Ok guys looks like we are almost ready to go for ARTScool 2011 next week: with our first week's class filled up and the remaining drawing supplies arriving today, all I have left to do is color a few finished sketching-page samples and fold a few origami models. Spent the morning at The von Liebig Art Center printing out the handout lessons and photo-copying custom origami paper for making our initial paper airplane models.
To expand my repertoire I picked up the Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes that provides clear step-by-step instructions on how to fold 10 flying models that perform quite well when thrown properly.
While the book included a pack of 40 sheets with 2o custom fun designs, I decided to do my early attempts with 24lb brightly colored Xerox paper. This heavier paper stock is quite cost-effective and yields sturdier finished airplanes (though you might want to use a bone folder to ensure neat crisp folds) that are easier to spot wherever they might land.
Already tried making every model from the book using regular size paper and quarter-sheets. They flew or glided quite well when made out of a letter size sheet. The mini gliders were fairly functional, but the mini darts did not work as well.
The first model of the book is probably one of the easiest to fold, and it works well both using a full 8.5" X 11" sheet and quarter-size sheets. After a quick demonstration, Nicole had no problem folding her first mini squadron.
Got a few quarter-sheet size Nakamura Lock paper airplanes ready for my next open house event.
This other Klutz Origami book kit would make a nice introductory gift for a kid interested in the art of paper folding.
It covers 10 fairly simple origami designs (with the Jumping Frog and the Magic Star models been the most fun paper toys from the bunch) with clearly illustrated easy-by-follow instructions, and it also includes a pack of 80 square sheets of custom-designed Origami paper to get you started.
These miniature versions were folded using 2" origami square sheets. Don't forget to check your local library and local bookstore bargain books section for more origami books and folding paper supplies.
Made a couple of videos on how to fold this origami planes: video 1 and video 2. They demonstrate the same process with different colored sheets of paper should you find it easier to see the details in orange or green.
Squad of Jet Pack Troopers.
A few templates for the girls.
Smaller planes (3 to 4) folded out of a quarter sheet can easily be stacked on top of a plane folded out of 8.5" X 11". When thrown together the smaller planes can reach higher heights and make for a more dramatic display specially if the smaller planes are of a different color.
Stacks of origami planes and bunch of mini comics ready for use as break prizes in upcoming classes. Check this video for instructions on how to fold a mini comic.
Making a few origami planes and jumping frogs for class tomorrow. The bone folder was quite useful for creating neat sharp folds quickly.
The large gliders were made out of entire 8.5" X 11" sheets of paper, and the smaller gliders were made with a quarter sheet. When tossing them together, the larger glider launches the smaller ones to higher heights like a battle ship carrying fighter planes.
Tried making them in different sizes and starting with both square and rectangular pieces of paper. supposedly they can also me made out of dollar bills and 3" X 5" index cards. Will have to try that soon.
Plan to distribute these origami toys during breaks or near the end of upcoming cartooning classes for a bit of bonus fun.
The neat thing about this particular origami plane model is that it is quite easy to stack several on top of each other and carry them to a given function. About 30 paper planes comfortably fit within this small box.
During the cartooning class at ARTScool (7 to 10 years old) and the first trend class at Jo-Ann (6 to 11 years old: 3 girls and 1 boy), took a few minutes to share some gliders and other fun origami creations with the students. Since the kids really enjoyed making toy planes and boats, I am reviewing other simple models for possible inclusion in upcoming lesson breaks.
This Kirigami model of a fantasy temple backdrop was quite simple to make and decorate.
Hmm, I don't think this looks like me. Why don't we do some origami now?
Yeti really likes playing with paper, so it was no wonder that he wouldn't take his eyes off the different origami models we tested over the weekend.
Not getting away this time.
Practicing the leaping frog origami model. The smaller frog actually jump higher. Even picked up a bone folder for creating smooth folds easily when working with thicker papers.
Origami Frog Fleet and bone folder. Getting the rhythm for folding assorted origami models in upcoming summer art classes. Really need to find my old origami books or visit the local library to broaden my folding paper repertoire.
Found another mini origami book that featured a jumping Frog model that actually has 4 legs.
Art supplies make great gift choices! what better way to start a new art journal than with some portable drawing and coloring kits.
Good time to try out some of the tools in other relatives' sketching kits. Trying out the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto multi pen.
Keeping busy with watercolor pencils before dinner.
Trying out their new Faber Castell Gel sticks: which can be best described as watercolor crayons with the consistency of make-up lipstick.
Enjoying this near mess-free watercolor format.
Monoprint butterfly: 1) Fold letter size cardstock in half and open it flat, 2) Draw body on the middle folding line, 3) Draw wing pattern with Faber Castell Albrecht Durer aquarelle sticks on one side, 4) Moisten watersoluble crayon marks lightly with a water loaded Holbein Watercolor Atomizer Bottle, 5) Fold shut and press firmly to print second wing, 6) Open and allow to dry before any touching the butterfly if so desired.
Doodling with aquarelle sticks.
More monoprint fun. The light blue pen was not the best choice for the body outline since it's not very visible and not waterproof.
Doodling on paper plates suitable fun for all ages. Just have enough markers handy and a free stack of paper plates (boy, was mom mad when she couldn't find some to pack the leftovers, oops!)
Showing off a puppet origami bunny.
Posts
All Comments
