How to Make Origami Paper

Origami, the Japanese art of folding paper, is an inexpensive and interesting pastime. Nearly any shape or creature can be made with just a few simple folds. You don't need to spend a fortune on fancy origami paper; you can make origami paper out of regular paper you already have lying around your home. If you are a beginner, you can save your money by making your own paper to practice with and use expensive origami papers once you have developed your skill.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Ruler
• Paper
• Scissors
• Paper cutter

Instructions

1. Choose a medium-weight paper. Copy or printer paper, some scrapbooking papers and even rolls of wrapping paper work well. Avoid thin papers such as tissue and heavy-weight papers such as card stock.

2. Measure a square onto the paper. Most store-bought origami papers are 7 by 7 inches.

3. Cut the square out using a paper cutter or scissors. Keep the lines straight.

4. 

   Make a larger square by folding one corner of an 8 1/2-by-11-inch sheet of paper over so that one edge meets the opposing edge. Cut the excess strip of paper off as illustrated in the template.

Tips & Warnings

• Copy centers often have guillotine-style paper cutters you can use for free or a small fee to cut multiple sheets at once.

Resources

• Free Origami Instructions