If you like arts and crafts, origami is a perfect activity for you! It is actually a very old Japanese art form that began around the 1700s. Origami involves folding paper to make some truly wonderful creations! One of the most popular models is the crane. It is a very distinctive bird with a long neck. According to legends in Japan, if a person makes a thousand origami cranes, they can make a wish that will come true. With origami, you can also make boxes, toy animals, flowers and even people! Origami is so simple that all you need is a sheet of paper. For some fun effects, try using colored paper, or use crayons to draw on faces and other decorations afterwards. Want to get started? Check out these fun resources below to find out how to make lots of cool origami creations!
- Origami Stars – Origami stars are said to be lucky, and they make some pretty neat decorations too!
- Easy Origami (PDF) – If you’re just starting out, try some of these easy origami models that include boats, a house and even a piano!
- Paper Cranes – Get together with your classmates and see if you can make a thousand cranes together!
- Origami Frog – Follow the illustrated instructions to make a jumping frog.
- Water Bomb – In the mood for a prank? Find out how to make a 3D paper water balloon!
- Origami Whale (PDF) – Make a cute little paper whale and draw on the eyes and fins when you’re done.
- Origami with a Dollar Bill – Origami doesn’t only have to be done with regular paper. Find out how to turn a dollar bill into a miniature T-shirt, a ring or a spider.
- Origami Hats – If you’re having a party, make a batch of paper hats for everyone to wear.
- Balloon Globe (PDF) – Make a model of the earth with a 3D origami creation.
- Origami Ocean Creatures (PDF) – Help raise awareness about endangered ocean creatures by giving these special origami models to friends and family.
- Paper Plane – Learn how to make an easy but impressive-looking paper plane.
- A Paper Kite – Fold a piece of paper into a kite and attach a string to let it fly.
- Origami Mobiles – Learn more about the history of origami and find out how to make an origami hanging mobile.
- Origami for All Levels – Start with some easy projects, such as a paper dog and then advance to a windmill or goldfish.
- Origami Book – Make a special book from just one sheet of paper and then write a story inside.
- Shiny Flowers – For this project, use a sheet of aluminum foil instead of paper to make a shiny silver flower.
- Paper Garland – Use different colored paper to make a garland for Christmas or another special day.
- Samurai Helmet – Decorate this creation to look like a real samurai’s helmet or just go wild and jazz it up as you wish!
- Origami Gift Box – Watch a video and learn how to make a pretty gift box for someone special.
- Paper Boat (PDF) – Paper boats will stay afloat for a little while. Can you think of a way to keep them from sinking?
- Samurai Treasure Box – Print the special Japanese designs and fold them to make a treasure box for you or a friend.
- Origami Creatures – Find out how to make a paper butterfly, mouse, or even a horse!
- Origami Alien – Make an extra-terrestrial with huge eyes! Which colors do you think would be best for an alien creature?
- Candy Wrappers (PDF) – Make a classic, colorful candy wrapper and use it to conceal a sweet treat for your friends.
- Origami Envelope (PDF) – In traditional Chinese culture, money was given in red envelopes as a gift on special days, such as New Years.
- Dollar Bill Parrot (PDF) – If you’re feeling more creative, learn how to convert a dollar bill into a parrot on a perch.
- Origami Creations – Take a look at the crazy creations! You won’t find these anywhere else.
- Tessellations – Check out how to these twist octagons made purely with origami!
- 3D Crane Origami Instructions – These instructions are animated and are extremely easy to follow!