Are you looking for a fun and creative way to express your love on Valentine’s Day? An origami heart made from a gum wrapper is a unique and thoughtful gift that is sure to impress your loved one. This easy-to-follow guide will teach you how to make an origami heart out of a gum wrapper in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced origami enthusiast, you’ll be able to create a beautiful origami heart in no time.
The best thing about this craft is that you don’t need any special materials. All you need is a gum wrapper and a pair of scissors. So, gather your materials and let’s get started!
Before we dive into the detailed instructions, let’s get familiar with the basic folds used in origami. You’ll need to master these folds in order to create the origami heart. We’ll cover the mountain fold, the valley fold, the square fold, and the bird base in the next section. Once you’ve mastered these folds, you’ll be ready to start making the origami heart.
How to Make an Origami Heart Out of a Gum Wrapper
Follow these 7 simple steps:
- Prepare gum wrapper
- Make square base
- Fold into bird base
- Create heart shape
- Fold in flaps
- Shape the heart
- Add personal touch
With a little practice, you’ll be able to make beautiful origami hearts in no time. So, gather your materials and give it a try!
Prepare Gum Wrapper
Before you start folding, you need to prepare the gum wrapper. Make sure it is clean and free of any residue.
- Unfold and flatten:
Unfold the gum wrapper completely and lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Trim edges (optional):
If the gum wrapper has any rough or uneven edges, you can trim them with a pair of scissors. This will help to ensure that your origami heart has a neat and tidy appearance.
- Fold in half twice:
Fold the gum wrapper in half lengthwise. Then, unfold it and fold it in half widthwise. Unfold it again so that you have a crease in the center both lengthwise and widthwise.
- Orient the wrapper:
Place the gum wrapper with the shiny side facing down and the creases running diagonally.
Now that you have prepared the gum wrapper, you are ready to start folding your origami heart.
Make Square Base
To make the square base, follow these steps:
Step 1: Fold in half diagonally:
Fold the prepared gum wrapper in half diagonally from top right to bottom left. Unfold it again.
Step 2: Fold in half again:
Fold the gum wrapper in half diagonally from top left to bottom right. Unfold it again.
Step 3: Fold in half horizontally:
Fold the gum wrapper in half horizontally. Unfold it again.
Step 4: Fold in half vertically:
Fold the gum wrapper in half vertically. Unfold it again.
Step 5: Fold along existing creases:
Bring the top right and bottom left corners to the center crease. Then, bring the top left and bottom right corners to the center crease. You should now have a square shape.
Step 6: Unfold and refold:
Unfold the square base. Then, refold it along the diagonal creases to form a diamond shape.
You have now created the square base, which is the foundation for the origami heart.
Fold into Bird Base
To fold the square base into a bird base, follow these steps:
Step 1: Fold in half diagonally:
Fold the diamond-shaped square base in half diagonally from top to bottom.
Step 2: Unfold and squash fold:
Unfold the previous fold. Then, make a squash fold by pushing the top layer of the paper down and to the right, and the bottom layer of the paper up and to the left. You should now have a parallelogram shape.
Step 3: Fold in half vertically:
Fold the parallelogram in half vertically.
Step 4: Unfold and make two diagonal folds:
Unfold the previous fold. Then, make two diagonal folds from the top corners to the bottom center crease. These folds should intersect in the middle.
Step 5: Fold in half horizontally:
Fold the shape in half horizontally.
You have now folded the square base into a bird base. This is an important intermediate step in making the origami heart.
Create Heart Shape
To create the heart shape, follow these steps:
Step 1: Unfold and squash fold:
Unfold the bird base. Then, make a squash fold by pushing the top layer of the paper down and to the right, and the bottom layer of the paper up and to the left.
Step 2: Fold in half vertically:
Fold the shape in half vertically.
Step 3: Unfold and make two diagonal folds:
Unfold the previous fold. Then, make two diagonal folds from the top corners to the bottom center crease. These folds should intersect in the middle.
Step 4: Fold in half horizontally:
Fold the shape in half horizontally.
Step 5: Unfold and make two reverse folds:
Unfold the previous fold. Then, make two reverse folds by folding the top and bottom layers of the paper in opposite directions. This will create a diamond shape.
Step 6: Fold in half diagonally:
Fold the diamond shape in half diagonally from top to bottom.
You have now created the heart shape. The next step is to fold in the flaps to complete the origami heart.
Fold in Flaps
To fold in the flaps and complete the origami heart, follow these steps:
Step 1: Fold in the top flap:
Fold the top flap of the heart down and to the center crease. Make sure the fold is sharp and precise.
Step 2: Fold in the bottom flap:
Fold the bottom flap of the heart up and to the center crease. Again, make sure the fold is sharp and precise.
Step 3: Fold in the left and right flaps:
Fold the left and right flaps of the heart inward, tucking them behind the top and bottom flaps. This will create a more defined heart shape.
