Origami is the fascinating and ancient Japanese art of paper folding. It involves transforming a flat sheet of paper into various shapes and forms without using scissors or glue. Origami purses are one of the most popular origami projects, combining aesthetics and functionality. They are perfect for carrying small items like coins, keys, and cosmetics.
In this beginner-friendly tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to create an origami purse. No prior origami experience is required, as we will provide clear instructions and helpful illustrations. Get ready to impress your friends with your newfound origami skills and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a unique and stylish purse.
To start, you will need a square piece of paper. The size of the paper will determine the size of your purse. For a small purse, you can use an 8.5 x 8.5-inch square. For a larger purse, you can use a 12 x 12-inch square. Once you have your paper, follow the steps below to create your origami purse.
Origami Purse Step-by-Step
With a square sheet of paper, transform it into an elegant and functional origami purse.
- Fold, crease, and unfold
- Form preliminary square base
- Shape the purse body
- Create inner pockets
- Fold flap and secure
- Add personal touches
- Enjoy your handcrafted purse
Origami purses are versatile accessories that can be customized to your style and preferences. Experiment with different paper colors, patterns, and embellishments to create a purse that truly reflects you.
Fold, crease, and unfold
The first step in creating an origami purse is to perform a series of folds, creases, and unfolds. This initial stage sets the foundation for the entire purse structure and ensures that the subsequent folds and shapes are formed accurately.
Begin by placing the square piece of paper in front of you, with one side facing up. Fold the paper in half horizontally, then unfold it. Next, fold the paper in half vertically, crease it well, and unfold it again. These two folds create a central vertical crease and a horizontal crease that intersect in the center of the paper.
Now, fold the paper diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Crease the fold firmly, then unfold the paper. Repeat this diagonal fold from the top right corner to the bottom left corner, creating a second diagonal crease that intersects the first crease in the center.
You have now created a series of creases that divide the square paper into four smaller squares. These creases will guide you in forming the preliminary square base, which is the foundation for the origami purse.
Once you have completed these initial folds, creases, and unfolds, you are ready to move on to the next step of shaping the origami purse.
Form preliminary square base
With the initial folds and creases in place, you can now proceed to form the preliminary square base. This base is the foundation for the origami purse and will determine its overall shape and structure.
- Fold and tuck the corners:
Fold the top right corner of the paper down to the central vertical crease. Crease the fold well. Repeat this step with the top left corner, folding it down to the central vertical crease. Next, fold the bottom right corner up to the central vertical crease. Finally, fold the bottom left corner up to the central vertical crease.
- Unfold the top and bottom flaps:
Unfold the top flap and the bottom flap that you just created in the previous step. You should now have a diamond shape with four triangular flaps.
- Fold the left and right flaps inward:
Fold the left flap inward along the central vertical crease. Crease the fold well. Repeat this step with the right flap, folding it inward along the central vertical crease.
- Fold the top and bottom flaps downward:
Fold the top flap downward along the horizontal crease. Crease the fold well. Repeat this step with the bottom flap, folding it downward along the horizontal crease.
You have now formed the preliminary square base for your origami purse. This base consists of a central square with four smaller triangular flaps extending from the sides. In the next steps, you will begin to shape the purse body and add inner pockets.
Shape the purse body
With the preliminary square base formed, you can now begin to shape the body of the origami purse. This involves folding and tucking the flaps in a specific sequence to create the main compartment of the purse.
- Fold and tuck the right flap:
Take the right flap and fold it inward along the diagonal crease that runs from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Crease the fold well. Tuck the folded flap into the pocket created by the left flap.
- Fold and tuck the left flap:
Take the left flap and fold it inward along the diagonal crease that runs from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Crease the fold well. Tuck the folded flap into the pocket created by the right flap.
- Fold and tuck the top flap:
Take the top flap and fold it downward along the horizontal crease. Crease the fold well. Tuck the folded flap into the pocket created by the bottom flap.
