| ISSUE 89 • 27 APRIL 2010 | |
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Editorial – Fashion Origami Welcome to the latest issue of Kids Craft Weekly. I've been inspired to put together an issue of my favourite paper crafts after enjoying a brilliant paper craft session with the kids earlier today. It all started after I received a review copy of the latest Klutz activity book called Fashion Origami. I'm a big fan of the Klutz range because they get kids really excited about making stuff – even if they're not normally craftily inclined. We buy them often for birthday presents as they're a good price (under $20) and are popular gifts to give and to receive.  At first I was worried that the origami might be a little hard for seven-year old Ella (the recommended age on the book is 8+) but the easier projects turned out to be pretty well within her ability. Older kids will obviously get further into the projects and be able to work independently. I confess that we felt a little daunted to begin with by the apparent complexity of some of the projects but once we'd familiarised ourselves with the symbols and the concepts used to describe the various folds we were fine. Props to the writer and editors involved who have done a great job at making the instructions easy to understand. As well as detailed project instructions, the book comes with a stack of really bright, beautiful and unusual origami paper in two different sizes. It also has a little sealed section with sequins and ribbons and glue for finishing and bling. I particularly liked how the book references Harajuku street style in Japan and then encourages kids to let loose with embellishment once they've completed the origami projects. Fashion Origami Giveaway! The lovely people at Klutz have given me three copies of this fun book to giveaway to Kids Craft Weekly readers. To go into the running please head over to the Kids Craft Weekly Facebook page and leave a comment. If you don't have a Facebook account please email me and I'll happily add you to the draw. I will randomly draw three winners on Thursday 29 April at 9pm Australian Eastern Standard Time. In the meantime you can check out other Klutz titles at Amazon or in your local book shop. Happy crafting and I'll see you next time!  Amber Carvan editor@kidscraftweekly.com |
At our local scrapbooking shop we found a beautiful paper punch in the shape of a leaf and decided to put it to good use. If you don't have access to one of these you could easily cut simple shapes to similar effect. You will need • a leaf shaped paper punch (or a pair of scissors) • plain paper • origami paper (or other colourful paper) • paddlepop sticks (pop sticks) • glue and brush Directions 1. Punch leaf shapes from paper.  2. Glue paddlepop stick to page to form the trunk of the tree. Then start to stick leaves around the stick to form a tree.  3. No, this picture hasn't been reversed – my daughter was going through her mirrror writing phase when we did this craft together. 
This simple butterfly looks equally beautiful on both sides, making it perfect for hanging from a light fitting or in a doorway. You will need • a rectangular piece of paper • paints or markers • pipecleaner • two beads Directions 1. Colour or paint a piece of paper on both sides and let it dry.  2. Concertina fold the entire piece of paper, starting at the short edge.  3. Fold a pipecleaner in half and make a twist about one centimetre from the fold. Make another twist about one centimetre from the last one. Place paper in the pipecleaner and twist again, making sure that the pipecleaner is holding the paper firmly in place.  4. Make a final twist about one centimetre from the paper and extend the ends of the pipecleaners to form antennae. To finish off, pop beads on the end of the pipecleaners. 
Be the first person to show a child how to make these simple snowflake variants and they will think you must be magical! You will need • paper • scissors Directions 1. Take a square piece of paper and fold it in half, and then in half again so that you have a small square.  2. Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle, then take some scissors and cut notches into the sides of the triangle.  3. When you've finished cutting, unfold to reveal the beautiful patterns. 
I have such fond memories of making these as a child – do you? Share the joy with the little ones who are in your care. You will need • paper • scissors • crepe streamers or coloured strips of paper • tape Directions 1. Fold a piece of paper in half along the longest side. Then cut into strips from the folded side, being careful not to cut all the way to the other edge of the paper.  2. Open it out and start to weave the streamers into the paper.  3. Continue until no more streamers will fit. Then trim the ends and tape them to the paper.  4. Join short ends to form a lantern, and stick on an extra piece of paper to make a handle.  |
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