Recently I’ve been mad about folding boxes and animals from paper (see: origami snack box). I have an book on origami and few sets of origami paper on my coffee table. Whenever I feel like taking my mind off things that stresses me, I fold something new. It’s a great alternative to colouring books which are all the rage now. I think we adults have suppressed frustration, hence find these creative pursuits so relaxing.
If you don’t have origami paper, you can use any kind of paper or even serviette. One day, after lunch at a restaurant, I turned an ordinary paper napkin into a beautiful swan and amazed my companions. It’s such joy to make something useful and beautiful with your hands. This swan napkin makes a lovely table-setting or even as toys for kids.
INSTRUCTIONS
PART 1: CONSTRUCTING THE BODY
- Arrange napkin in a diamond shape & make sure the loose flaps of the napkin are on top.
- Fold the right and left edges into the middle point. It will form a kite shape.
- Turn the napkin over. Fold the two long sides into the vertical centre. It will form a sharp point.
- Fold the sharp point to the top.
- Fold the sharp point back down to form the beak. It should be a third of its length.
- Fold into half.
- You’re just form the body of a swan!
PART 2: OPENING ORIGAMI TO STAND
Now it’s time to slide the neck upwards and fan out the tail feathers to produce these:
Create a flock of swans with different personality with paper napkins of various size and colour. Lengthen the beak or slide the neck at different angles. Draw an eye and some feathers on them if you like. Let your imagination go wild!
Do try it and tag JewelPie on Facebook or Instagram! Love to see how yours turn out!
