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.

Camellia Origami

The Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica), also known as the "Rose of Winter," is the most beautiful and prized of all the camellias. Originally from China, Japan and Korea, the Japanese Camellia is the official state flower of Alabama.




Difficulty: Easy to Moderate


Directions:

1. Print and cut out Camellia origami along outer solid lines.



2a. With printed side facing down, fold half along horizontal line as shown. Unfold.
2b. Fold in half along vertical line as shown. Unfold.


3. With printed side facing up, fold in half along diagonal line as shown. Unfold.

4. Your camellia origami should be creased as shown:

5. Fold along blue lines, pulling in on red lines to create a "tent" fold as shown. Your camellia should now be shaped like a diamond.


6a. Fold back right white corner as shown.
6b. Repeat on other side, folding left white corner back as shown.


7. Turn your origami over.


8. Repeat process, folding back right and left white corners.


9."Open" your camellia by pulling out right petal, then pulling out left petal.



10. Complete your camellia by folding back down, as shown.


©2010 Tammy Yee
All rights reserved.

Iris Origami

The iris is the official state flower for Tennessee, and the official state wildflower for Louisiana (Louisiana iris) and Michigan (dwarf lake iris).

In Japan, the Iris Festival (Shobu no Sekku) is held each May in honor of this symbolic flower, the long leaves of which resemble the sharp blades of a sword.  For centuries it was customary to place iris leaves in a boy's bath to give him a martial spirit.

There more than 200 species of iris around the world, and although we often think of irises as brilliant purple flowers, they in fact come in a variety of colors. In fact, the name "iris" comes from the Greek word for rainbow.



Iris Origami




Difficulty: Easy to Moderate


Directions:

1a. Print and cut out iris origami along outer solid lines.
1b. Fold along diagonal line A as shown.
1c. Fold in half again, along vertical line marked in red.






2a. Note diagonal line, marked in red.
2b. Fold up along diagonal line.
2c. Unfold.









3a, b & c. Carefully open upper "flap" along creases to form a diamond, as shown.











4a. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the reverse side, so that both sides resemble diamonds.
4b & c. Fold along the red lines so that the corners meet at the center, as shown.







5a. Fold along red lines,
5b. toward the center so that your origami appears as shown. Repeat on the reverse side.







6. Fold right side of origami over so that the picture of the large flower petals is showing. Repeat on reverse side.









7. Fold inner petals down as shown.








©2010 Tammy Yee
All rights reserved.

Chinese Zodiac: The Year of the Dog








1934 February 14 to February 03 1935
1946 February 02 to January 21 1947
1958 February 18 to February 07 1959
1970 February 06 to January 26 1971
1982 January 25 to February 12 1983
1994 February 10 to January 30 1995
2006 January 29 to February 17 2007
2018 February 16 to February 04 2019






PERSONALITY
You are much admired for your honest and courageous nature, always ready to defend friends and others who have suffered an injustice. Your friends know that you can surely be depended on because of your loyalty, trust and fairness. Furthermore, you sincerely believe that honesty is the best policy and your advice and help are always welcome. Friends know that very seldom would you ever cancel a commitment or betray anyone. However, you will always remember the person who had caused pain by rejecting or hurting you in any way. 
You perform well whenever you serve others, and when you are motivated nothing can hinder you from reaching your goal. Without a sense of purpose though, you achieve very little in life.
A bad habit that you possess is the tendency to worry unnecessarily and to see things in a negative way. This trait may drain your spirit and cause you to be anxious about potential problems. Try not to tire yourself by thinking about problems that have not even emerged. Although you have a keen sense of duty and responsibility, bear in mind that it is impossible for you to carry every burden, so learn to relax more.
You are usually a good conversationalist and quick-witted with an alert mind. But you do not particularly care to attend large gatherings or parties. Instead, having a quiet meal with a few friends will just suit you fine.
Becoming wealthy is never a goal of yours, for you are not materialistic and are satisfied with having just enough money to support your family and an occasional luxury. But beware if you should have lots of spare money in your hands because then you will have the tendency to indulge in foolish spending.
MARRIAGE
Good for matrimony with horse, tiger or rabbit year people.
Avoid mating with ox, rooster, dragon or ram year people.
COLOR: YELLOW
The dog is linked to the color yellow, the imperial color of China that was once reserved for the emperor. Yellow symbolizes progress, fame and achievement. It also represents earth, since the fertile soils in parts of China has a yellow hue.
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.

