Origami, the ancient Japanese art of folding paper into intricate shapes, has captivated people worldwide for centuries. Among its many creations, the origami ninja star stands out as a captivating and dynamic piece that holds a special place in the hearts of origami enthusiasts. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll guide you through the steps of folding an origami ninja star, turning a simple square of paper into a captivating symbol of martial arts prowess.
Unlike other origami projects, the ninja star doesn’t require any special paper or tools. All you need is a single square piece of paper, and you’re ready to embark on this exciting journey. So grab your favorite color of paper and let’s dive into the world of origami ninja stars!
Ready to embark on your origami ninja star adventure? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions, breaking down the process into easy-to-follow stages, ensuring even beginners can achieve origami success.
How to Make the Origami Ninja Star
Follow these 10 simple steps to create your own origami ninja star:
- Start with a square.
- Fold in half twice, then unfold.
- Fold corners to center.
- Flip and repeat steps 2 and 3.
- Fold in half diagonally.
- Unfold and fold flaps inward.
- Fold in half again.
- Unfold and squash flat.
- Fold the points inward.
- Flip and repeat step 9.
Congratulations! Your origami ninja star is complete. Enjoy your new creation and explore the world of origami further.
Start with a square.
The foundation of your origami ninja star begins with a square piece of paper. The size of the square will determine the final size of your ninja star. For beginners, we recommend using a square that is approximately 6 inches by 6 inches. This size will create a ninja star that is about 3 inches in diameter.
The type of paper you use is also important. Origami paper is ideal because it is thin and easy to fold. However, you can use any type of paper, as long as it is not too thick or stiff. If you are using regular printer paper, you may need to fold it in half twice to make it thinner.
Once you have your square piece of paper, you are ready to begin folding. Place the paper flat on a table in front of you. Make sure that the corners are aligned and the edges are straight.
Now, it’s time to make the first fold. Fold the square in half horizontally, bringing the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease the fold well with your fingers or a bone folder.
Unfold the paper and then fold it in half vertically, bringing the left edge to meet the right edge. Again, crease the fold well.
Unfold the paper once more. You should now have a square with two intersecting crease lines.
With the initial folds complete, you have prepared your square for the subsequent steps in creating your origami ninja star. Get ready to transform this simple square into a dynamic symbol of martial arts prowess.
Fold in half twice, then unfold.
Now that you have your initial square with two intersecting crease lines, it’s time to make the next set of folds:
- Fold in half horizontally.
Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge, creating a long, thin rectangle.
- Unfold the paper.
Return the paper to its original square shape.
- Fold in half vertically.
Bring the left edge to meet the right edge, creating a tall, thin rectangle.
- Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square with four crease lines, two horizontal and two vertical.
These additional folds serve two purposes. Firstly, they weaken the paper along these crease lines, making it easier to fold later. Secondly, they create a grid of reference points that will guide you as you progress through the remaining steps.
Fold corners to center.
With the grid of crease lines in place, you can now begin folding the corners towards the center of the square.
Start with any corner. Bring the corner towards the center of the square, aligning it with the horizontal and vertical crease lines. Crease the fold well.
Repeat this process with the remaining three corners, folding them towards the center and aligning them with the crease lines. You should now have a square with four triangles pointing inward.
These inward folds create the basic shape of the ninja star. The triangles will eventually form the points of the star.
With the corners folded to the center, you’ve laid the foundation for the star’s distinctive shape. Get ready to transform this square into a dynamic symbol of martial arts prowess.
Flip and repeat steps 2 and 3.
Now that you have folded the corners to the center, it’s time to flip the paper over and repeat the same steps on the other side:
- Flip the paper over.
Turn the paper over so that the side with the four triangles facing inward is now facing down.
- Fold in half horizontally.
Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge, creating a long, thin rectangle.
- Unfold the paper.
Return the paper to its original square shape.
- Fold in half vertically.
Bring the left edge to meet the right edge, creating a tall, thin rectangle.
- Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square with four crease lines, two horizontal and two vertical.
- Fold corners to center.
Repeat the same process of folding the corners towards the center, aligning them with the crease lines.
By repeating these steps on the other side, you have created a symmetrical shape that will form the basis of the ninja star.
Fold in half diagonally.
With the symmetrical shape complete, it’s time for a diagonal fold that will bring the paper closer to its final form:
Hold the paper in front of you like a diamond, with one corner pointing upward and the opposite corner pointing downward.
Bring the top right corner down to meet the bottom left corner, forming a diagonal crease. Crease the fold well.
Unfold the paper, returning it to its original shape.
Repeat the previous step, this time bringing the bottom right corner up to meet the top left corner, creating another diagonal crease.
Unfold the paper again.
These diagonal folds serve two purposes. Firstly, they help to flatten the paper, making it easier to work with in the next steps. Secondly, they create additional crease lines that will guide you as you continue folding.
Unfold and fold flaps inward.
With the diagonal folds in place, you’re ready to create the flaps that will eventually form the points of the ninja star:
Unfold the paper completely, returning it to its original square shape.
Locate the two diagonal crease lines that intersect in the center of the square.
Take the top flap and fold it inward, aligning its edge with the diagonal crease line on that side. Crease the fold well.
Repeat this process with the bottom flap, folding it inward and aligning its edge with the diagonal crease line.
Do the same with the left and right flaps, folding them inward and aligning their edges with the diagonal crease lines.