Step 4: Shape the heart:
Gently shape the heart by pressing on the sides and rounding out the corners. You can also use your fingers to create a small indentation at the top of the heart, to make it look more like a real heart.
You have now completed the origami heart. The final step is to add a personal touch, such as writing a message or decorating it with glitter or stickers.
Shape the Heart
Once you have folded in the flaps, you can shape the heart to make it look more realistic and appealing.
- Press on the sides:
Gently press on the sides of the heart to flatten it slightly. This will help to give the heart a more defined shape.
- Round out the corners:
Use your fingers to round out the corners of the heart. This will make the heart look softer and more natural.
- Create an indentation at the top:
Use your finger to gently push in the top of the heart, creating a small indentation. This will make the heart look more like a real heart.
- Adjust the shape as needed:
Continue to adjust the shape of the heart until you are satisfied with how it looks. You can make it more or less round, or you can make the indentation at the top deeper or shallower, depending on your preference.
Once you have shaped the heart to your liking, you can move on to the final step, which is to add a personal touch.
Add Personal Touch
Once you have shaped the origami heart to your liking, you can add a personal touch to make it truly special.
- Write a message:
You can write a short message on the heart, such as “I love you” or “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Use a fine-tipped pen or marker to write your message neatly and legibly.
- Decorate with glitter or stickers:
Add some sparkle and shine to your origami heart by decorating it with glitter or stickers. You can use any color or design that you like. Just be sure to use glue or adhesive that is safe for paper.
- Attach a ribbon or string:
If you want to hang your origami heart, you can attach a ribbon or string to the top. This will allow you to display your heart in a window, on a wall, or even on a Christmas tree.
- Get creative:
The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding a personal touch to your origami heart. Use your imagination and creativity to come up with unique and meaningful ways to make your heart truly special.
Once you have added a personal touch, your origami heart is complete. You can now give it to someone special or display it in your home as a reminder of your love.
FAQ
Have questions about origami? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: Origami is the art of paper folding, which is often used to create beautiful and intricate sculptures. Origami is a fun and challenging hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Question 2: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer: There are many different types of paper that can be used for origami, but some of the most popular include kami paper, mulberry paper, and Tant origami paper. These papers are strong and durable, and they hold creases well.
Question 3: Where can I learn how to do origami?
Answer: There are many resources available for learning how to do origami, including books, websites, and YouTube videos. You can also find origami classes at community centers, libraries, and art schools.
Question 4: What are some popular origami folds?
Answer: Some popular origami folds include the square fold, the bird base, the fish base, and the lotus base. These folds are used to create a wide variety of origami models, from simple animals to complex geometric shapes.
Question 5: What are some tips for making origami?
Answer: Here are a few tips for making origami:
– Use sharp creases: Make sure to fold the paper along the crease lines sharply and precisely. This will help your origami model to hold its shape.
– Be patient: Origami can be challenging, but it’s important to be patient and take your time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually be able to create beautiful origami models.
– Have fun: Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby. Enjoy the process of folding the paper and creating something beautiful.
Question 6: Where can I find origami models to fold?
Answer: There are many websites and books that provide origami models to fold. You can also find origami models in magazines and newspapers. Once you have learned the basics of origami, you can start experimenting and creating your own models.
Origami is a fun and challenging hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and intricate origami models.
Now that you know more about origami, here are some additional tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get started with origami:
1. Start with simple folds:
Don’t try to start with complex origami models right away. Begin with simple folds, such as the square fold, the bird base, and the fish base. Once you have mastered these basic folds, you can start to learn more complex models.
2. Use good quality paper:
The type of paper you use can make a big difference in the outcome of your origami model. Choose paper that is strong and durable, and that holds creases well. Some popular types of origami paper include kami paper, mulberry paper, and Tant origami paper.
3. Be patient and take your time:
Origami can be challenging, but it’s important to be patient and take your time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually be able to create beautiful origami models.
4. Use your creativity:
Origami is a great way to express your creativity. Once you have mastered the basic folds, you can start to experiment and create your own models. You can also use origami to decorate your home or office, or to make gifts for friends and family.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and intricate origami models. So get started today and see what you can create!
Now that you have some tips to get you started, it’s time to learn more about the art of origami. There are many resources available to help you, including books, websites, and YouTube videos. So get started today and explore the world of origami!
Conclusion
Origami is a fun and challenging hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to express your creativity, relax and de-stress, and learn new skills.
In this article, we learned how to make an origami heart out of a gum wrapper. We also discussed some basic origami folds, and provided some tips for getting started with origami.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced origami enthusiast, I encourage you to continue exploring the world of origami. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating origami models, so let your creativity soar!
Origami is also a great way to connect with others. You can share your origami models with friends and family, or join an origami club or group. Origami is a wonderful way to bring people together and create something beautiful.
So what are you waiting for? Get started with origami today and see what you can create!
