Easy Origami Seed Packets – DIY Envelopes for Seed Storage
Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, serves many purposes beyond being an enjoyable hobby. Folded paper creations can actually be useful, like these easy origami seed packets (envelopes) I’m about to show you!
Seed swapping is a wonderful hobby in and of itself in the gardening community. Origami lends a beautiful creative touch to the custom seed packets gardeners send to each other.
You can make origami cups and fold the flaps a bit differently to close them. This creates a lovely little handmade seed packet.
Origami seed envelopes are fast, easy and fun. Let’s get started!
Easy Origami with Regular Paper
Origami paper comes in a wide array of gorgeous colors and patterns. You can even find double-sided origami paper, which adds a new dimension to your creations.
You can make origami creations with everything from Post-It notes and scratch paper to gum wrappers and everything in between.
We regularly use printer paper, construction paper, and leftover scraps of paper. This allows us to make origami seed envelopes in all different sizes, colors, and patterns.
Different paper sizes work great, since seeds come in all shapes and sizes!
Of course we also love using regular Origami paper in beautiful colors, patterns, and themes, like constellations and outer space visuals or pretty flower motifs.
DIY Simple Origami Cup Seed Envelopes
It’s easy to make your own origami cup seed envelopes! Try these for your personal gardening use or swapping seeds with friends.
Follow these simple steps for how to make origami seed packets:
- Start with a perfectly square piece of paper or origami paper. 3×3 inches or 6×6 inches are great starting points, but any size will do as long as it’s square.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally.
- Turn the paper around so the point of the triangle faces up.
- Fold the right point across the paper so it creates a small triangle.
- Likewise, fold the left point across the paper, overlapping with the fold you just made.
- Fold the point down and tuck both ends into the outermost flap.
- Before filling with seeds, be sure to write on the envelope what kind of seeds you’re sending.
FAQ – Common Questions about Homemade Origami Seed Packets
What Does Origami Mean?
Origami translates to mean “folding paper.” It’s a timeless craft that dates back to the 17th century, or possibly as earlier. Some suspect it began in the 12th century when the Moors took paper folding to Spain. With origami, only folds are permitted – no cuts, tape, or glue! Always begin with a square piece of paper.
Why are Origami cups a good seed storage method?
First, paper seed envelopes tend to be a good choice as the seeds can breathe, and don’t run the risk of germinating before you’re ready to plant them as long as you keep them dry.
Also, Origami offers quite a few benefits for people of all ages. Even kids can enjoy the ancient art of paper folding, and the peacefulness is a perfect complement to garden vibes!
- Anti-Stress Vibes – Origami offers a peaceful way to relieve stress on a daily basis. Rhythmic paper folding of beautiful origami paper helps stress melt away.
- Pass the Time – When you’re bored (or better yet, when your kids are bored!), try origami. Origami makes a nice hobby to master. Learn different folding patterns and origami creations to make. Encourage the kids to get involved!
- Creative Inspirations – Keep your brain engaged with a hobby that encourages your mind. Make your own creative tweaks on your origami creations to personalize your work.
- Useful Items – Origami allows you to create useful items! Try making seed envelopes for swaps or graceful origami cranes to stick inside a birthday card. Make bookmarks, place cards, Valentine’s origami creations, and more.
Origami Seed Packets In-Person Workshop
My daughters and I hosted our first in-person gardening experience by Bunny’s Garden at our local library! We had a great group of creative kids and moms who gathered with us to learn about caring for seeds, followed by a DIY seed packet making workshop.
Outline of our event:
- Greeting and making your own nametag
- Introductions of who we are and about Bunny’s Garden
- Asking kids who grows seeds and who has a garden – show of hands
- Showing off zinnia seedlings and cosmo seedlings so they know what to expect
- Showing off germinated bean seeds as seed sprouting usually happens behind the scenes
- Planting a seed in a little pot as an example for what they should do at home
- Having everyone pick their origami paper colors
- Origami seed packet folding tutorial and hands-on help if needed
- Decorating the Origami seed packets with stickers, stampers, and washi tape
- Filling the packets with seeds
- Optional: writing or coloring a “seed swap” card for someone special with seeds for them
- Thank you’s and group photo!
Final Thoughts: Saving Seeds in Folded Paper
We love making these easy origami cups for seed swap envelopes. They are quick and easy to make, and you can customize the size to suit your needs by choosing smaller or larger square paper.
Our kids deviated a little bit from the true rules of Origami and decided to make their own unique Origami seed packets. First, our youngest made an Origami bunny rabbit seed packet and glued on some wiggly eyes – a big no-no in true Origami.
Likewise, our other daughter also enjoyed making the Origami bunnies for seed swaps. With a little creativity, you can make animal seed packets, ladybugs, and more.
Do you make useful origami creations to share with others? We’d love to chat about it in the comments below! Also feel free to share this post to anyone who might enjoy it, ask questions, or share wonderful tips.
Happy crafting!
