Learn how easy it is to fold maple leaf origami! Choose your own fall colors to create these easy paper leaves.
It’s officially fall! Different kinds of trees are about to show off their vibrant leaves, but is there anything more magnificent than the bright shades of red, orange, and yellow of maple trees? You should see them up close and personal in various locations – not just from your bedroom window!
If you don’t have time, the best thing to do is just explore your creativity from the comforts of your own home with the family, with maple trees as inspiration. This maple leaf origami is perfect for creative newbies.
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Fun facts about maple trees
Maple trees are considered a symbol of endurance, longevity, intelligence, and strength. They are a crucial food source for Native Americans and are eternally seen as a grand representation of abundance and success. Ready to learn more about them?
1. Maple trees have been around for centuries.
Fossil records say that some maple trees date back to over 100 to 120 million years ago (and they can be older!), during the Cretaceous period. This means they were starting to grow while dinosaurs were alive. The oldest fossilized remains discovered was found 100 million years ago in Alaska. It belonged to an Acer amboyense, a maple species that is now extinct.
2. Maple trees live for a long, long time.
When grown in the best conditions, these trees can thrive and live for up to 300 years (sometimes, even older!). Reaching 200 to 300 years of age is rare, though, as their survival depends on a variety of factors. They require plenty of care and attention, and of course, lots of room to grow. Maple trees can get really big – around 33 to 150 feet tall!
3. There are many types of maple trees, and most of them are native to Asia.
There are more than 100 species of maple trees all over the world, most of them hailing from Asia. The most common in the Asian region are Japanese maples, known for their intricate, deeply cut leaves. Just like other maples, Japanese maple leaves are edible and nutritious. Fried leaves in tempura batter are popular snacks in Japan. Pretty and tasty!
4. Maple trees produce the sweetest, most delicious syrup.
Maple syrup is liquid gold. A valuable discovery of indigenous populations back in the 1600s, this sweet syrup is now used as a natural sweetener in our favorite dishes. A single healthy maple tree can produce around 5 to 15 gallons of sap per season. And guess what? It takes around 40 gallons of maple sap to produce only a single gallon of syrup. It’s quite a process! But don’t worry, harvesting sap doesn’t harm the trees.
5. The Canadian province of Quebec is the world’s top producer of maple syrup.
Quebec produces 70% of the world’s maple syrup supply, generating 7,989,000 gallons each year. Much of the sap that gets harvested is mostly water, with 2% of sugar content. The magic happens once it is taken in the processing area, where it’s boiled until most of the water evaporates. Then, what remains is the thick, sweet syrup we love and enjoy.
Why not work on this maple leaf origami while enjoying a simple snack drizzled with maple syrup?!
List of Supplies for Maple Leaf Origami
- colored craft paper
- craft glue
- pencil
- scissors
Maple Leaf Origami Folding Instructions
- Select a colored craft paper of A4 size. Trace the template pattern on the selected paper; you can trace 2 patterns on 1 A4 size sheet. Cut out the traced pattern nicely. Fold the cutout pattern into half (symmetrically). Unfold the half fold again, this is for the crease.
2. Fold the pattern into half, horizontally.
3. Fold it into half again.
4. Fold it into half again, for the 3rd time.
5. Fold the current pattern into half one last time, this time it might seem a little difficult to make the half fold. In that case, you can fold the 2 sides into half separately.
6. Unfold all the half folds from step 2 to 5. These creases will help you to create the accordion folds evenly.
7. Now, use the creases created in the previous steps to create accordion folds on the pattern.
8. Apply glue along the outer side of the wider side’s last fold.
9. Hold and bring all the folds together in the middle of the pattern.
10. Carefully join the 2 (half) parts of the wider side and glue them to secure it. Allow the glue to dry before proceeding to the next step.
11. Use your fingertips to carefully loosen the accordion fold a little. And done!
Colorful paper leaves for a colorful fall
Origami is just one of the many art forms that you can master with little art skills. All you need is a piece of paper and determination to learn. That’s it! So if you are just starting out with all this creative work and want to make something aligned with the season, this is the best project to try.
