How to Make an Origami Money: A Step-by-Step Guide
Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, has captivated people around the world for centuries. One of the most popular and simplest origami projects is the origami money. Whether you’re looking to create a unique gift, add a touch of whimsy to your wallet, or simply challenge yourself with a fun craft, making origami money is a delightful activity. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of creating your own origami money, from selecting the right paper to executing the intricate folds.
Selecting the Right Paper
Choosing the right paper is crucial for successful origami. Here are some key factors to consider:
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Thickness | Medium to thick paper works best. Too thin, and the money may tear; too thick, and it may be difficult to fold. |
| Color | White paper is traditional, but you can use any color you like. Some people even use patterned paper for a unique look. |
| Texture | Smooth paper is ideal for origami. Avoid paper with a glossy finish, as it can be slippery and difficult to fold. |
Once you’ve selected your paper, cut it into a square. The size of the square will depend on the size of the final origami money, but a 6-inch square is a good starting point.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create your origami money:
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Start with the square piece of paper. Place it on a flat surface with the white side facing up.
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Bring the top right corner to the center, creating a triangle. Crease well and unfold.
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Repeat step 2 with the top left corner, then the bottom left and bottom right corners.
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Turn the paper over so the white side is facing down. Fold the top edge down to the bottom edge, creating a vertical crease. Crease well and unfold.
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Repeat step 5 with the left and right edges, creating a cross shape.
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Turn the paper over so the white side is facing up again. Fold the top layer down to the bottom layer, aligning the edges. Crease well and unfold.
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Repeat step 7 with the left and right layers, creating a diamond shape.
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Turn the paper over so the white side is facing down. Fold the top layer down to the bottom layer, aligning the edges. Crease well and unfold.
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Repeat step 9 with the left and right layers, creating a diamond shape.
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Turn the paper over so the white side is facing up. Fold the top layer down to the bottom layer, aligning the edges. Crease well and unfold.
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Repeat step 11 with the left and right layers, creating a diamond shape.
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Turn the paper over so the white side is facing down. Fold the top layer down to the bottom layer, aligning the edges. Crease well and unfold.
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Repeat step 13 with the left and right layers, creating a diamond shape.
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Turn the paper over so the white side is facing up. Fold the top layer down to the bottom layer, aligning the edges. Crease well and unfold.
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Repeat step 15 with the left and right layers, creating a diamond shape.
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Turn the paper over so the white side is facing down. Fold the top layer down to the bottom layer, aligning the edges. Crease well and unfold.
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Repeat step 17 with the left and right layers, creating a diamond shape.
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Turn the paper over so the white side is facing up. Fold