Can you fold paper? That’s basically all you need to do to create these origami ornaments! It’s also a great way to use some of that paper you’ve been hoarding saving for a special project. If you’re like me, you’ll want to create these ornaments for every season! So far, I’ve got fall, Halloween, Christmas and spring covered, plus a beachy ornament as a gift for a friend.
I’ll share a link to the video from Nellie that inspired these creations at the end of the post. If you prefer video format, be sure to watch! They look complicated to make, but they’re actually pretty easy! Fitting the pieces together is shown a little more clearly while viewing the video. But I’ll do my best to give you step by step written instructions as well.
Where to Start
Firstly, decide on your theme. This can be a holiday, birthday, seasonal, or any other theme you can dream up.
Next, choose a 12″ x 12″ piece of Designer Series Paper. Lighter weight paper works well too, but heavier paper like cardstock is hard to manipulate during folding. Cut the paper into nine 4″ x 4″ pieces. Eight squares will be used for the ornament, and the last one can be used along with an easy layout idea for a card.
Alternatively, choose two coordinating paper patterns. If you choose this option, cut four pieces of each pattern. Optionally, cut another square to make a matching card as well.
Thirdly, gather stamps, die cuts, tags, ribbon and embellishments for decorating the ornament. Stickers, rhinestones, jingle bells, pearls and glimmer paper are also wonderful additions!
Finally, you’ll need a hole punch, crop-a-dile, or Take Your Pick tool to make a hole to attach the ribbon or twine for hanging your creation. Plus, a bone folder is a handy, inexpensive tool for burnishing your folds.
Can You Fold Paper? Here’s How to Create a Spring Ornament
For the first ornament, my theme is spring, with Painted Blooms paper. Since you’ve already cut eight 4″ x 4″ squares of one or two patterned papers, folding is next. Begin by folding one square in half.
Unfold the square, then fold each side to the center fold line.
The next step is to fold the bottom edge to meet the top. With open ends at the top, fold the left corner down to meet the bottom edge. Continue by folding the right corner down as well.
Next, fold the two pointed ends together. Repeat these steps for each of the squares.
Once all the pieces are folded, pick up two of them and hold them so they’re facing with the points to the left, and pockets on top. Carefully slide the points of one piece inside the pockets of the other piece.
Continue attaching the pieces together until the circle is connected. Adjust as needed to form a wreath shape.
Hanging Your Finished Ornament
Most importantly, if you’re planning to hang your ornament, it needs a hole for the hanger. On the first ornament, the green Christmas one, I tried a hole punch. But the hole was a bit messy. So for the others, I chose the Take Your Pick tool.
Use the paper-piercer end of the tool to poke a hole straight down through the ornament as shown below. Then add twine or ribbon to hang the ornament.
Since this ornament is designed for spring, use the Timeless Tulips stamp set for stamping tulips in Wild Wasabi and Daffodil Delight inks. To complete the project, add the Happy Easter Happy Spring sentiment in Pacific Point ink.
More Decorating Theme Ideas
To get you started, here are a couple more decorating ideas. The first ornament is beach-themed and is a gift for a friend. The paper shown is from Peaceful Prints, which was a free Sale-a-Bration item a few months ago.
Cut glimmery paper with Layering Circles Dies and layer it on top of the wreath before adding die cuts. Not only does this layer add sparkle, but it also helps hold your wreath together.
Stamp the beachy elements from Friends are Like Seashells with Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz and Cajun Craze inks. Then use the Seaside Seashells Dies to cut them out. The stamp set and dies are currently also available with bundled savings in the annual catalog.
Finally, on a small white tag, stamp the sentiment in Pool Party ink. Attach it with a small piece of twine to the ornament hanger to complete this beach-themed ornament.
Christmas Themes
Next up is a Christmas version featuring the recently retired Penguin Playmates paper and characters. Accent it with a couple of large Opal Rounds.
For the next Christmas ornament, the paper is from Peaceful Prints. The little jingle bells were in my stash from a previous catalog and provide a cute accent. Since they’re too bulky to add to a card for mailing, a 3D item is the perfect way to use them! Merry Christmas is from the Christmas to Remember stamp set, one of my holiday favorites!
Halloween Theme
Even though it’s past Halloween, here’s a Frightfully Cute ornament for you. As a reminder, the Last Chance Sale is going on now, so this bundle will only be available while supply lasts!
Fall Theme
One last ornament for fall! This one uses envelope paper, which is lighter-weight and a little easier to fold. Which one is your favorite?
As promised earlier, here is the link to Nellie’s video. She shares a great way to attach your ornament to a card, so be sure to check it out and let us know what you think!
For your convenience, I have links to many products in my online store for creating these ornaments. If you need a tool, some paper, or embellishments, just click the link to go directly to that product or go to my store. Of course, you can use any craft supplies you have too! We’d love to see what you’re creating! Share your project on our Facebook page.