Butterfly Origami

I made a card for my niece’s Bridal Shower with an Origami Butterfly. Joan Son makes a similar butterfly plus award-winning Origami. My butterfly is different; Joan's are fluffier.

Start with a square piece of paper. I used handmade paper 5 inches square to fit my 5 x 4 inch card. Only a few steps involved:

1. Fold diagonally both ways using a bone folder.

2. Scrunch the middle together: poke in the center, like this:

3. Fold flaps down to center point - on one side only.

4. Turn over & fold up past the edge - as on the right below.

5. Fold top flaps down & create corner folds - at bottom.

6. Turn over and fold in half - looks like this:

7. Use an awl or needle tool to punch holes for adding a tiny brad to the nose to puff it out. 

For the card: Put through Sizzix for embossing the flowers; added the butterfly  (without the brad) and flattened it.

Ribbon from Target says: “Happily Ever After” - taped that on the card.

I am teaching Origami to the Cinco Ranch Ladies Club: Craft Group - on February 27th - for free. See directions for my other Origami pictured here:

Gift Box: https://anneritataylor.blogspot.com/2016/02/handmade-gift-box_26.html

Pouch: https://anneritataylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/folded-paper-pouch.html

Kimono: https://anneritataylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/origami-kimono.html

Once I get started with the butterflies I find other uses for them such as party banners or even decorating a wreath or Christmas tree! Have you tried to make them? Let me know...

©Anne Rita Taylor 2017

Valentine Exchange

I joined a Valentine Exchange with The Guild of Book Workers - Lone Star Chapter - to send 10 Valentines and receive 10 in return. Rules included having an edition using any method of printmaking or paper or book arts.

I used my carvings for a photopolymer plate from Boxcar Press. As a member of The Houston Printers Guild I used The Printing Museum’s tabletop printing equipment & sold some of these cards in their gift shop.

For this exchange I added another dimension having an accordion book inside the card.

I found a quote I liked and practiced calligraphy so it would fit when folded in eighths on one third of an 8 1/2 by 11 inch scrapbook paper.

I attached the accordion with a heart shaped brad. Here is the inside and back of the card where I also attached my "Made by" labels.

I thought it actually needed something more…so I used my Sizzix Embossing Texture Boutique on all the card fronts. You can see the details:

Now let’s see what kind of Valentine cards I receive by February 14th. There will be an online exhibit on the Lone Star Chapter’s website: https://gbwlonestarchapter.wordpress.com

To finish I used a wonky heart I carved on each envelope. This month is all about LOVE!!!

If you feel the spirit move you, please leave me a comment. Happy Valentine's Day!

©Anne Rita Taylor 2017