Learn how to fold a simple origami dragon with step-by-step instructions, from basic folds to wings and legs, plus useful tips for beginners.
Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into different shapes and objects, from simple to complicated. One of the objects you can make with origami is a simple dragon. All you need is a single square sheet of paper, and you can follow the steps below to get started on your own origami dragon.
Step 1
Materials you will need. Any kind of paper can be used, but if you intend to use the dragon for a festive or decorative purpose, glossy colored paper is the way to go. Of course, you should practice with plain paper to gain some experience. If the paper is not already square-shaped, use a pair of scissors to cut out a perfect square. To do this, fold the bottom right edge of the rectangle over the top left edge. You will be left with some unfolded area of paper, which can be cut out. Unfolding the paper will leave you with a square sheet of paper.
Step 2
Making folds on the paper. On the square sheet of paper, make creases by folding and unfolding each of the paper's edges to the opposite edge. The paper should have octagonal-shaped creases once you have completed this exercise.
Step 3
Using the 'bird base'. This is one of the basic bases in origami from which many kinds of birds or other objects can be created. To get the bird base, fold the bottom-right corner to meet the top-left corner. Next, fold the bottom-left edge to meet the top-right edge, creating a smaller triangle. Open out the top flap and press down to form a square from the folded paper. Turn the square over and repeat the action on the other side. Next, create creases by folding the top tip and the top-right edge at an angle toward the center. Repeat with the bottom tip and lower-right edge, then flip the square over and do the same with the top-left and bottom-left edges.
Step 4
Making the wings and legs. Make crimp folds from the top corners down toward the bottom. The folds must be even on both sides and pressed well to form perfect creases. The wings can be folded into position just above the legs. Fold the legs into position by creating ears and bending them toward both the front and back.
Step 5
Cautionary tips. While folding and creasing the paper, don't pull it too hard, or you may end up tearing the paper. Always use clean hands, especially if working with colored or glossy paper. There are many ways to make a paper dragon; browse through and select easy designs to begin with. You can choose more complex designs once you have gained some expertise.
Origami is a craft that imbues you with patience and develops dexterity in your hands and fingers. Over time, you will find that with regular practice you can create more intricate and multi-dimensional designs and objects. This makes origami a very useful hobby to cultivate. Online art courses can teach you more about the paper arts and how to implement new concepts into your designs.
Make an Origami Dragon
Learn how to fold a simple origami dragon with step-by-step instructions, from basic folds to wings and legs, plus useful tips for beginners.
Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into different shapes and objects, from simple to complicated. One of the objects you can make with origami is a simple dragon. All you need is a single square sheet of paper, and you can follow the steps below to get started on your own origami dragon.
Step 1
Materials you will need. Any kind of paper can be used, but if you intend to use the dragon for a festive or decorative purpose, glossy colored paper is the way to go. Of course, you should practice with plain paper to gain some experience. If the paper is not already square-shaped, use a pair of scissors to cut out a perfect square. To do this, fold the bottom right edge of the rectangle over the top left edge. You will be left with some unfolded area of paper, which can be cut out. Unfolding the paper will leave you with a square sheet of paper.
Step 2
Making folds on the paper. On the square sheet of paper, make creases by folding and unfolding each of the paper's edges to the opposite edge. The paper should have octagonal-shaped creases once you have completed this exercise.
Step 3
Using the 'bird base'. This is one of the basic bases in origami from which many kinds of birds or other objects can be created. To get the bird base, fold the bottom-right corner to meet the top-left corner. Next, fold the bottom-left edge to meet the top-right edge, creating a smaller triangle. Open out the top flap and press down to form a square from the folded paper. Turn the square over and repeat the action on the other side. Next, create creases by folding the top tip and the top-right edge at an angle toward the center. Repeat with the bottom tip and lower-right edge, then flip the square over and do the same with the top-left and bottom-left edges.
Step 4
Making the wings and legs. Make crimp folds from the top corners down toward the bottom. The folds must be even on both sides and pressed well to form perfect creases. The wings can be folded into position just above the legs. Fold the legs into position by creating ears and bending them toward both the front and back.
Step 5
Cautionary tips. While folding and creasing the paper, don't pull it too hard, or you may end up tearing the paper. Always use clean hands, especially if working with colored or glossy paper. There are many ways to make a paper dragon; browse through and select easy designs to begin with. You can choose more complex designs once you have gained some expertise.
Origami is a craft that imbues you with patience and develops dexterity in your hands and fingers. Over time, you will find that with regular practice you can create more intricate and multi-dimensional designs and objects. This makes origami a very useful hobby to cultivate. Online art courses can teach you more about the paper arts and how to implement new concepts into your designs.
Make an Origami Dragon
By Howtodotips
Learn how to fold a simple origami dragon with step-by-step instructions, from basic folds to wings and legs, plus useful tips for beginners.