- Fold and tuck the bottom flap:
Take the bottom flap and fold it upward along the horizontal crease. Crease the fold well. Tuck the folded flap into the pocket created by the top flap.
You have now shaped the body of the origami purse. The four flaps have been folded and tucked inward, creating a closed compartment that will serve as the main storage space for your purse.
Create inner pockets
To add functionality and organization to your origami purse, you can create inner pockets. These pockets are perfect for storing small items such as coins, keys, or cards.
- Fold and tuck the right flap:
Take the right flap and fold it inward along the diagonal crease that runs from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Crease the fold well. Tuck the folded flap into the pocket created by the left flap.
- Fold and tuck the left flap:
Take the left flap and fold it inward along the diagonal crease that runs from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Crease the fold well. Tuck the folded flap into the pocket created by the right flap.
- Fold and tuck the top flap:
Take the top flap and fold it downward along the horizontal crease. Crease the fold well. Tuck the folded flap into the pocket created by the bottom flap.
- Fold and tuck the bottom flap:
Take the bottom flap and fold it upward along the horizontal crease. Crease the fold well. Tuck the folded flap into the pocket created by the top flap.
You have now created two inner pockets in your origami purse. These pockets are perfect for storing small items that you want to keep separate from the main compartment. You can also use these pockets to add a pop of color or pattern to your purse by using different colored or patterned paper.
Fold flap and secure
To finish your origami purse, you need to fold the flap and secure it in place. This will create a closure for the purse and ensure that your belongings stay safe inside.
- Fold the flap downward:
Take the top flap of the purse and fold it downward along the horizontal crease. Crease the fold well.
- Fold the flap upward:
Next, take the bottom flap of the purse and fold it upward along the horizontal crease. Crease the fold well.
- Tuck the flaps into the pockets:
Take the left flap and tuck it into the pocket created by the right flap. Then, take the right flap and tuck it into the pocket created by the left flap.
- Secure the flap with a ribbon or string:
To keep the flap securely closed, you can tie a ribbon or string around the purse. Alternatively, you can use a button or snap to secure the flap.
You have now completed your origami purse! It is a unique and stylish accessory that you can use to carry your belongings in style. You can also customize your purse by adding embellishments such as beads, sequins, or fabric paint.
Add personal touches
Once you have completed the basic structure of your origami purse, you can add personal touches to make it truly unique and reflective of your style.
Here are a few ideas for adding personal touches to your origami purse:
- Choose your own paper:
You can use any type of paper to make your origami purse, but different papers will give different results. For a sturdy purse, use a thick paper such as cardstock or origami paper. For a more lightweight purse, use a thin paper such as tissue paper or mulberry paper. - Add embellishments:
You can add embellishments to your origami purse using a variety of materials, such as beads, sequins, fabric paint, or ribbon. Be creative and use your imagination to come up with unique and stylish designs. - Personalize your purse:
You can personalize your origami purse by adding your initials, a special message, or a favorite quote. You can also use stamps or stencils to create patterns or designs on your purse. - Line your purse with fabric:
To give your origami purse a more polished look and feel, you can line it with fabric. Choose a fabric that complements the paper you used to make the purse. You can also use fabric scraps to create a patchwork lining.
By adding personal touches to your origami purse, you can create a one-of-a-kind accessory that is both stylish and functional.
Origami purses are a great way to express your creativity and style. They are also a fun and challenging project to make. So, gather your materials and get started on your own origami purse today!
Enjoy your handcrafted purse
Now that you have completed your origami purse, it’s time to enjoy your handcrafted creation!
- Use your purse to carry your belongings:
Your origami purse is perfect for carrying your everyday essentials, such as your phone, wallet, keys, and cosmetics. It’s also a great option for carrying small items when you’re traveling or running errands.
- Show off your purse to your friends and family:
Be proud of your origami purse and show it off to your friends and family. They’ll be impressed by your creativity and skill.
