Origami

This is the simplest of all origami fish - using just two folds - but it is very effective, especially if you make a few! The position of the folds can be a little confusing, but once you have the hang of it you will find the fish very easy and quick to make.

Make 24 little origami baskets, using scraps of Christmas gift wrap or origami paper, and fill each one with something special.  Use our ideas for filling your home-made advent calendars for inspiration.

The origami bird base is a starting point for many traditional origami models, not just birds. It's a little tricky to fold but we hope that our step by step photos will help.

Watch our video of Tilly making this easy origami booklet or scroll down to download the printable instructions below.

Although this is not strictly origami, it is made out of origami paper and fits perfectly with our origami models, such as the witch's cat.

This makes a great little present for someone who has their own business cards - or get the kids to make some! Perfect for Father's Day, Mother's Day or any day. This clever origami business card holder has 4 pockets and is folded out of A4 or letter-sized paper.

On Children's Day in Japan, families hang out an array of colourful carp kites to symbolize their children growing up healthy, determined and strong.

We have quite a collection of these little cats flying around on the front of our fridge on broomsticks at the moment! They make the perfect witch's cat for Halloween, but are cute enough to be enjoyed all year round.

These origami Christmas Tree baubles are based on the traditional origami “water bomb” model. You can make them in all sizes using origami paper, gift wrap cut into squares, scrapbooking paper or any special, glittery paper you can find.

This origami cone is really quick to make and very useful, especially when there are children who need feeding! Make little cones out of origami paper and pop in a few treats, or use magazine paper or newspaper cut into squares to make popcorn containers.

This is a very quick and easy origami model, and one which is a great favorite with children, who love the fact that they can have a drink out of a piece of paper!

This origami dog printable is folded in the same way as our origami dog, but with folding lines to make it even simpler for little children.

This funny little elf could be busy at Christmas helping Santa Claus, or causing trouble for St Patrick'’s Day!

These origami envelopes are quick to fold and you can make an impressive DIY origami advent calendar quickly. Either use up scraps of Christmas gift wrap randomly, or choose your paper carefully to blend in with your Christmas decor!

These lovely fluffy flowers are fun to make and quite simple to fold - but your children will need some perseverance to fold the 8 petals needed for the flower (and 2 more for the leaves, if you decide to add them!) It makes a super flower for Mother's Day or any special occasion.

This useful origami box is made from a double sheet of newspaper. Keep one on your desk or kitchen worktop, and when it is nearly full just scrumple it up with your garbage inside it and throw it into the dustbin.

Not for the complete beginner or the faint-hearted, this "golden snitch" is a more complicated version of the traditional Japanese origami water bomb that many of us will remember folding as children.

This very cute koala is a simple model to fold and makes a perfect project for beginners who are looking to push themselves just a little.

This origami box is very satisfying to make, useful, and easily made with a rectangular page taken from an old glossy magazine (or other scrap paper).

This is a well-known and simple origami model, fun to make with kids because they can enjoy wearing the finished object! And there is nothing to stop you sticking down the flaps, painting the hat and adding all sorts of embellishments, so you can use this model for dressing up projects too.

This is a more complicated origami owl model, suitable for older children and folders with a little experience. The owl has a realistic, 3D head. The model starts with the traditional origami bird base.

This origami advent calendar is made by folding 24 little origami cones, flattening them, and tying them closed with a ribbon.

This little photo frame folds up in a flash and is a cute way to display a small photo (or give one as a gift).

A quick and easy model for beginners, the sailing boats have their own built-in stand so that you can make a display - and create your own flotilla!

This origami shamrock can be made with 3 or 4 leaves so can double up as a four-leaf clover for good luck!

This is a very simple origami star which even the youngest children can make. As you will need three squares of paper and  a glue stick to complete the model, it isn't origami in the true sense! Make 24 origami stars for a lovely homemade origami advent calendar!

This origami wallet or folder is easy to fold and very versatile. Made with a traditional size of origami 6x6 inch paper the wallet comes out quite small: you can see ours below, filled with little "promise notes" to make a special gift for Dad