When is the last time you practiced a random act of kindness? Origami projects don't take much time to complete, but they can be a thoughtful way to show someone that you're thinking of them. Try making an origami medallion card or using an origami model to decorate a yummy cupcake.

Do you like the note in the middle of the lotus flower frame on this gift box? It's part of a line of products called Lunchbox Love made by Say Please. They are sweet little messages and fun trivia facts that you can tuck into your child's lunchbox or backpack whenever they need a little pick me up. They also make versions for grown ups, so you can tell everyone special in your life just how much they mean to you. I love how they are made of a sturdy cardstock and in a size that is just perfect for adding to your origami projects. Some of the cards in each set have blank sides to them for you to add your own handwritten message if you wish.

Photo courtesy of Dana Hinders.

If Akira Yoshizawa is the "father" of origami, Florence Temko deserves credit for being the "mother" of origami in the United States.

Temko became seriously interested in origami as the mother of three young children. She found that teaching origami was a good way for her to connect with her kids, as well as the people around her. In fact, she would often keep origami paper in her purse and share her creations with people she met at doctor's offices, restaurants, etc. She was a talented teacher and a prolific writer who inspired many people to take up origami before her death in 2009.

If you're looking for a last-minute Mother's Day gift, an origami book by Florence Temko would be a lovely present for a crafty mom who enjoys the art of paper folding. Amazon.com has a nice selection for you to choose from.

Have you picked up a Mother's Day gift for your mom yet? If you're giving jewelry, try making an origami exploding box card and topping it with an lotus flower photo frame. With just three sheets of 12 inch x 12 inch paper, you can have an impressive looking presentation for your gift.

If you have little ones at home who want to help make a present for grandma but can't quite manage all of the origami folds involved in this project, have them draw a picture on the plain white side of the sheet you use to make the bottom of the box. (This is the card base.) Otherwise, you can use this spot to write mom a letter telling her how much you appreciate all she's done for you throughout the years.

I used some "Happy Mother's Day" clip art from About Rubber Stamping and tucked it inside the lotus flower on the top of the box. I decided not to glue it in case my mom wanted to add a photo to the box and use it to store small keepsakes.

If you're making an origami gift for Mother's Day, I'd love to see what you've created! Please feel free to send me a note at origami.guide@about.com.

Photo courtesy of Dana Hinders.

Did you know that tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day? On May 5, comic book stores across the United States will be having events to celebrate where you can pick up free comic books, get your picture taken with your favorite superheroes, meet comic book artists, and more. The store near where I live is even going to have the 1966 Batmobile on display as part of the celebration.

If you end up not liking all of the reading material you pick up on Free Comic Book Day, remember that the colorful graphics on comic book pages make for some neat origami possibilities. Menace Creations uses comic book pages to make cool origami leaf earrings for sale via Etsy. You could also use comic book pages to make colorful storage boxes or even greeting card designs.

The idea of upcycling as a source of origami materials is explored in great detail in the book Trash Origami.

Photo courtesy of Menace Creations.