Chinese Zodiac: The Year of the Rooster









1933 January 26 to February 13 1934
1945 February 13 to February 01 1946
1957 January 31 to February 17 1958
1969 February 17 to February 05 1970
1981 February 05 to January 24 1982
1993 January 23 to February 09 1994
2005 February 09 to January 28 2006
2017 January 28 to February 15 2018






PERSONALITY
You are showy and enjoy entertaining friends and meeting people. You are one of the best dressed and groomed of all the animal signs. You have a high interest in clothes, colors, designs and accessories. 
You also exhibit a compassionate, wise and brave nature when the occasion arises such as when a person is in need of help.
Because you have a strong independent spirit, you find it very difficult to accept advice from anyone. Instead, you follow your own strong independent nature. In fact sometimes when things need to be said, you could be so direct and blunt that you would inadvertently hurt others. Therefore, at times it would be wise for you to be quiet and not express yourself in order to keep peace.
You are indeed highly intelligent, ambitious and a good speaker. You do well in discussions and debates. When you try to hide your sometimes erratic and careless behavior, you are able to put up a good front by protecting yourself with humor and lively conversation.
You certainly can conduct yourself in a dignified and confident manner. You are adept at handling financial matters. Most Roosters save or spend their money wisely, but a few are spendthrifts.
Being highly organized, you always write down reminders or bits of information and conduct activities in an orderly manner.
You do not like criticism and will let others know of your feelings. You can also be self-centered and stubborn over little things but overshadowing these weaknesses are your qualities of honesty, trustworthiness and reliability.
MARRIAGE
Good for matrimony with ox, snake or dragon year people.
Avoid mating with rat, rooster or rabbit year people.
COLOR: WHITE
The rooster is associated with the color white, which represents autumn and maturity. White also symbolizes purity, cleanliness, and freshness. Although white is worn by family members at funerals, the color is also related to good fortune and white birds especially, are a sign of good luck.
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.

Chinese Zodiac: The Year of the Monkey








1932 February 06 to January 25 1933
1944 January 25 to February 12 1945
1956 February 12 to January 30 1957
1968 January 30 to February 16 1969
1980 February 16 to February 04 1981
1992 February 04 to January 22 1993
2004 January 22 to February 08 2005
2016 February 08 to January 27 2017






PERSONALITY
Not only have you been blessed with an excellent memory, but you also have natural intelligence which enables you to act accordingly for different situations. You are lively company, a convincing conversationalist and a good listener. In addition, people trust you with their secrets. You are popular so you lead an active social life. 
However, you are vengeful if someone should cross you. You certainly won't forget and your wily nature will wait for a good opportunity to get even. Sometimes your determination to get what you want may make you appear manipulative, so be careful that this does not ruin a friendship.
When someone needs help, you are open and willing to help. So the tender side of your nature is moved when you see someone in trouble.
You like to impress others and many are attracted to you because of your good looks, sense of humor and confidence. However, you can be easily distracted, and should concentrate on one thing at a time in order to achieve more in the long run.
People born in the year of the Monkey can be crafty, cunning, and sometimes dishonest. As a Monkey, you will take the opportunity to make a quick gain and outsmart your opponent. People do not know what you are up to until it is too late.
You are good in finances but because you enjoy the pleasures of life you are extravagant when it comes to spending money on travel or some form of luxury. Also, if you should spot a person with something that you long for, you become envious.
MARRIAGE
Good for matrimony with rat or dragon year people.
Avoid mating with rat, ox or dog year people.
COLOR: WHITE
The monkey is associated with the color white, which represents autumn and maturity. White also symbolizes purity, cleanliness, and freshness. Although white is worn by family members at funerals, the color is also related to good fortune and white birds especially, are a sign of good luck.
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.

Chinese Zodiac: The Year of the Ram






1931 February 17 to February 05 1932
1943 February 05 to January 24 1944
1955 January 24 to February 11 1956
1967 February 09 to January 29 1968
1979 January 28 to February 15 1980
1991 February 15 to February 03 1992
2003 February 01 to January 21 2004
2015 February 19 to February 07 2016





