How to Make Origami from Money
Origami, the art of paper folding, has been captivating people for centuries. It’s a craft that can be both relaxing and rewarding, and it’s even possible to create beautiful origami from something as common as money. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of making origami from money, step by step.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Money (any denomination, but smaller bills are easier to work with)
- Scissors (optional, for cutting the money into smaller pieces)
- Water (for dampening the money, if needed)
- Flat surface (for folding)
Choosing the Right Money
When selecting the money for your origami project, consider the following:
- Denomination: Smaller bills are easier to work with, but you can use larger bills if you’re up for a challenge.
- Condition: Make sure the money is clean and free of rips or tears. Damaged bills can be difficult to fold and may not hold their shape well.
- Color: While any color will do, certain colors may be more vibrant or easier to see when folding.
Preparation
Once you’ve chosen your money, it’s time to prepare it for folding:
- Scissors: If you’re using scissors, cut the money into smaller pieces. This can make the folding process easier and allow you to create more intricate designs.
- Dampening: Some people prefer to dampen their money slightly before folding. This can help the paper to hold its shape better. To do this, gently wet the money with water and let it dry completely before folding.
Basic Folding Techniques
Here are some basic folding techniques that you’ll need to know:
- Mountain Fold: Fold the paper in half, then unfold it, and fold the top half down to the center crease.
- Valley Fold: Fold the paper in half, then fold the bottom half up to the center crease.
- Crease: Run your finger along the fold to make it sharp and visible.
Creating an Origami Crane
One of the most popular origami projects is the crane. Here’s how to make one:
- Start with a square piece of money.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
- Make a mountain fold, then unfold it.
- Make a valley fold, then unfold it.
