Easy Childhood Paper Ornament

I was wrapping a gift for my friend's Birthday and it necessitated the need to make this paper ornament that I used to do a lot when I was little. It is easy so I thought I would teach you guys. :) I am sure Rachel remembers this one well. :)

I like to get boxes from Macy's for all my gifts but I needed to hide the logo because the present inside was not actually from Macy's. Then I remembered this easy paper ornament I used to make when I was a kid and it was a perfect fit! I thought I would share how to make it. For Christmas, all you have to do is change the color scheme to alternating red and green for a cute wreath or blue and white for a nice star. But, I am getting ahead of myself. Here is how to make it.

Step 1

Cut out 8 squares that are 3 inches by 3 inches from any paper. I used wrapping paper here to match the outside wrapping paper. I would not use card stock though because it can be a little hard to fold.

Step 2

Fold in half with colored side out.

Step 3

Unfold and you will have a line down the center of your square.

Step 4

Fold it diagonally with the colored side out.

Step 5

Unfold.

Step 6

Fold on the diagonal the other way with colored side out.

Step 7

Unfold. You will see an "X" and a line in the middle.

Step 8

Fold along the half way line again but this time with white side out. You can skip this step but it helps me make the next folds easier.

Step 9

Fold up one corner to the center, AKA Fold down the top edge to the center line (the crease), to make triangles. 

Step 10 View 1

Fold the other side the same way.

Step 10 View 2

When you open the square up, it should look like this, a little house.

Step 11 View 1

Now when the fold the square along the same edge down the middle, it will automatically fold and look like this. The tip is from the folds on step 10. The two "legs" are because of the diagonal and horizontal folds made.

Step 11 View 2

Here is the view from the bottom. I am holding the tip and the "legs" are at the top of the picture.

Step 11 View 3

Step 12 View 1

Fold it down and you should get this. This is the bottom of the unit.

Step 12 View 2

This is one unit. This is the top of the unit. Now repeat that 7 more times for a total of 8 units.

Step 13 View 1

Now you are going to assemble. I have started it here already. I have assembled 6 units already. I am going too call the unit which is mostly green, Unit A and the stripped unit that I am adding in, Unit B. You are going to slide Unit B into the crevice made by the "legs" of Unit A. Make sure all the top sides are facing out.

Step 13 View 2

Here I am holding it up. Make sure the bottom of Unit B is lying flat against the bottom of the "legs" of Unit A in order for it to fit.

Step 14 View 1

Fold the tips of the "legs" of Unit A over the top edge of the "legs" of Unit B. This will old the units together. 

Step 14 View 2

Need to fold over both tips.

Step 14 View 3

Pull Tight

Pull Unit B so that the folded tips of Unit A are snug.

Adding the last unit. View 1

You will have to fold the tips between the top edge of the "legs" of the outer unit and the tip of the inner unit.

Adding the last unit. View 2

And you are done. I made sure to take pics of each little step and it really makes this tutorial look and sound harder than it is but I didn't want anyone lost. Once you actually make it, you will see how easy it is. :)

It's a Wreath

But wait....

Slowly slide the units inwards. It will slide opposing units at the same time.

I kind of like this look. I might stop here next time and use it as a tag on something.

It's a Star!

It covers the logo on the box really well and adds another element to the gift. :)

Finished wrapped gift

I hope you guys will try this. It was fun going back to my childhood. And using gift wrap made this embellishment really cute.