How to Make a 3D Origami Boat

Origami, the art of folding paper, originated from ancient Asia. In the West, mainly children do origami, but it's really an art that's enjoyable for all ages. Making a traditional boat is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning how to do origami. Even though the final product is impressive, making a 3D origami boat is surprisingly easy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rectangular paper

1. Find a rectangular piece of paper. The standard 8.5-by-11 inches works well. Fold the piece of paper in half vertically, making sure both sides are even.

2. Make a crease down the middle of your folded piece of paper. Fold the upper left and right corners down so they're side by side along the crease in middle. The piece of paper should now look like a triangle with an elongated rectangle at the bottom.

3. Take the front piece of the elongated rectangle below the triangle and fold it up. Fold back the pieces of the rectangle that stick out over the sides of the triangle.

4. Flip the triangle over and fold up the second part of the elongated rectangle. Fold back the corners of the rectangle that stick out over the triangle.

5. Pick up the paper, which is now in the shape of a triangle. Point the top of the triangle at the ground and pull apart in the middle. The paper should now be in the shape of a diamond.

6. Fold up the front flap of the diamond so that it matches up with the top of the diamond. Turn the paper over and do the same to the back flap. The paper should now resemble a triangle again, only smaller.

7. Point the top of the triangle toward the ground. Pull apart the middle of the triangle so the paper is once again in the shape of a diamond. Take the upper sides of the diamond and gently pull them apart to reveal the origami boat. Press firmly on the folds, then pull apart the bottom of the boat so that it stands nicely.

Resources

• See a diagram of an origami boat at Origami.