You should now have a square with four flaps folded inward, creating a pinwheel-like shape. These flaps will be the foundation for the star’s points.
Fold in half again.
With the flaps folded inward, you’ll make another fold to further shape the ninja star:
Hold the paper in front of you like a diamond, with one corner pointing upward and the opposite corner pointing downward.
Bring the top edge down to meet the bottom edge, creating a long, thin rectangle.
Crease the fold well, ensuring that the edges and corners align precisely.
Unfold the paper, returning it to its previous shape.
This additional fold helps to define the star’s shape and prepares it for the final steps of the folding process.
Unfold and squash flat.
You’re almost there! The next step involves unfolding and flattening the paper to prepare for the final shaping:
Unfold the paper completely, returning it to its original square shape.
Place the paper flat on a table, with the flaps folded inward facing upward.
Using your fingers or a flat object like a ruler, firmly press down on the center of the paper, pushing it flat.
Make sure that the flaps are pressed flat against the surface of the table.
This flattening step helps to create a crisp and defined shape for the ninja star, ensuring that the points are sharp and symmetrical.
Fold the points inward.
Now, it’s time to shape the star’s points:
Locate the four flaps that you folded inward earlier.
Take one of the flaps and fold it inward again, aligning its edge with the center crease of the star.
Crease the fold well, ensuring a sharp and defined point.
Repeat this process with the remaining three flaps, folding them inward and aligning them with the center crease.
With the points folded inward, the ninja star is almost complete. Just one more step remains to bring it to its final form.
Flip and repeat step 9.
To complete the ninja star, you’ll need to flip it over and repeat the final folding step on the other side:
- Flip the ninja star over.
Turn the star over so that the side with the folded points is now facing down.
- Locate the four flaps.
Find the four flaps that you folded inward in step 9.
- Fold the flaps inward again.
Repeat the same folding process as in step 9, folding each flap inward and aligning it with the center crease.
- Crease the folds well.
Ensure that the folds are sharp and defined, creating crisp points on the star.
With both sides of the star complete, your origami ninja star is now finished! Admire your creation and enjoy the satisfaction of having folded this iconic symbol of martial arts prowess.
FAQ
Have more questions about origami? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you on your origami journey:
Question 1: What is the best type of paper for origami?
Answer: Origami paper is ideal because it is thin and easy to fold. However, you can use any type of paper, as long as it is not too thick or stiff.
Question 2: Where can I find origami instructions?
Answer: There are many resources available for origami instructions, including books, websites, and online tutorials. You can also find many origami instructions on YouTube.
Question 3: What are some easy origami projects for beginners?
Answer: Some easy origami projects for beginners include the origami crane, the origami sailboat, and the origami ninja star. These projects are simple to follow and will help you build your origami skills.
Question 4: How can I improve my origami skills?
Answer: Practice is the key to improving your origami skills. The more you fold, the better you will become. You can also find many origami books and websites that offer tips and techniques to help you improve your skills.
Question 5: What are some creative ways to use origami?
Answer: Origami can be used for a variety of creative purposes, such as making decorations, gift wrapping, and cards. You can also use origami to create unique pieces of art.
Question 6: Where can I find origami communities or groups?
Answer: There are many origami communities and groups around the world where you can connect with other origami enthusiasts. You can find these groups online or through local community centers or libraries.
Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little practice, you can learn to create beautiful and intricate origami pieces. So grab some paper and start folding!
Now that you have a better understanding of origami, let’s explore some helpful tips to make your origami journey even more enjoyable.
Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you enhance your origami experience and create stunning origami pieces:
Tip 1: Start with simple projects.
Begin your origami journey with easy-to-follow projects that will help you build confidence and master the basic techniques. As you gain experience, you can gradually tackle more complex projects.
Tip 2: Use high-quality paper.
The quality of your paper can significantly impact your origami creations. Choose origami paper or other thin, lightweight paper that folds easily and holds creases well.
Tip 3: Be patient and persistent.
Origami can be challenging at times, especially for beginners. Don’t get discouraged if you make mistakes or struggle with a particular fold. Be patient, keep practicing, and you will eventually master the art of origami.
Tip 4: Explore different folding techniques.
Origami offers a wide range of folding techniques, each with its unique characteristics. Experiment with different techniques to discover new ways to create interesting and intricate origami pieces.
With dedication and practice, you can unlock your origami potential and create beautiful and awe-inspiring origami pieces that will amaze your friends and family. Happy folding!
As you continue your origami journey, remember that the true essence of origami lies in the joy of creation and the satisfaction of transforming a simple piece of paper into something extraordinary. Embrace the art of origami, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the countless possibilities it offers.
Conclusion
As we reach the end of our origami journey, let’s reflect on the beauty and versatility of this ancient art form:
Origami is more than just folding paper; it’s a creative expression that allows us to transform a simple square into intricate and captivating forms. Through the art of origami, we can explore geometry, mathematics, and the boundless realms of our imagination. With each fold, we breathe life into paper, giving it a new purpose and meaning.
Whether you’re a seasoned origami enthusiast or just starting your folding adventure, remember that the true essence of origami lies in the joy of creation and the satisfaction of transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary. Embrace the challenge, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the countless possibilities that origami offers.
So, continue to fold, explore, and discover the wonders of origami. Share your creations with others, inspire them to embark on their own origami journeys, and together, let’s celebrate the art of origami and its ability to bring joy, beauty, and a sense of wonder into our lives.
