When my husband I went to Mexico last fall, I was charmed by the view, the ocean, and the towels. Every day our towels were twisted and folded into different creatures. I’d never seen anyone do that with a towel before. I found it very whimsical and fun.
Last week I spotted The Lost Art of Towel Origami in the bookstore. This book by Alison Jenkins gives instructions for all sorts of fun folded towel projects: fans, windmills, sky scrapers, palm trees, lotus flowers, hearts, lady bugs, angel fish, a birthday cake, a gift basket, a lady bug, a monkey, a swan, and a very cute dog and elephant.
Unlike paper origami which needs straight and crisp creases, towel origami is more a “molding and folding”. The projects aren’t hard. Each one is rated as being easy, moderate, or difficult. The author says “a serious sense of humor is all that’s required”. You will of course need some towels. Some of the projects also use hand towels and washcloths. Basic folds and techniques are explained in the beginning of the book, along with drawn illustrations. Each project shows step by step directions for transforming the basic towel into a fun design.
Some of the projects require embellishments. The birthday cake needs ribbons. The skyscraper needs shinny paper rectangles. Some need safety pins, or elastic bands, tape, or cut out felt circles. The elephant looks very cool sporting a pair of sunglasses. Our hotel actually used flower petals to make the eyes and noses of the creatures. Each project includes tips for variations and color choices. Templates for any felt cutout or paper patterns are provided at the end of the book.
I think these folded towels are such a fun idea for children or even for special guests that have a sense of humor. Towel Origami projects would also be a fun way to present towels as a gift and this fun book will show you how.
Also See:
Sticky Note Origami – David Mitchell