This origami turtle is the perfect way to impress your friends and family with your paper-folding skills. With just a few simple folds, you can create an origami turtle that is both realistic and adorable.
What is origami?
Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, which started in the 17th century. It was originally used for religious purposes but later evolved into a form of entertainment. Traditionally, origami paper is square, but you can use any type of paper you have on hand.
To make an origami turtle, you will need two sheets of square paper. If you are using regular paper, you can fold it in half to make it square.
The history of origami
The word origami (from Japanese oru [“to fold”] and kami [“paper”]) has been used to describe paper folding since the 1800s, but the practice is believed to go back much further—possibly as far as the 6th century when the paper was first introduced to Japan from China.
Folding probably began for utilitarian reasons: wrapping gifts, for example, or making hats and shoes for ceremonial dolls. But by the 17th century, there was already a tradition of paper folding for celebrations, and simple instructions for folding cranes, fans, and other objects were included in contemporaneous instructional manuals known as how-to books (among them Kikkawa Kamon’s 12-volume Book of Folding, which was published in 1680).
Early origami masters focused on creating representational forms—a chicken here, a fish there—but as the art form evolved, practitioners began to focus on creating geometric patterns and abstract designs. The pieces became increasingly elaborate: By the early 1900s, a new wave of artists was creating multi-piece sculptures out of cut and folded squares of paper. These artists were also beginning to experiment with using non-traditional materials such as metal foil, magazine pages stained with coffee grounds or perfume, and even human hair.
The basics of origami
Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The word “origami” comes from the Japanese words “ori” (to fold) and “kami” (paper).
Origami is a great activity for both children and adults, and it can be used to make a wide variety of objects, including animals, flowers, boxes, and even airplanes. All you need to get started is a sheet of square paper.
There are three basic folds that you will need to know in order to make origami: the mountain fold, the valley fold, and the seed fold.
The mountain fold is made by folding the paper in half away from you. The valley fold is made by folding the paper in half toward you. The seed fold is made by folding the paper diagonally in half.
Once you have mastered these three folds, you will be able to make any origami creation you can imagine!
How to make an origami turtle
Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. It has been practiced for centuries and is a popular pastime all over the world. Making origami turtles is a fun and easy project that anyone can do.
To make an origami turtle, you will need:
- 1 sheet of square origami paper
- A sharp crease tool (such as a bone folder or butter knife)
- Scissors (optional)
- Clear tape (optional)
Instructions:
- Start with your square origami paper, color side up. Fold the paper in half diagonally to create a triangle. Unfold the triangle and repeat on the other side to create a crease down the center of the paper.
- Fold the top corner of the paper down to meet the crease in the center. Crease well and unfold. Repeat on the other side. You should now have two creases that look like an X on your paper.
- Fold each point of the X down to meet the center crease, creasing well and unfolding each time. You should now have four triangles pointing downward from the center of your paper.
- Take one triangle and fold it up so that its point meets the outer edge of the paper, creating a pocket. Crease well and unfold. Repeat with the remaining triangles until all four pockets are made.
- “Mountain fold” each pocket by folding it in half towards you, making sure that the edges of the pocket remain even with The Edge Of The Paper
- “valley fold” each pocket by folding it in half away from you, again ensuring that The Edges Of The Pocket Remain Even With The Edge Of The Paper
- Now that all four pockets are complete, it’s time to give your turtle some legs! Make two cuts into each pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through to The Other Side Of The Paper
- Fold each leg down so that it sticks out from under The Body Of The Turtle
- Your origami turtle is now complete! You can optionally tape down the legs or use clear tape To secure The Body Of The Turtle together if you want your turtle To be extra sturdy
Tips for making origami turtles
Tips for making origami turtles
Origami turtles are a popular choice for both beginners and advanced origami folders. They’re fun to make, and there are a variety of ways you can change them up to suit your taste. Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect origami turtle:
Choose your paper carefully. Thin, the lightweight paper will give you the best results. Origami turtles made with thicker paper can be tricky to fold and may not turn out as expected.
If you’re using patterned paper, be aware that the design may show through when your turtle is complete. Choose a pattern that you like and that will complement your finished project.
Follow the instructions carefully. This is especially important if you’re new to origami. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Be creative! Once you’ve mastered the basic origami turtle, try adding your own personal touches. You can experiment with different colored papers, or even add embellishments like googly eyes or beads.
Variations on the origami turtle
There are many variations of the origami turtle, some with more steps than others. This is a basic version that anyone can make.
- Start with a square sheet of paper, black on one side and white on the other.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle, then unfold.
- Fold the top corner down to meet the bottom edge of the paper, then unfold.
- Turn the paper over and repeat steps 2-3 on the other side.
- Fold the top corner down to meet the bottom edge again, but this time do not unfold.
- Turn the paper over and repeat step 5 on the other side.
Other origami animals
Along with the origami crane, the origami turtle is one of the most popular origami animals. This is because the origami turtle is not only easy to make, but also very versatile. You can use any kind of paper to make an origami turtle, even recycled paper!
Here are some other origami animals that you can make:
- Frog
- Cat
- Dog
- Bird
- Rabbit
The future of origami
With the advent of new technologies, origami is evolving and becoming more popular than ever before.
The ancient Japanese art of origami is undergoing a modern renaissance, thanks to the use of new technologies.
In the past, origami was limited to paper folding. Today, however, there are many ways to create origami sculptures using a variety of materials, including metal, plastics, and even living cells.
The use of new technologies has allowed origami artists to create increasingly complex and intricate designs. It has also made origami more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
The future of origami is looking bright, with new possibilities for art and design emerging all the time.