- Make more origami purses as gifts:
Origami purses make great gifts for friends, family, and loved ones. They’re unique, handmade, and practical. You can even customize each purse to match the recipient’s personality and style.
- Continue to learn and explore origami:
Origami is a fascinating and rewarding art form. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating origami models. Continue to learn and explore origami, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create.
Origami purses are a beautiful and functional way to express your creativity and style. They’re also a great conversation starter and a fun way to connect with others. So, enjoy your handcrafted purse and let it be a source of joy and inspiration for you and those around you.
FAQ
Have questions about origami? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: Origami is the ancient art of paper folding. It involves transforming a flat sheet of paper into various shapes and forms without using scissors or glue.
Question 2: Is origami difficult to learn?
Answer: Origami can be learned by people of all ages and skill levels. There are many simple origami folds that beginners can learn, and with practice, you can progress to more complex models.
Question 3: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer: Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is typically thin and lightweight. You can also use regular printer paper or other types of paper, but origami paper will give you the best results.
Question 4: Where can I learn origami?
Answer: There are many resources available to learn origami, including books, websites, and video tutorials. You can also find origami classes and workshops in your local community.
Question 5: What are some popular origami models?
Answer: Some popular origami models include the crane, the lotus flower, the samurai helmet, and the dragon. There are endless possibilities when it comes to origami models, so you can choose one that suits your skill level and interests.
Question 6: Can I use origami to make things other than models?
Answer: Yes, origami can be used to make a variety of functional items, such as boxes, bags, and even furniture. Origami is also used in architecture, engineering, and other fields.
Question 7: How do I display my origami models?
Answer: You can display your origami models in a variety of ways, such as hanging them from strings, placing them on shelves or windowsills, or arranging them in shadow boxes. You can also use origami models as gift tags, decorations, or party favors.
Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to relax, be creative, and challenge your mind.
Now that you have learned the basics of origami, you can start practicing and creating your own models. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you improve your origami skills and create beautiful models:
Tip 1: Start with simple models:
Don’t try to start with complex models right away. Begin with simple models that use basic folds and techniques. This will help you build a solid foundation and give you the confidence to tackle more challenging models later on.
Tip 2: Practice regularly:
The more you practice origami, the better you will become. Try to set aside some time each week to practice folding. You can practice folding simple models multiple times to improve your accuracy and speed, or you can try learning new and more complex models.
Tip 3: Use high-quality paper:
The type of paper you use can make a big difference in the outcome of your origami models. Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is typically thin and lightweight. Using high-quality origami paper will help you create crisp and precise folds.
Tip 4: Learn different folding techniques:
There are many different origami folding techniques, each with its own unique purpose. Learn as many different folding techniques as you can, as this will give you the ability to create a wider variety of origami models. You can find instructions for different folding techniques in origami books, websites, and video tutorials.
Tip 5: Be patient and persistent:
Origami can be challenging, especially when you are first starting out. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Be patient and persistent, and keep practicing. With time and effort, you will be able to create beautiful and complex origami models.
Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little practice and patience, you can create beautiful and complex origami models. So get started today and see what you can create!
Conclusion
Origami is a fascinating and rewarding art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It involves transforming a flat sheet of paper into various shapes and forms without using scissors or glue. Origami is a great way to relax, be creative, and challenge your mind.
In this article, we have provided a comprehensive guide to creating an origami purse, from folding and creasing the paper to shaping the purse body and adding inner pockets. We have also included a FAQ section to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about origami, as well as a tips section to help you improve your origami skills.
We hope that this article has inspired you to try origami for yourself. With a little practice and patience, you can create beautiful and complex origami models. So get started today and see what you can create!
Origami is more than just a hobby; it is an art form that can be used to create beautiful and functional objects. It is also a great way to learn about geometry and mathematics. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced folder, we encourage you to continue exploring the world of origami and discovering all that it has to offer.
