Introduction
折り紙 (origami) is a traditional Japanese art of paper folding that has been around for centuries. It involves creating intricate designs by folding a single sheet of paper, without the use of scissors or glue. One of the most popular uses of origami is to create beautiful envelopes that can be used for gift-giving, letter writing, or simply as a decorative item. In this article, we will explore the art of 折り紙 封筒 折り 方 (origami envelope folding) and provide you with some tips and tricks to create stunning designs.
Materials
Before we dive into the actual folding process, let's first talk about the materials you will need. To create an origami envelope, you will only need a single sheet of paper. However, the type of paper you use will affect the overall look and feel of your design. Traditional origami paper is thin and lightweight, which makes it easy to fold and manipulate. However, you can also use other types of paper such as cardstock, patterned paper, or even wrapping paper to add some variety and texture to your designs.
Basic Folding Techniques
There are a few basic folding techniques that you will need to master in order to create an origami envelope. These include:
1. Mountain Fold
A mountain fold is when you fold the paper towards you, creating a "hill" or peak. This is indicated by a dashed line in most origami diagrams.
2. Valley Fold
A valley fold is when you fold the paper away from you, creating a "valley" or indentation. This is indicated by a solid line in most origami diagrams.
3. Squash Fold
A squash fold is when you take a folded flap and flatten it down onto the base of the model. This creates a flat surface and is often used to create the envelope flap.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you know the basic folding techniques, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating an origami envelope.
Step 1: Start with a Square Piece of Paper
Begin by selecting a square piece of paper. If you are using traditional origami paper, it will already be square. If not, you can easily create a square by folding one corner of the paper over to the opposite edge and then trimming off the excess.
Step 2: Fold the Paper in Half Diagonally
Take one corner of the square and fold it over to the opposite corner, creating a diagonal crease. Unfold the paper and repeat this step with the other two corners, creating two more diagonal creases that intersect the first one.
Step 3: Create a Diamond Shape
Take one corner of the paper and fold it towards the center, aligning it with the intersecting diagonal crease. Repeat this step with the other three corners, creating a diamond shape in the center of the paper.
Step 4: Fold the Top and Bottom Flaps
Take the top and bottom flaps of the diamond and fold them towards the center crease, creating two smaller diamonds. Unfold these flaps and repeat this step with the other two flaps, creating four smaller diamonds in total.
Step 5: Create the Envelope Flap
Take one of the top diamonds and fold it down towards the bottom of the paper, aligning it with the bottom edge. Repeat this step with the other top diamond, creating a large triangle at the top of the paper. Then, take the top layer of the triangle and fold it down towards the bottom, creating the envelope flap.
Step 6: Fold the Envelope
Finally, fold the bottom of the paper up towards the top, creating the body of the envelope. Tuck the envelope flap into the pocket created by the bottom fold, and your origami envelope is complete!
Conclusion
折り紙 封筒 折り 方 (origami envelope folding) is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your letters and gifts. With just a single sheet of paper and some basic folding techniques, you can create beautiful and intricate designs that are sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see what you can create?
