These paper spirals create really interesting optical illusions, especially if you use contrasting paper. I love that the spirals look intricate and hard to make but are easy as pie to put together! Actually they are much easier than making pie.
This is a nice project for kids since they can easily master the back and forth folding that creates the spiral. I found some beautiful paper in solid colors at Michaels that looks great with printed scrapbook paper I already had. Mix and match to your heart’s content.
Supplies:
- paper
- glue
I made most of my spirals with 1/2″ to 1″ wide paper. Experiment with different sizes; just be sure to use the same size per spiral. The strips pictured below are 1″ x 11″.
Step 1
- Gather your paper strips together and glue them end to end. You can always glue more as you work if you want to increase the size of your spiral.
Step 2
- Glue the 2 contrasting strips together perpendicularly.
Step 3
- Now get started folding!
- Starting with the bottom strip, carefully fold it over the top piece, then continue to fold from bottom to top. Keep the angles straight so you end up with neat edges.
- When you come to the end, decide whether or not you want to make the spiral longer. If so, just glue more strips to the ends.
Step 4
- To finish off the spiral, trim and glue the last folds together.
- Gather the spiral into a circle and glue the ends together.
- Secure with a binder clip or clothespin while it dries.
Now you’ve got yourself a cute spiral! Some ideas:
- glue the spirals to wooden skewers (chopsticks work too!) and decorate cakes & cupcakes
- thread or glue them on cord to make a garland
- arrange the spirals in a vase or bowl
- add them to a gift bag or wrapped present
Whatever you decide, send me pics!
