It doesn't take much-- a bit of paper is all you need to watch the rich universe of origami unfurl (or crease!) before you.

By Jyotsna Shenoy

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

Chart or calendar paper
Scissors
Ruler
Pen/Marker

Step 1:

Cut out long strips out of the chart/calendar paper. The length: width ratio must be 8:1. The dimensions of the strip in terms of length and width of the strip here is taken as 16 cm and 2 cm respectively.

Step 2:

Take one strip and fold it in half. A crease will be formed in the center. Open the strip and make a fold of a quarter such that one end of the strip touches the center crease. Repeat the step to make several such strips.

Step 3:

Follow the steps as shown in the figure. Take a strip a place it over another strip, such that the latter is flanked on both sides by the first strip and both are mutually perpendicular to each other.Repeat the steps two more times till a closed pattern is formed. A pattern requires 4 strips for completion.

Step 4:

To make a repetitive pattern take any one end of the 4 strip sides and fold it in half towards the pattern formed. Take an additional strip and repeat the procedure towards making a 4 strip pattern.

Step 5:

After the desired area of the mat is formed, the strip ends of the mat need to be tucked in to create a finishing. As shown above, take a strip end and fold it to make a triangular corner for the mat. Invert the side of the map and make another triangular fold. Push the strip end in one of the flaps of the pattern. Repeat the procedure until all the corners of the mat are folded.