How to Make an Origami Puzzle

Bring the family together for an evening of fun with origami puzzles.

Origami is the ancient art of folding paper. Originating in Japan, origami art has many styles, shapes and designs. Origami puzzles follow the steps for creating origami art. More complicated puzzles are paper constructs known as "modular origami," where you fold the paper to create three-dimensional pieces fitting together like Legos. Puzzle instructions can be simple enough for children to follow; however, origami is also known for its complicated folding techniques in making many puzzle designs. You can make a child-friendly origami puzzle to entertain the young people in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Origami paper
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Measure across the top and bottom edges of the paper. Divide the paper into three equal sections along each. Mark where you will make your folds with a pencil.

2. Fold the paper lengthwise at the marks along the top and bottom edges. Crease the new edges, making three equal vertical sections. Unfold the paper and fold the paper across the width at the marks along the right and left edges. Crease the new edges, making three equal horizontal sections.

3. Fold the top left corner down across the paper to the bottom right corner. Make a crease and unfold. Fold the top right corner down to the bottom left corner. Make another crease. Open the sheet, revealing a grid pattern with a crease X in the center.

4. Fold the upper left corner to the center point of the X. Crease the edge of the fold. Rotate the paper clockwise, folding each corner in the same manner to create a fan pattern.

5. Flip the paper to its backside. Fold the paper at the creased lines you made in steps 2 and 3 to create a fan pattern with the backside of the paper. Fold the crease from Step 4, taking the top right edge to the bottom left corner of the square.

6. Fold each arm of the fan inward, making them overlap. Make the folds in a counter clockwise fashion, tucking each arm under the first.

7. Disassemble the puzzle for the next person to fold.

References

• Origami-Instructions: Origami Triangular Box
• Origami Resource Center: Making Origami Puzzles