Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, dates back centuries. Origami works range from the simplest and most delightful to complex and jaw-dropping masterpieces. Origami butterflies are a simple beginner's project, making them a perfect activity for kids. All you need is a square piece of paper, and with just a few folds you can make an ethereal creature out of paper! Donate your butterfly, attach it to a gift box or simply use it to liven up a room.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Creating the Boat Base
Step 1. Start with a square piece of paper
If you are using origami paper, you will see a shiny or decorated side - this is the right side. Spread the paper right side down
A 15x15cm square is a size suitable for a beginner. If you want to make larger or smaller butterflies, change the paper size accordingly
Step 2. Create a horizontal valley fold
Line up the bottom edge of the paper with the top edge and use your fingers to secure the fold, starting from the center out. Unfold the paper so that the fold remains.
In the valley fold, you will need to fold the paper over the first mark so that the sides of the paper that were facing up are now facing each other. The resulting fold is found "under" the folded sides, hence the name "downstream"
Step 3. Create a vertical valley fold in the center
Align the right edge to the left edge and fold with your fingers, then unfold the sheet.
- In the video there are steps 2 and 3.
- You should now have two valley folds: one horizontal and one vertical running through the center.
Step 4. Rotate the paper 45 °
Rotate counterclockwise so that the corner that used to be at the bottom left now points towards you.
Step 5. Create a horizontal valley fold
Carefully align the bottom corner to the top corner of the paper, then unfold it.
Step 6. Create a vertical valley fold
Bring the right corner to the left, fold and unfold the sheet.
In the video you will find steps 5 and 6
Step 7. Rotate the paper 45 °
Rotate it in the direction you prefer, so that it has a side (and not a corner) towards you.
There should be four valley folds in the center: one vertical, one horizontal, and two diagonal
Step 8. Fold the right and left sides to meet the vertical center crease
Align the right edge of the paper with the vertical center crease and fix the crease. Repeat with the left side.
- Do not open the sheet after these folds.
- This fold is called "gate".
Step 9. Raise and slightly unfold the diagonal creases in the upper right and left corners
Insert your thumb and middle finger under the folded corners, holding the bottom half still with the other hand.
Step 10. Fold the top side down into a "roof" shape
Align the top with the horizontal crease in the center of the model. At the same time, open the tabs you held in place in the previous step, pulling them out and down until the top of the model meets the center crease.
The top half of the model should now look like a house roof
Step 11. Rotate the model 180 °
Now the "roof" is upside down and facing you.
Step 12. Repeat steps 7 and 8 on the top half
When you are done, you should have what in origami is called a "boat base", a starting point for many different creations.
Part 2 of 3: Creating the Wings
Step 1. Turn the model over
The folded sides you made in the last step should now be facing down. The corners of the "boat" should face sideways, with the two long sides extended horizontally at the top and bottom of the model.
Step 2. Fold the top half down
Line up the top to the bottom and pinch the valley fold down with your fingers.
Step 3. Valley fold down the top right flap
Holding the trapezoid-shaped model so that the long side is at the top (as at the end of step 2), lift the top right corner and bring it back down to the vertical axis of the model. Pinch the fold with your fingers.
- The corner of the flap should point towards you.
- Note that the right corner has multiple layers - you will only need to fold the top one.
Step 4. Repeat step 3 for the left flap
When you are done, both corners will be pointing towards you.
Step 5. Create a small valley fold in the left flap
Examine the left flap you just folded down, noting the mountain fold (raised) running diagonally, from the central vertical axis to a side angle. Lift the side corner slightly, moving it in and out towards the center (not completely). Pinch the fold with your fingers.
The crease should start at the top edge of the model and go halfway between the corner you're lifting and the lowest point on the flap
Step 6. Repeat step 6 for the right tab
Since there are no guide marks for these folds, be careful to make identical folds on the right and left.
The video shows steps 6 and 7
Step 7. Flip the model over
The creases you just made should be facing your work surface and the tabs still pointing towards you.
Step 8. Valley fold the model in half vertically
Bring the left corner to the right and pinch the crease with your fingers.
Part 3 of 3: Shaping the Body
Step 1. Create a diagonal valley fold in the top wing
Lift the upper "wing" (which currently extends straight to the right) and bring it back (to the left), creating a crease that starts about 1 cm from the left corner of the upper side and extends diagonally to the top. lower left corner of the top flap. Pinch the fold with your fingers and then unfold it.
Step 2. Flip the model over
The wing tips should be pointing to the left and the crease you just made face down on the work surface.
Step 3. Repeat step 1 for the other top wing
This time, bring it up and back to the right. Create a crease that starts about 1 cm from the right corner of the top edge and goes diagonally to the bottom right corner of the top flap. Set and unfold.
Step 4. Open your wings
Orient the model so that the central vertical crease is "mountain", or facing up.
Step 5. Hold the model along the folds made in steps 1-3
This is the body of the butterfly.
Push the wings back along the folds to reinforce them
Step 6. Give your butterfly as a gift, or use it as a decoration
Try making them in many colors and sizes.
