Easy Butterfly Origami

My new book, Easy Butterfly Origami features 30 bold full-color patterns designed to accurately portray the dorsal and ventral sides of some of the most beautiful butterflies from around the world!

Origami Folding Tips

Origami, from the Japanese ori (to fold) and kami (paper), began in the 6th century when Buddhist monks introduced paper to Japan. The print-and-fold crafts and easy diagrams are designed to help children with fine motor skills, directions and hand eye coordination. Some basic origami folding tips:
  • Print and cut out patterns carefully.
  • Fold with clean, dry hands.
  • Follow the instructions. Study the diagrams and be patient.
  • Be precise: fold each crease well, flattening the creases by running your fingertip over the fold.
  • Folding the paper away from you is easier than folding towards you.
  • Be creative...use your origami on greeting cards, holiday decorations, table place cards and bookmarks.

March Equinox and a Spring Bouquet of Origami Flowers


What's an equinox? The equinox occurs when, because of the Earth's tilt as it orbits the sun, the sun shines directly on the equator, when the "length of day and night are nearly equal in all parts of the world." Hence the name equinox, from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night).

There are two equinoxes each year. The first occurs on March 20 or 21 and the second occurs on September 22 or 23. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we associate the March or Vernal equinox with the official start of spring (in the Southern Hemisphere, the March equinox marks the start of autumn). The 2011 equinox on March 20 was special because it coincided with the rare supermoon, which occurs only once every 20 years or so. On March 19, 2011, the full moon was on its closest approach to earth, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter than normal.

March equinox celebrations:

  • World Storytelling Day, which began in Sweden in 1991 as a day devoted to the art of storytelling, is now a global celebration.
  • World Citizen Day celebrates the unity of the human family, transcending borders.
  • Burning of the Socks Festival in Annapolis, Maryland. Traditionally, the boating community wears socks only during the winter. These are burned at the approach of warmer weather, to welcome the start of spring.
Create an Origami Spring Bouquet for March


©2011 Tammy Yee
All rights reserved.

2011, Year of the Rabbit: Happy New Year!

Activities to celebrate the New Year:

According to Chinese astrology, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit, and the New Year will be celebrated on February 3--so usher in the new year with these fun paper crafts and origami activities!

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rabbit: Learn about your animal zodiac sign!

2011 Year of the Rabbit: Origami Bunnies 
 2011 Year of the Rabbit: Origami Bunny Face 


Origami Chinese Dragon Puppet:


Chinese Lion Paper Bag Puppet:
Dragon Fortuneteller:


What's your Chinese Zodiac Animal? 
Celebrating 2010, the Year of the Tiger



New Years Celebrations Around the World: Images from Boston.com

Chinese Zodiac: 2011, The Year of the Rabbit








1927 February 02 to January 22 1928
1939 February 19 to February 07 1940
1951 February 06 to January 26 1952
1963 January 25 to February 12 1964
1975 February 11 to January 30 1976
1987 January 29 to February 16 1988
1999 February 16 to February 04 2000
2011 February 03 to January 22 2012





PERSONALITY
You are intelligent with a peaceful and quiet nature. You usually try to avoid competitive or aggressive surroundings and even risk taking. But when you choose safety over risk, some good opportunities may pass you by. You shy away from being the center of attention for it makes you feel uneasy. Instead, you are most happy in comfortable surroundings. Therefore you make a very good host when you entertain at home as you always make sure your guests are well taken care of and comfortable. 
When confronted with a problem or when you fell depressed, you tend to keep things to yourself instead of unloading on others. You simply do not want to burden others with your problems or opinions. Because you like to be on good terms with everyone, you are the first to leave when a troublesome situation occurs.
At work the Rabbit is quiet and efficient and possesses a good memory. Respected for your integrity and honesty, you are loyal to your employer. As a Rabbit, you generally do well in business and financial matters, but dislike being in situations whereby sudden decisions must be made. Since you like to maintain the status quo, you dislike the need to make changes. You like to leave things just as they are, undisturbed. Your colleagues appreciate your tact and modesty and realize you are a conscientious worker, and would never step over them to achieve your goals.
MARRIAGE
Good for matrimony with ram, boar, or dog year people.
Avoid mating with rooster, rat or dragon year people.
COLOR: GREEN
The rabbit is associated with the color green, which represents the season of spring. It is the color of new life, calmness and relaxation. Chinese believe that your dream will have a happy ending if it features the color green, since it is a lucky and influential color, especially when combined with the color red.
Learn about the other signs of the Chinese zodiac:

Boar
Rat
Ox 
Tiger
Rabbit
Dragon
Snake
Horse
Ram
Monkey
Rooster
Dog
You might enjoy:
Text ©1998 Mildred Chun. Illustrations ©1998 by Tammy Yee. All rights reserved.



Copyright ©2009 Tammy Yee
All rights reserved. No portion of this web site may be reproduced without prior written consent.