How to Make Origami Hearts

There are many ways of making origami hearts. This simple version is easy enough for kids to make. To make the origami heart, you’ll need to start with a square of paper. Each square of paper will be enough for two origami hearts. You can use origami paper, or a square of any colored paper. Red and pink look especially great for hearts, but kids can use any color they want. They can also decorate the origami hearts with crayons or markers to make it into a Valentine or card for a loved one. Make sure to have the kids fold the paper on a flat surface, such as a table or desk, and crease each fold well.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Scissors
• Flat work surface

1. Fold a square of paper in half diagonally to make a large triangle. If you are using origami paper that is colored on one side, fold the paper with the colored part on the outside and the white on the inside.

2. Unfold the paper and cut along the center fold line to make two triangles. You can make an origami heart from each triangle.

3. Fold one triangle in half. Crease the fold well, then unfold the triangle.

4. Place the triangle on your work surface with the long edge facing toward you.

5. Fold the top point of the triangle down, about 2/3 of the way across the triangle.

6. Fold each of the side points of the triangle upward, so that edges of the folds line up with the center line of the triangle. The paper should now look like a diamond with a slit down the middle.

7. Turn the paper over. Fold each of the two top points down and to the side, so the edge of the fold lines up with the top of the of the back paper.

8. Make a second heart from the other triangle of paper, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a square from a rectangular piece of paper, place the sheet of paper on the work surface with the short end facing toward you. Fold the bottom edge of the paper over to meet the side edge of the paper. Cut off the strip of excess paper above the folded area.

• You can cut the leftover strip of paper into several smaller pieces and write a note on it to tuck inside the heart.

• Supervise children when working with scissors.

Resources

• Here are craft ideas for this origami heart, and pictures of the folding steps.