Ornament - agami, Part 1

Here is one of the *major* reasons that I love origami: All you need is paper to do it.

Really! There's no start-up costs. Any and all scraps of paper are just calling out to become beautfiul folded objets d'art. Ok, so if the paper doesn't start out square, then you might need some scissors (and if you don't know how, use these directions).

So even though I don't think you've caught the origami bug yet, I'm sending some origami love your way because ... I'm pretty sure you've got the equipment ;)

So, here's the current origami that I'm a bit obsessed with: Making paper ball ornaments.

One of the main reasons I'm into it is that I'm pretty sure this is closely related to an ornament that Mom always talks about having made. But apparently she made a bunch and then sold all of them at crafts fairs, and doesn't have the directions anymore. And she didn't make hers into full spheres--just into the medallions, as pictured above (but Grandma & Jugulah later made spheres which always baffles Mom). Of course, they didn't make theirs with paper, but with fabric. After having folded a couple of these, I am in awe at the idea of somehow ironing & sewing these.... the idea stupifies me just a little. Give me a minute....

OK. I'm back. So these medallions are kinda tough. Maybe not the best to try your first time around. But I say if you have some time to kill while listening to Christmas music, then grab a piece of scrap paper & try it out. The directions are pretty thorough, though you'll probably still need to puzzle it out a little.

But I know a Few Good Puzzlers.

And if you want to fold something niftier than just scrap paper, you could try printing one of these "Modern Spice" patterns (like I used), or this striped one, or this black & white one. I thought I'd be really cool, and print patterns on both side for the one pictured above--but that was silly & ultimately doesn't look as great as it could with a bit more contrast between sides. I'd suggest only printing one side, and letting part of the medallion stay white...