How to Make an Origami Dragon
Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, has been a popular pastime for centuries. With just a single square sheet of paper and some patience, you can create beautiful and intricate models of animals, flowers, and even mythological creatures such as dragons. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your very own origami dragon.
Materials:
– A square sheet of paper (ideally origami paper or any thin, sturdy paper) measuring at least 15cm x 15cm
– A flat working surface
– Optional: a bone folder or ruler to help with creasing
Step 1: Fold the paper in half diagonally
Place your square sheet of paper on your workspace with the colored side facing down. Fold it in half diagonally from one corner to the other and then unfold to form a crease.
Step 2: Create a kite shape
Along the previously folded diagonal crease, fold each side’s edges so that they align with the middle crease. Once you’ve done this, your paper should have a kite-shaped appearance.
Step 3: Divide the upper part of the kite
Fold the top corner of the kite down towards you along its centerline until it aligns with the two lower adjoining edges. Now unfold this new flap back to its original position.
Step 4: Form an elongated kite shape
Take hold of both exterior flaps created in step 3 and gently pull them outward while pressing down on the triangle formed in step 3. Flatten this new elongated kite shape on your work surface.
Step 5: Prepare to fold wings
Fold the bottom part of your elongated kite upwards so that its lower tip meets the centerline. This provides guidance for creating wings in our next step.
Step 6: Fold along pre-existing creases
Unfold the bottom tip from step 5. Using pre-existing creases, fold both sides of the lower section outward to create a wide base resembling wings. The small triangle created by the bottom tip should now be visible above the wings.
Step 7: Finalize the head and tail
Fold the small triangle back to its original position, leaving just a slight gap between it and the wings – this will eventually form the dragon’s head. Fold the elongated top portion above the wings (our tail) behind the head and wings while making sure it stands on an angle, providing balance for your finished model.
Step 8: Fold wings downward
Gently fold both wings downwards at an angle resembling that of a bird in flight. Be sure to leave some space between both wings and their base for stability.
Step 9: Create finishing touches
You can personalize your dragon by adding details such as curling its tail, folding its head into an attractive shape, or even adding additional wing folds for extra flair.
Congratulations! You have successfully created an origami dragon. As you progress in your origami journey and explore more complex models, remember that practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different paper sizes or colors to add diversity to your creations.