The first origami I remember seeing was something my mum folded. She’d been going to Japanese classes in the evenings and brought me back a gold paper samurai helmet one time. I kept it for ages; in fact it’s probably still around somewhere.
It’s something that’s really simple and fun to fold – plus you can use them as page markers! Here’s a set of pictures to help you fold your own.
- Start with a square of paper (main colour/pattern-side face down)
- Fold in half bottom to top.
- One at a time, bring the side points down to meet the bottom corner, creasing each one well after you’ve folded it.
- Next, fold each of the top layers in half, taking the points you’ve just folded down up to meet the top.
- Fold, crease and unfold each of these top layers in half (you’re making a guide line for the next fold.)
- See the crease you made in the last step? Fold each of the top of the front layers so the edge lines up with the crease and smooth down firmly.
- Now it’s taking shape! Nearly done! Going to the bottom corner, take the front layer only and fold it up.
- Then fold the bottom of this layer upwards to form the base of the helmet. Crease these new folds well.
- Last step! Take the remaining bottom layer, folding in half (taking the bottom corner up to the top) and pressing the fold firmly – then tuck this layer inside the helmet. Ta da!