Pretty Dress Book Page Origami Ornament
New ornaments are always fun to get, and to give. This is the perfect ornament for a bookie, so think of the bookies in your life and make them one. I saw these and had to share the process of making them here. The little dresses are so very sweet and remind me of an old fashioned christmas, where Christmas wasn't all about glitter and gifts, I like that. I love that you can see the type on the book page that it is made from, it gives the ornament the perfect hint of character. Plus you are re-using something that would otherwise just be recycled, right?
I had an old copy of Jane Eyre, I love the book and loved this copy to death. The binding is compeletely craked, and the pages are falling out. I recently saw another copy at a second hand store and bought it. I knew I didn't want to just get rid of my well-loved copy so it just sat on the shelf along with the new one. When I saw this little project though, it really seemed like the perfect use for my treasured book.
Making this origami paper dress is very simple, here is a video of the paper folding process. In the beginning there are some animate kids talking- just keep watching, you are in the right place and the folding will start right after that.
To get the page of a book to the right square shape you will need to fold it diagonaly until it meets and the folded part will look like a triangle. There will be a top strip, cut off that extra and it will form a square when you open it. Most origami starts from a square piece of paper, so you may know how to do this already.
There you have it, now with a needle just pierce through the two flaps on the back pulling a thread through as you do. Then cut the tread to desired length and knot to close the circle. Now you are ready to decorate with a sash or bow or just leave it plain. It looks good however you choose to make it. This ornament is PERFECT for the typical ornament exchanges that are held throughout this season.
I made this first pretty dress origami ornament for a friend who just found out she is having a baby girl. Since then I have made several more because they are just so cute. I have decided it doesn't matter if you have a girl or not, dresses on the tree are always acceptable!
I found the inspiration to do this ornament from a Pinterest picture, from this blog.
A Handmade Christmas: I will keep posting ideas for a non-tacky handmade christmas. This is the first so far, I am a little slower this year as my babybelly is making me tired. I will still try and get quite a few ideas up before Christmas that you can make for family and friends I will re-post from the years gone by as well.
Previous Ideas from my Handmade Christmas Craft Series: Pretty Dress Book Page Origami Ornament * Jesse Tree Advent Ornaments *Kid Friendly Stained Glass Craft * Homemade Heat Pack or Cold Compress (Rice Socks)* Knit Granny Washcloth (or Dishcloth) Pattern * Reading Pillow for the Bookaholic(s) in Your Life * True Love Heart Ornaments * Bath Salts Soak Recipe* Coffee or Tea Sleeve Patterns * Rosemary Sea Salt Recipe *
Above all, enjoy this season- and remember what it really is all about: the Birth of Christ.
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December 2nd, 2011 - 18:30
Oh, I love them! What a great way to repurpose a book that’s been a loved a little *too* much. ;-D
December 2nd, 2011 - 22:07
Can you ever love a book too much?? :) Hehehe. I agree. I loved Jane Eyre to death!
December 2nd, 2011 - 21:31
Thanks for sharing this. I’m going to make these for my book club.
December 2nd, 2011 - 22:08
I should do that too! I should have thought of it sooner though, now I’d have to mail them to reach my bookie friends in time. These actually would mail very well though inside a card. :) Huh……
December 3rd, 2011 - 20:04
I really agree…you should make this for your book club.
December 5th, 2011 - 18:08
We shall see Becky, we shall see.
December 3rd, 2011 - 09:58
Oh it’s so so pretty!!!
December 6th, 2011 - 17:17
I LOVE the ornament too!! I really should take it home and put it on my tree but I have it hanging in my cubical at work and just love looking at it! You were so sweet to think of us while making it, thank you again so much Bethany!
December 13th, 2011 - 18:56
Thanks for sharing this! It launched me into looking at other origami dresses — and I’ve figured out how to do it with a rectangle, do it with a dollar bill, use wrapping paper bits, though my favorite is old book pages. I’ve now folded a pile awaiting ribbons and threads,
February 1st, 2012 - 04:34
Cute and thank u for the tutorial newbie here from Ohio
February 17th, 2012 - 17:50
I would like to make some out of old pattern instruction sheets – for my sewing room. If I make like 5 and add some other stuff – would make a cute banner.
February 17th, 2012 - 17:51
I would like to make these out of sewing pattern instructions (especially vintage) then string them up with some other goodies and make a banner. What do you think?
February 17th, 2012 - 17:55
I think that would be BEAUTIFUL!!! Great idea. Just beware, when folding those patterns as they could be pretty fragile :)
February 17th, 2012 - 19:42
Awesome tutorial!!
March 17th, 2012 - 10:49
I love how you used a book for this dress and I love origami! I featured this at my blog and offcourse linked back to you.