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How to fold beautiful clear cellophane origami cranes that look like glass

November 16, 2011 by Stefanie Girard

I have a fabulous two-for-one just in time for the holidays, and it’s all thanks to Rena from the delightful blog The Cheese Thief (I mean, what a cute name, right?). She’s generously shared two fantastic and pretty clear cellophane origami recycling tutorials that will make your holiday crafting even more fun and eco-friendly. If you’re into upcycling and love a bit of paper folding, you’re in for a treat!

First up, Rena has shared a tutorial on how to make clear origami cranes. These delicate, ethereal birds are not only beautiful on their own but would make stunning, almost magical ornaments for your Christmas tree. Imagine the soft sparkle of cellophane catching the light as the cranes flutter gently in the breeze. They’re a perfect example of how something as simple as clear plastic can be turned into something special and meaningful.

The second tutorial is for little origami stars. These tiny, charming stars are another easy yet beautiful way to add some sparkle to your holiday decorations. Fold them from clear cellophane, and they’ll look like little twinkling lights or like bits of the night sky, ready to be hung from a tree or strung together as a festive garland. The clear material gives them a light, airy quality that’s perfect for a whimsical, wintery vibe.

Both of these projects are perfect for using recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly choice for your holiday crafting. They also provide a great way to repurpose any leftover or unused cellophane (think: packaging materials, old gift wrap, or even those food wrappers) that would otherwise be thrown away. Not only will you be creating beautiful holiday decorations, but you’ll also be helping the planet by reusing materials you already have!

I can just picture these clear origami cranes and stars hanging delicately on a tree or adorning your holiday gifts. Both would add a personal touch to your festive decor while being simple and fun to make. Plus, they make wonderful handmade gifts or keepsakes to share with friends and family.

Ready to try them for yourself? Click over to The Cheese Thief and get the full step-by-step tutorials for both the origami cranes and stars. It’s an easy, beautiful, and eco-conscious way to brighten up your holidays with some creative folding and recycling. You’ll be amazed at what a little cellophane and some origami skills can do! Happy folding!

She has posted one on how to make these clear origami cranes and one on how to fold little origami stars. Both I bet would make great recycled Christmas ornaments!

Looking for more Paper folding crafts? Check out these Origami books

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Have you read?

Handmade with a Past: Tuesday’s Top Recycled Etsy Find

If you love a good wine and a stylish cheese platter, then this recycled flat wine bottle cheese board will be your new best friend. Not only does it combine two of life’s greatest pleasures, but it also gives a second life to old wine bottles, turning them into something functional and chic.

I stumbled across a similar piece at a friend’s gathering last year, and I couldn’t stop admiring it. The wine bottle was almost unrecognizable—transformed into a sleek, modern board for snacks and small bites. It’s the perfect conversation starter, and honestly, it brings a certain wow factor to any dinner party or casual gathering.

This cheese board isn’t just pretty; it’s practical too. The smooth surface is ideal for serving everything from crackers to fruit to your favorite cheeses. Plus, it’s an awesome example of recycling and upcycling, keeping those old bottles out of landfills while elevating your entertaining game.

Why we love it:

  • Made from recycled flat wine bottles, adding sustainability to your kitchen

  • A unique upcycled home decor item that’s also super functional

  • Ideal for wine lovers, eco-conscious hosts, or anyone who loves a good cheese board

Not only does this board make for a stylish and sustainable addition to your kitchen, but it also makes for an awesome gift for those who love eco-friendly entertaining.

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