PERSONALITY
You are a gentle, trustworthy and considerate person. It would bother you if you think you have unknowingly hurt someone else. You would be the first to remedy the situation and rekindle a troubled friendship. 
You enjoy the simple things in life and prefer to live in a relaxed and pressure-free environment. You do not like to be held to a strict routine or schedule. You are happy when you are off on a journey to meet people and to see the world.
Support and encouragement from others play an important part of your life. Therefore you usually prefer to work in a team rather than on your own. When you work on a project, you are certain to give it your best.
Of all the signs in the Chinese zodiac, the Ram is the most gifted artistically. You usually make a lasting impression whether it be in drama, literature, music or art.
Another characteristic of yours is that you are quite religious and often have a love for nature, animals and the countryside. You also have an interest in sports.
For you, worry or stress sets in when you need to compete with others. So it is best for you to concern yourself with activities that would give you an element of peace and freedom.
Occasionally you can be stubborn, but for the most part, you will live a happy and satisfying life. The more you are able to use your creative talents, the more satisfying your life will be for you.
MARRIAGE
Good for matrimony with rabbit, boar or horse year people.
Avoid mating with rat, ox or dog year people.
COLOR: YELLOW
The ram is linked to the color yellow, the imperial color of China that was once reserved for the emperor. Yellow symbolizes progress, fame and achievement. It also represents earth, since the fertile soils in parts of China has a yellow hue.
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.

Chinese Zodiac: The Year of the Horse







1930 January 30 to February 16 1931
1942 February 15 to February 04 1943
1954 February 03 to January 23 1955
1966 January 21 to February 08 1967
1978 February 07 to January 27 1979
1990 January 27 to February 14 1991
2002 February 12 to January 31 2003
2014 January 31 to February 18 2015





PERSONALITY
Just as a horse is calmed by soothing words, you are easily charmed by tenderness and affection. You are independent and confident and usually have a welcoming smile for everyone. You are easily flattered, but you also have an honesty and warmth which attracts many friends. You are popular and enjoy parties and social gatherings. 
You are an eloquent and persuasive speaker and enjoy taking part in discussions and debates. You have an alert mind and are able to pick up and remember facts and information quickly.
Horse people must be careful of what they say. Being a Horse person, you have the tendency to say things you later regret. You also have difficulty in keeping secrets- not out of malice or revenge, but you simply can't help yourself. So control your outbursts and beware of your fiery temper.
Because you have many interests, you often get carried away by the excitement of the moment, and act too impulsively without giving enough thought for the future. Then when you get disillusioned by the outcome of the activity or by your efforts, you turn away and focus your energies on a new interest without completing the old.
You treasure your independence and freedom. Although you have no use for rules or regulations, you still like to have the support of others in your various activities.
You have much to offer due to your many talents and likable nature. However should you meet with failure in any one of your endeavors, you have a hard time picking up the pieces again. Success means everything to you and you have a difficult time handling failure.
MARRIAGE
Good for matrimony with tiger, dog, or ram year people.
Avoid mating with ox, hare or rat year people.
COLOR: RED
The horse is associated with the color red, which traditionally represents good fortune. It symbolizes happiness and strength, successful endeavors, and prosperity in the family. It is one of the most popular colors during Chinese new year, when blessings are written on red paper.
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.

Chinese Zodiac: The Year of the Ox





1925 January 24 to February 12 1926
1937 February 11 to January 30 1938
1949 January 29 to February 16 1950
1961 February 15 to February 04 1962
1973 February 03 to January 22 1974
1985 February 20 to February 08 1986
1997 February 07 to January 27 1998
2009 January 26 to February 13 2010



PERSONALITY
You are a down to earth person. Not only are you sincere, loyal and unpretentious, but underneath you are strong-willed and ambitious. Once you have set your mind on something or made a commitment, you keep your word. Sometimes you are so set in your opinions or ways that it may prejudice your actions. You appear to be calm, but can be stubborn and temperamental if anyone should go against you or want you to change your position. You then need to be left alone with peace and quiet in order to cool off and work through your ideas. 
As much as possible, you avoid using credit cards for the mere thought of being in debt upsets you very much. You certainly are not a big spender. You are not extravagant. Like the Rat, you are a hoarder, but you are well-organized and neat.
Close friends like you because you are truthful, sincere, and honest. You are also a deep thinker and rather studious, preferring to stick to things that are conventional and traditional. Anything faddish, new or too innovative do not excite or agree with you. What irritates you is when you are kept waiting for someone who fails to be on time, for you place great importance on punctuality.
Your family and home are very important to you. Members of your family are very close-knit. Whenever possible, you like to devote time to work out in the garden or yard. You enjoy spending time outdoors.
Ox people do not make friends easily. Therefore it would usually take you quite awhile to get close to someone and establish a relationship or friendship. But once a friendship is formed, you become very devoted and loyal to that person. However, once a friend deceives you, you will find it difficult to forgive.
MARRIAGE
Good for matrimony with snake, rooster or rat year people.
Avoid mating with horse, dog or ram year people.
COLOR: YELLOW
The ox is linked to the color Yellow, the imperial color of China that was once reserved for the emperor. Yellow symbolizes progress, fame and achievement. It also represents earth, since the fertile soils in parts of China have the same yellow hue.
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.