Origami Animals for Beginners: 3 Easy Examples

Introduction to Origami Animals for Beginners

Origami is the beautiful art of paper folding, and it’s a fantastic hobby for anyone looking to unleash their creativity. Making origami animals is not only a fun pastime, but it also helps improve fine motor skills and concentration. Whether you’re looking to create decorations, gifts, or just enjoy a relaxing activity, these three examples of making origami animals for beginners will get you started on your paper folding journey!

Example 1: Origami Paper Crane

Context

The origami crane is a symbol of peace and hope in many cultures. It’s a classic design that’s perfect for beginners and can be used as a decoration or a heartfelt gift.

Instructions

1. Start with a square piece of paper. Any size will do, but 6x6 inches is a great starting point.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally both ways. Unfold after each fold, leaving you with creased guidelines.
3. Fold the top corners down to the center crease. This should create a triangle shape at the top.
4. Fold the bottom point up to meet the top of the triangle.
5. Fold the triangle in half, bringing the left and right edges together.
6. Create the wings by folding down the top flaps on either side.
7. Finally, pull the wings apart gently and shape the crane’s neck and tail.

Notes

• You can use patterned paper for a colorful effect.
• Remember, the crane is often made with 1,000 pieces for a beautiful project, so consider starting a collection!

Example 2: Origami Frog

Context

The origami frog is a fun and interactive design that even jumps! It’s a great project for kids and can be used for games or educational activities.

Instructions

1. Begin with a square piece of paper. A size of about 4x4 inches works well.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally, then unfold. You’ll use the crease as a guide.
3. Fold the top corners down to the center crease. You should now have a triangle shape.
4. Flip the paper over and fold the bottom edge up about one-third of the way.
5. Fold the bottom corners to the center, creating a point at the top.
6. Flip the paper over again and fold the top down to create the frog’s head.
7. Finally, pull the sides down to create the legs and shape it to make it jump!

Notes

• Experiment with different sizes of paper to see how it changes the frog’s jumping ability!
• Use colorful paper to make a whole pond of frogs!

Example 3: Origami Cat

Context

The origami cat is a delightful and cute project that’s perfect for animal lovers. It’s simple enough for beginners and makes a charming decoration or gift.

Instructions

1. Start with a square piece of paper. A size of 6x6 inches is ideal.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally and unfold. You’ll need the crease for the next steps.
3. Fold the top corners down to the center crease. This forms the cat’s ears.
4. Fold the bottom edges up to create the cat’s face.
5. Flip the paper over and fold the bottom point up to create the body.
6. Draw or add eyes and whiskers to personalize your cat.

Notes

• This design can be easily adapted to create different animals by altering the features.
• Try using textured or colored paper to enhance the look of your origami cat.

Conclusion

These examples of making origami animals for beginners offer a great way to start your paper folding journey. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you fold, the better you’ll get. Enjoy crafting your origami creations!