Father's Day T-Shirt Card

In high school I learned how to fold up a dollar bill into the shape of a shirt, which I think is one of the most random skills I can say that I know (other than making a four-leaf clover shape with my tongue). Now, many years later, that skill has finally proven worthy in a crafty sort-of way.

In honor of Father's Day (and because I ran out of bills to fold), I decided to take this same origami magic but turn it into a card for my wonderful, loving Pop!

Here are the steps to fold the origami shirt: 

1. Take any bill or rectangular shaped piece of paper (I used a 12 x 7 sheet of paper).

2. Fold it in half - hot dog style. Then open it back up.

3. Take one of the long edges and fold it to the center line you created in step 2.

4. Repeat step 3 with the other long edge.

5. Turn the newly formed rectangle over so that the flaps are on the back and fold over one of the short edges about 1/2 an inch (this will become part of the collar).

6. Turn the paper over again, this time the flaps will be towards you. Take one of corners (on the same side as the collar flap) and fold it diagonally towards your original center. Repeat this diagonal fold with the other side of the collar so that the two sides meet at the middle (points touch about 3/4 of an inch down).

7. Once your collar is formed, fold the remainder of the long rectangle so that it fits right under that collar.

8. Open up that fold. Then, diagonally fold out one of the two bottom flaps.

9. Repeat this diagonal fold on the other side flap. The "wings" will become the shirt sleeves.

10. Lastly, fold the bottom of the rectangle back up and tuck it underneath the collar pieces. Tada! All done!

But before sealing it up in an envelope, I added a piece of plain paper to the inside of the shirt (as shown in the first picture above) so that I could write a cute note to the recipient of the card.

If you are feeling extra crafty, cut out a piece of paper in the shape of a tie and stick it on your shirt and draw on a pocket as well.

There you have it. Now that is one of the most cute skills I know...if I do say so myself. :)

-Mrs. G