Paper Crafts Origami Beginner Origami

10 Best Origami Projects for Beginners

High Angle View Of Origami On Colorful Papers
Mohd Hafiez Mohd Razali / EyeEm / Getty Images

Origami, the centuries-old art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures, has evolved into a popular art form that anyone can do. Start simple with cute, easy origami projects to perfect the basics of folding paper into geometric shapes. Once you have the knack for manipulating paper, you can then embark on more complicated projects. Look no further for the best origami projects for beginners. The tutorials shared below will help you lay the foundation for origami mastery.

  • 01 of 10

    Crane

    easy origami crane tutorial 01
    Chrissy Pk

    The traditional origami crane is perhaps the most popular example of origami. It uses a bird base, which is a square base plus two petal folds. Traditionally, folding a thousand paper cranes is said to grant you the right to make one special wish.

  • 02 of 10

    Modular Cube Box

    easy origami modular cube instructions 01
    Chrissy Pk

    Next up is this lovely modular origami cube box, made from six Sonobe units (a specific origami shape that forms the base of many projects). These make great decorations or they can be used as gift boxes. If you use several different colored sheets of paper, they have a pretty patchwork effect.

  • 03 of 10

    Hanging Decoration/Spinning Top

    origami modular hanging decoration 01
    Chrissy Pk

    Spinning tops are popular paper toys for children. This design uses six sheets of paper that are joined together, offering a unique opportunity for mixing and matching different origami paper patterns. These would look pretty hanging in a nursery as part of an origami mobile. The basic format can also be used to make Christmas tree ornaments.

  • 04 of 10

    Tulip Flower and Stem

    origami tulip and stem 01
    Chrissy Pk

    This origami tulip flower also has a stem that it fits onto. You will need two sheets of square paper for this one. Make a few and add them to a vase for a handmade origami flower arrangement. If you are eager to learn even more ways to make origami blossoms, you'll find all sorts of designs, from lotus flowers to lilies and more.

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  • 05 of 10

    Envelope Wallet

    easy origami envelope wallet 01
    Chrissy Pk

    This useful origami envelope wallet is quick and easy to make. Use the wallet to keep your cash, business cards, or stash store receipts and coupons inside. Make it as a gift for a friend or relative using a piece of paper in their favorite color.

  • 06 of 10

    Square Candy/Snack Box

    origami square snack box tutorial 1
    Chrissy Pk

    This origami box, perfect for candy or snacks, is tapered at the top so anything inside will stay put. These boxes take a bit longer than a regular masu box, but the result is worth the time. Consider making these as party favors for a special event.

  • 07 of 10

    Tissue Holder

    origami tissue holder 1

    Chrissy Pk

    This is a nifty origami tissue paper holder for your handbag. It's a cinch to make when you follow the origami diagram. When you're done, use your tissue holder to store folded tissues to can be pulled out neatly. This design can also double as a cardholder.

  • 08 of 10

    Fan

    easy origami fan tutorial 1
    Chrissy Pk

    These origami fans couldn't be easier to make. They're great decorations for parties and weddings. You can also make little origami earrings with this tutorial. Consider making special gifts for friends by using richly patterned chiyogami paper.

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  • 09 of 10

    Boat

    origami traditional boat
    Chrissy Pk

    This traditional origami boat is perfect for a beginner origami project. It's also a wonderful toy, as it can float on water. Fold several to create a bathtub fleet for a child. Hint: To make the paper boat move through the water, put a drop of liquid soap at the back of the boat. The changing surface tension will propel the boat forward.

  • 10 of 10

    Paper Plane

    Super Easy Origami Paper Plane Diagram
    paperkawaii.com

    Learn how to fold an easy paper plane. It's a great activity for kids and the steps are simple to remember after following the diagram a few times. This particular plane is officially an origami project, but there are many ways to fold paper planes to create unique designs and flight patterns.