How to Make an Origami Lion

Origami is the art of paper-folding and literally means "folding paper." Using a number of different folds, in different combinations, you can make a variety of different shapes, including most animals. Master the art of origami and you can fill your home with these paper creatures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 7 pieces of rectangular origami paper
• Glue

Make the Chest, Belly and Legs

1. Fold a rectangular piece of paper in half and then unfold it.

2. Take the top corners and fold them down to the crease, then fold the bottom edge up to make a boat shape. Turn the boat shape over so it looks like a hat.

3. Fold the right corner over the front.

4. Make another hat shape and then fold it in half so it looks like a boot. This will be the legs of the lion.

5. Fold another piece of paper in half, unfold it, fold the edges into the crease and fold it in half with the flaps on the inside.

Make the Lion Head

6. Fold a piece of paper in half.

7. Bend the top and bottom edges in about an inch and then fold the paper in half.

8. Make two small folds on the left, top corner. Fold it down once, unfold it, and then fold it again a little farther down.

9. Flatten the top left corner. Put your finger in the slit and spread out the bottom.

Make the Lion Mane

10. Fold the paper in half.

11. Fold the left corner up.

12. Take the top layer of the fold you just made and fold it to the left edge. This is the left side of the mane.

13. Get another sheet of paper and repeat Steps 1 through 3, except this time fold the right corner over, instead of the left, as you did in Step 2.

Put the Lion Together

14. Insert the belly into the back legs and glue them together.

15. Put one chest piece on each side of the belly and glue.

16. Place the head between the two triangular flaps on the chest. The head should be at a 45-degree angle to the front legs. Glue in place.

17. Glue a mane piece to each side of the head and your origami lion is complete.