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Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) we are closed... or are we? See more info here.Origami Page:
Haunted House
Mary Ellen Palmeri
Welcome to our monthly "Origami Page". Origami is folding paper and ending up with delightful figures and models, such as flowers, boxes and animals. This feature will showcase a different origami model in each monthly issue, with diagrams and photos to help readers learn how to fold them. Most models use one square of paper, some use a rectangle, and others use more than one piece of paper.
Photo by Mary Ellen Palmeri
Happy October Friendly Folders!
This month’s origami model is a variation of a traditional origami “church” which is included with the diagrams, so you get two-for-one!. The folding sequence is the same except for the final step. The main difference is how you decorate the results.
For the Haunted House I like to choose a dark paper and for the church version I begin with colored or white paper. For either model add details with colored pencils or markers. Cut-out shapes and stickers are also fun to use to decorated your work. A favorite add-on item is a Q-tip ghost - this is made by cutting off part of a Q-tip and adding dots for eyes and mouth with a fine-tip pen or marker, then attaching to your house.
For best results with this model begin with a large square of paper because the end result will only be half the size of your unfolded paper. For example, folding the most common 6” origami paper will result in a house only 3” high and 3” wide. For a larger model use 12” square scrapbook paper if it is thin enough to fold. Also try gift wrap or brown Kraft paper which comes in a roll (try an office supply store). Decide the finished size for your needs, then measure and cut a square twice that size.
Happy Folding!
Origami originated in ancient Asian cultures and has been adapted by contemporary artists worldwide to reflect their own cultures. Local artist Mary Ellen Palmeri has incorporated paper folding into many of her mixed media art paintings, and teaches origami classes locally and nationally. Some of her work can be seen in a Tucson Happenings feature here: Artist_Profile
Ms. Palmeri's original origami models have been published in books and magazines, she has been featured on broadcast media, and her mixed-media fine art works often include various original origami models. Origami LAFF (Lyric Arts Folding Fest) is a Tucson based club founded by Ms. Palmeri to provide a venue for sharing this art. The group meets monthly at a local library; for more details please contact the artist at info@lyric-arts.com
