and display them!
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[For Kids] Easy Origami Ideas to Enjoy in May (11–20)
strawberry
When it comes to fruits you want to eat in spring, strawberries come to mind.
For those of you dreaming of eating your fill at a strawberry-picking farm, try making strawberries out of origami.
The folding steps are the same as the crane up to a certain point.
It feels like you could easily make them in bulk.
The leafy part of the strawberry is made with origami paper at one-quarter size.
The folding method is even closer to the crane than for the strawberry body, so it should be easier to understand.
Finish by drawing the strawberry seeds with a correction pen, and you’re done.
Children’s Day wreath
When you hear “wreath,” you might think of Christmas, but even outside of the holiday, wreaths that incorporate seasonal elements feel cohesive and are really cute.
For the wreath part, make a ring by taping together eight pieces folded into the same shape.
Then arrange elements like a doll wearing a samurai helmet and carp streamers in a balanced way on top of the wreath.
It’s also fun to turn your favorite origami into a wreath.
Wreaths are versatile and can become anything with a bit of creativity—highly recommended.
Rose
Here’s a perfect origami rose idea for May, when roses are in full bloom.
Despite its intricate look, the folding steps are simple, so give it a try.
First, crease an X and a plus sign, then fold so that two triangles overlap.
Fold both bottom corners up to the top corner, open the pocket that forms, and then open the pocket between the opened sections as well.
Finally, pinch the triangular part on the back and twist to finish! You can glue them onto construction paper to make a bouquet of roses, or use them for wall displays—they’ll look lovely.
Long-horned helmet
Speaking of origami helmets, they’ve long been beloved in Japan.
This time, we’ll introduce how to fold a slightly customized “long-horned” helmet.
It looks a bit different and tougher than a regular helmet, but once you master the steps, it’s easy.
Make one that stands out from your friends’ helmets and set yourself apart.
There seem to be several other arranged versions of the helmet as well, so be sure to try making various versions.
long kabuto (long samurai helmet)
This origami is a variation of the helmet that everyone knows.
It’s called a long helmet, and it looks about twice as tall as the typical origami helmet.
It’s fun, so please try making it at least once.
The steps are the same as the regular helmet up to a point, but when you reach the stage where you would fold parts back for the normal helmet, you keep folding it lengthwise instead, which makes the finished piece longer.
Because it’s longer, the opening you wear it with becomes smaller, so if you want to actually wear it, it’s better to use a larger sheet of paper.
Displayable mini koi-nobori
Let’s make a cute, three-dimensional carp streamer (koinobori) out of origami that also works as a decoration.
You’ll need three sheets of origami for the carp, one for the pinwheel, some origami for the base, and a bamboo skewer or similar stick.
Since it has a base, it’s easy to display.
After making the three carp and the pinwheel, wrap a piece of sponge (which will serve as the base) with origami paper.
Attach the three carp and the pinwheel to the bamboo skewer with glue, insert it into the base, and you’re done.
If you want to go the extra mile, make a windsock (fukinagashi) and attach it for an even more authentic look.
Give it a try!
[For Kids] Simple Origami Ideas to Enjoy in May (21–30)
Mother
As the name suggests, Children’s Day is a day to wish for children’s healthy growth, but it’s also a day to thank mothers.
Why not take this opportunity to make a gift for your mom? Using origami, kids can enjoy making it too.
First, make the head and the paper base.
Fold the origami vertically and horizontally, matching the corners, to create a cross crease in the center.
Using those creases as a guide, fold inward twice to make marks.
Fold the top edge down to the crease, insert a flesh-colored piece of origami for the face, then fold the top edge down again.
Turn it over and shape the hair.
Finish by drawing the face—eyes and cheeks—with round stickers or a pen.
Make it with your heartfelt thanks to your mother.
