Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, is an engaging and educational activity for children, and it's especially fun when you can create animals! If you're 7 years old and eager to learn some simple origami animals, you've come to the right place. This article will guide you through step-by-step instructions for creating three adorable origami animals: a fish, a bird, and a cat. Let's dive in and fill your world with paper pets!
Before we start, make sure you have some square origami paper. If you don't have any, you can use regular printer paper cut into squares. Also, consider having an adult nearby to help with any tricky steps. Now, let's meet our first origami friend: a colorful fish!
Origami Fish
The origami fish is a great starter project because it only requires basic folds. Let's get swimming with our fishy friend!
For our first subtopic, we'll cover the basic folds that create the fish's body and tail.
Basic Folds
Start by taking your square piece of paper and folding it in half diagonally to form a triangle. Then, fold the two corners of the triangle up to the top point, creating a smaller triangle. This is called a preliminary base.
Next, fold the two sides of the triangle inwards towards the center line. The sides should meet at the bottom edge, and you'll have a kite shape. This is the first step in creating the fish's body.
Shaping the Fish
Now, we'll start to shape our fish. First, fold the top corner of the kite down to the bottom edge. Then, fold the two side corners in about halfway. This will start to create the fish's fins.
Next, fold the two side edges in to meet at the center. This will create the fish's body. Finally, fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, and you'll have your very own origami fish! Add some googly eyes or draw a smile, and your fish is ready to swim!
Origami Bird
After mastering the fish, let's try our wings at creating an origami bird! This bird is a bit more challenging, but don't worry – you can do it!
For this origami bird, we'll learn how to create the bird's body and wings using a series of mountain and valley folds.
Creating the Bird's Body
Begin by folding your square piece of paper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Then, fold the two corners of the triangle up to the top point, creating a smaller triangle. This is our preliminary base.
Next, we'll make a series of vertical mountain folds. Fold the top edge of the triangle down about a third of the way, then unfold it. Do this again, making your folds a little smaller each time until you reach the bottom edge. This creates a beautiful waterbomb base, which is the foundation of our bird's body.
Folding the Wings
Now, let's create the bird's wings. Fold the two side edges of the waterbomb base to the center. Then, fold the top corner of the base down to the bottom edge to create the bird's back.
Next, fold the top point of the base up, then unfold it. Fold the two side edges of the base outwards, creasing well. Now, when you open up the bird, you'll see that you have wings! Add some eye and beak details, and your bird is ready to take flight.
Origami Cat
For our final project, we'll create an adorable origami cat. This cat is a intermediate-level model, but with practice, you'll have a purr-fect paper pet!
First, let's create the cat's head and body using a series of simple folds.
Creating the Cat's Head and Body
Start by folding your square piece of paper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Then, fold the two corners of the triangle up to the top point, creating a smaller triangle. This is our preliminary base.
Next, fold the two sides of the triangle down, leaving a small-tab at the top. Then, flip the paper over and fold the two sides inwards to meet at the center. This will create the cat's head and body.
Shaping the Cat's Ears and Tail
Now, we'll shape the cat's ears and tail. Fold the bottom edge of the cat's body up to the top edge, then unfold it. Fold the two side edges of the body inwards, creating the cat's ears.
Finally, fold the bottom edge of the body back down to meet the top edge, and you'll have a cute and fluffy origami cat! Add some googly eyes or draw a design on the cat's head, and you'll be ready to play with your new pet.
Congratulations! You've created three amazing origami animals: a fish, a bird, and a cat.Continue exploring the world of origami, and soon you'll be making even more complex and beautiful models. Keep practicing, and remember to have fun! Happy folding!