Valentine’s Day is approaching, and with that in mind hearts are on the forefront. I love origami “paper folding” and have always been fascinated with the Japanese art. There’s something about seeing a flat piece of paper come to life into a 3-D art form that I find so beautiful, and this is merely done by paper folding!
Over the past few years I have practiced the basic steps of origami using pleats, reverse folds, squash folds, mountain folds and sinks to create little basic sculptures. I have a very mathematical visual mind I am able to remember things visually more than I would with written text, so origami came quite easily to me.
Here I wanted to share with you the sweet origami heart that I think is perfect to give to a loved one on Valentine’s Day, whether it be your best friend, a loved one, or a relative, it will put a smile on their faces for sure.
So, here we go:
Step one: Cut out a rectangle from colored paper ( I use the standard weight paper) with the measurements of 4 inches in width and 8 inches in length for a larger heart or 3 inches in width and 6 inches in length for a smaller heart.
Step two: Fold the rectangle in half, so you have two equal size squares. Crease and open.
Step three: Fold each corner into the center fold line. Crease and open.
Your paper should now look like this, two squares with an X crease through the center.
Step four: Lift one side and fold in the X creases toward the center.
Push down to firm.
Repeat on the other X square.
Step five: Rotate the paper so the center line is facing towards you.
Lift the two triangles slightly, this will help the next step.
Step six: Fold each of the triangles towards the center fold.
Repeat on the other side.
Step seven: Lift one of the triangles and open it by pressing on the tip. Press the tip down so it meets the center fold line.
Repeat with the other 3 small triangles.
Step eight: Flip the paper over. Your square should be made of two larger triangles. Fold one of these triangles over onto the other.
Your paper should look like this now.
Step nine: Flip your heart over so the front side is once again facing up. Fold the two corners of each square in towards its center mark, creating a mini folding kite.
Repeat with each square.
It should end up looking like this.
Step ten: Flip the heart over so the back is facing up. Fold and crease the two outside points.
Like so.
Step eleven: Flip the heart over to its front side. Lift up the small kite shapes and start pressing the tips towards the center fold of each of the small kite shapes. Once you are done you will have a small flower detail in the middle.
And there you have it, the sweetest origami heart to give to a loved one or even to decorate with.
Check out more DIY’s.
Comments
Thnx for the tutorial! I love origami. It is sort of therapeutic. I once made this origami orchid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-UPR_HIyQo It’s very pretty :-)
I love it!
I make this with a dollar bill and place a quarter in the middle and give it away as a nice gesture.
I use a two dollar bill and give them for b-day gifts
Esther! that is a really cute idea!! thanks for sharing
Love this ! I made an all white heart with a pink brad in the center…very sweet
Love this !
IF THIS WERE A SWEEPSTAKE, I WOULD ENTER THIS FOR VALENTINES:
TO MY DREAM VALENTINE: On our first romantic date (Feb. 14) you may pick me up in a Limo. We will drive to the airport and take your private jet to Paris. Together holding hands you will joyfully buy me diamonds, new clothes and a Silver Fox fur stole. Our first kiss will be under the Eifel Tower. We will then stroll along the canal and dine by candlelight under the moon and stars. We will have our first dance to the violin music you have acquired. At the end of the evening we will proceed back home, and I shall give you a good night kiss that will last an eternity. You will ask me for another date for tomorrow. Destination: Tuscany, IT
I love this tutorial, it’s so cute! I’ve posted a pretty pink and gold polka-dot version on my blog
great!