Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, has been around for centuries. There are books, kits, websites, and even a page-a-day calendar that teach the folding techniques and give step-by-step instructions on how to make loads of different shapes from a single square of paper. There are patterns for every level of ability and interest.

When my son learned to make a paper balloon, he just kept making more and more of them from various types of paper until they were all over our house. I helped him to create a mobile from some of them, which he was proud to give to his teacher as a present for her new baby's room. I'm told that some people have even used these balloons as water bombs. Click here for good step-by-step instructions on how to make these. Here is a shattered image of the world in a file that you can print and use to fold into a balloon, making a tiny "globe" of sorts.

Soon, one shape is not enough and you'll want to venture into others. It's fun to try to get the jumping frog onto a target or to fly the flapping butterfly. Then there's all the symbolism and history related to the paper crane. You could read the book, "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes", by Eleanor Coerr or see this Wikipedia article to venture into this subject. But back to origami... Here is a nice website that gives many different patterns and also has a lot of interesting information on Japanese culture. It's aimed at kids, but don't let that stop you - it's a cool site for adults too.

I've found it handy to take an origami booklet and some papers to restaurants or doctors' offices. The kids love to give them as little gifts to each other, teachers, doctors, nurses, wait staff, etc. They also make nice decorations on Christmas trees or hanging from ceiling fan pull-chains, where the birds can fly around a little. There are so many shapes that it's likely there's one that relates to that birthday party you might be planning. This could be a party activity or just a take-home gift.

One final note - you do not have to use "origami" paper, though it's easier to do so, especially when you're just learning the pattern. I've known kids to use anything from tissue paper to one of their Pokemon cards for folding.