How to Make Origami with Money
Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, is a delightful way to create beautiful shapes and objects from a simple sheet of paper. One unique twist on this traditional craft is to use money as your paper. It’s not only a fun and creative activity but also a way to recycle and repurpose old currency. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of making origami with money, from selecting the right bills to executing the folds.
Selecting the Right Money
Not all currencies are suitable for origami. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your money:
| Factor | Desirable Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Material | High-quality paper that is flexible and durable |
| Color | Neutral colors like white, gray, or beige work best |
| Size | Medium to large bills, such as $5, $10, or $20 |
| Condition | Unmarked, clean, and unfolded |
When selecting your money, keep in mind that the quality of the paper will greatly affect the outcome of your origami. High-quality paper is more flexible and less prone to tearing, which is crucial for intricate designs.
Preparation
Before you start folding, it’s essential to prepare your money. Here’s what you need to do:
- Wash your hands: This will help remove any dirt or oils that could affect the paper’s texture.
- Unfold the bill: Make sure the bill is completely unfolded and smooth out any wrinkles.
- Trim the edges: If the bill has any creases or imperfections, you can trim them off with scissors. Be careful not to cut too much, as this could weaken the paper.
Once your money is prepared, you’re ready to start folding.
Basic Folds
Origami with money requires a few basic folds that are essential for creating more complex shapes. Here are the three most important folds:
- Mountain Fold: Fold the paper in half vertically, then unfold it. Fold one side up to the center crease, then fold the other side down to the center crease. This creates a valley fold on one side and a mountain fold on the other.
- Valley Fold: Fold the paper in half vertically, then unfold it. Fold one side down to the center crease, then fold the other side up to the center crease. This creates a mountain fold on one side and a valley fold on the other.
- Diagonal Fold: Fold the paper in half diagonally, then unfold it. Fold one corner to the opposite corner, creating a diagonal crease. Repeat on the other side.
Practice these folds until you’re comfortable with them, as they will be the foundation for your origami creations.
Creating Shapes
Once you’ve mastered the basic folds, you can start creating various shapes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Money Boat: Fold the bill into a boat shape by creating a diagonal fold and then folding the top corners down to the center crease.
- Money Rose: Fold the bill into a rose shape by creating a series of diagonal folds and then folding the top corners down to the center crease.
- Money Heart: Fold the bill into a heart shape by creating a series of diagonal folds and then folding the top corners down to the center crease.
Feel free to experiment with different folds and shapes to create your own unique designs.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve created your origami shape, you can add some finishing touches to make it even more special:
- Coloring: Use markers, pens, or pencils to color your origami.