How to Make an Origami Balloon

This traditional origami model is inflatable. Just blow into the bottom end of it as your final step.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White Paper
• White paper

1. Start with any end of a square sheet of paper facing you. Fold the bottom edge to the top edge. Crease and unfold.

2. Fold the left edge to the right edge. Crease and unfold. Turn the paper over.

3. Fold the bottom left corner up to meet the top right corner. Crease and unfold. Fold the bottom right corner to the top left corner. Crease and unfold.

4. Grasp the left and right edges so your thumbs are positioned at the horizontal crease line. Gently push the edges together and down to the center of the bottom edge. Flatten to form a triangle.

5. Fold the right corner flap up to meet the top point so that the bottom edge of the flap lies along the existing center vertical crease. Crease. Repeat for the bottom left flap. Turn the paper over and repeat for the remaining two bottom flaps.

6. Bring the point of the right top flap to the center. Crease. Repeat for the left top flap. Turn the paper over and repeat.

7. Bring the left top flap down as far as it will go without disturbing any of the previous folds. The top point of the flap will be pointing outward. Crease and unfold. Repeat with the top right flap.

8. Bring the left flap down and tuck it all the way into the pocket formed at the top of the left triangle. Place your finger between the folds to open the pocket, if necessary. Once the flap is tucked into the pocket, press flat. Repeat on the right side.

9. Turn the paper over and repeat steps 7 and 8.

10. Inflate the balloon by blowing into the hole at the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are working with paper that is white on one side and colored on the other, start with the colored side up.
• This model is easiest to work with if your paper is 5 inches square or larger.
• Paper made especially for origami is available at most art and craft stores.
• Unless otherwise noted, all creases should be made as sharp as possible. Sharp creases are needed to make later folds and will often be referred to as guidelines.
• Try to make all points and edges meet exactly.

on 9/21/2006 After blowing up, gently insert mini-lights (the Christmas decoration type) into the hole. Just don't leave lit all day. Turn them off when you leave home.

on 8/8/2006 To keep the balloon big, don't really hold it hard. It will also last longer if you keep it somewhere where it can be seen, but not reached.

on 12/12/2005 If the hole is too small, you can use your finger to poke a bigger hole.

on 11/22/2005 You can write a message on the center of the square before you begin folding. You will have a secret message that can be viewed by looking through the blow hole.