"Snowflakes"

Materials

• Squares of origami, tissue paper, or other light weight paper
• Scissors
• Pencil, if desired

Presentation 1: Two Repeats

Show the children to fold a square of paper in half, either forming a rectangle or along the diagonal, to form a triangle. If the paper is colored on one side and white on the other, fold it with the color to the inside. The children may either begin cutting freehand with scissors, or sketch half a design with pencil. They may want to create a butterfly or a flower, or anything they choose. It is important to show them that part of the fold can be removed, but some of it must remain intact. After the design is cut, show them to open the design and press it flat. If desired, the papercut may be mounted on contrasting paper.

Children become aware of two repeat symmetry with this exercise. Cutting paper doll or animal chains is a variation of this exercise, as is the intricate Portugese lace tree shown below. To make this tree, multiple layers are cut at once and then stitched together.

Presentation 2: Four repeats

Using a square of paper, show the child to fold it once, from one corner to opposite corner, diagonally, to form a triangle. Fold it again at right angles to the first fold, forming a smaller triangle. Show them that two sides of the triangle have folded sides. They can begin cutting free hand, or sketch their plan onto the paper. It's important, once again to leave some of the folded sides intact.

When they have finished cutting, show them to open one fold at a time, pressing out each fold carefully, before going on to the next one. they are usually surprised and delighted with the results. If they want to make additional cuts, they can refold the paper and continue cutting.

Presentation 3: Six Repeats

1. To fold the paper for a six repeat design, begin by folding the paper in half diagonally.

2. Then show the child to find the midpoint of the folded side by bringing the opposite corners of the folded side together and pinching the center of the fold slightly.

3. Place the thumb of one hand along the fold and bring up the right corner of the folded side up to about the ten o'clock position. Crease firmly.

4. Bring the left corner of the folded edge up to about the two o'clock position. The edges of the fold should be lined up.

5. Continue as before, cutting from the folds into the center.

Note: To make a twelve repeat design (which could result in a six pointed star) simply fold as for a six repeat pattern and fold in half one more time.

Presentation 4: Eight Repeats

To fold in order to get the most accurate result from eight layers of paper, fold the square twice, diagonally. Then open the last fold and bring the folded edge to the center crease and press down firmly on the edge. Repeat for the other side. Then fold back along the center crease, forming a small triangle. Cut as before. When finished cutting, open each fold carefully and smooth, before opening the next fold.

Note: To fold for a sixteen repeat pattern, simply fold in half again, from the center point. Proceed as before.