How to Make an Origami Dollar Bill Fan

Origami dollar bill shapes are a different way to create origami. Making origami from a dollar bill or any other denomination bill is a unique way to present money as a gift, a donation or to leave as a tip for someone. It is sure to give a smile to the receiver. The origami dollar bill fan is one of the easier origami shapes to make.

Things You'll Need

• Any denomination paper bill

Instructions

1. Get a crisp dollar bill. You don’t have to use brand new bills but really worn ones do not work as well. If you want to do a bunch of these, ask your bank to give you new or newer bills.

2. 

   Begin by folding the small white band edge on the narrower side of the dollar bill in. Then press the fold with your finger or hand so that it creases sharply. If you want, you can use the back edge of a regular table knife to make the fold crisp and tight.

3. 

   Turn the bill over and repeat the same Step 1 but folding in the opposite direction. Keep the folds as close to the same size as the first fold as possible. Continue on the same way all the way down the length of the dollar bill, folding the same width fold as the initial fold, alternating from front to back over and over. With each fold you are making a fold of the fan which will open up in a fan shape when the folding is done. Be sure to make each fold crisp and tight like the first fold.

4. 

   Hold the fan folded bill together, and then bend the end in about ½ inch. Crease it as tightly as you can. This is the anchor and handle for the open fan.

5. 

   Holding the base closed, fan the folds open, careful not to undo the base bend. The base bend will hold the fan open in a fan shape and keep it from falling apart.

6. Present the origami bill as a unique way to give cash. You can use large denominations for special gifts or make a few fans to leave as tips wherever you tip. Try doing this at a restaurant, a hotel maid, lunch money for a child and so forth. Then learn some other origami dollar bill shapes and surprise the receiver with something new each time