Origami and bunting

NickiM

Hello!

So this isn't strictly for a celebration but I thought this was the most crafty sounding board.

I am wanting to make an origami mobile and also some bunting. I had a looked online for some origami patterns but think it'll take me a bit of practice to make one correctly. Has anyone got any hints/tips?

With bunting, how would you suggest I make it, bearing in mind my sewing ability is limited.

I have a week to do it

Thanks a lot.

beltainebabe

I have no experience of bunting, but with the origami just keep practicing. Start with simple designs to start off with so it doesn't end up being too frustrating, this swan is a fairly simple starter pattern.

I found this in the Festive fivers article on the main site...

Make or buy your own Origami Set.
Buy/Make: Buy-it/Make-it Cost: under £2.50 Contest Entry Year: 2005
Simply buy a set of paper and then download instructions at Paper Folding; Origami's compelling, fun, and they'll be pouring over it for hours. Alternatively you can buy a set from Muji which will set you back for just £3.95.

The Paper Folding link shows some basic techniques and links to other origami sites.

I love this site for patterns, there are several fairly easy to make patterns on there that look good.
Also, if you grab a bunch of brightly coloured or patterned papers (like these) it will make whatever you make look a lot more colourful and professional. Just cheap plain paper is best for practicing though.

There is a great effect you can create if you can master the crane pattern, I found a picture of it here.

I'll be interested in the replies about bunting too, this seems to be coming quite popular and looks really nice.

Hope some of that helps!

Chris25

Here's a video showing how to make origami goldfish - she also does others - shrimp and a bat http://video.about.com/familycrafts/Make-an-Origami-Goldfish.htm

I made bunting for a garden party by making a template of a diamond shape from cardboard , cutting out fabric ( loads of samples and a bright tablecloth) and then folding them over an old washing line to make triangle shapes. I kept them in place with tacking stitches and I don't think anyone noticed. They were strung along branches but if they were going to be on show, you could use pins or contrasting coloured stitches.

I'm useless at sewing - you might be better than me

NickiM

Thanks, some very useful replies. I am not much sure how much fabric I have in the house, but I guess I can cut up old clothes or something.

I quite like: http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/04/diy-wednesdays-origami-mobile.html

Chris25

daughter reminded me that we also made bunting by stapling triangles of fabric to some string - although it didn't last very well as it was that
poly-string which shredded very quickly

a thought about the origami - you sometimes get odd rolls of wallpaper sold off in the sales, Laura Ashley have had them as cheap as 25p!! if you could get a thin one it might work well, especially as they tend to be a bit stiffer than sheet paper.

good luck anyway

NickiM

I am not sure about the type of string/material to use...I am not sure what I have either.

Oooh, thanks for the wallpaper idea. You can usually get samples from the homeware stores can't you?