Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, offers a relaxing and creative activity that is accessible to people of all ages. With just a piece of paper, you can bring to life various shapes and forms, including animals, plants, and even complex objects. Among the popular origami creations is the origami fish, which is known for its elegant and dynamic appearance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced folder, this step-by-step guide will help you create your own origami fish.
Origami is not only a fun activity but also has several benefits for children and adults alike. It helps improve hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Origami can also be a mindful activity, allowing you to focus on the present moment and reduce stress. So, gather your materials, find a comfortable spot, and let’s embark on our origami fish-making journey!
Before we begin, ensure you have a square piece of paper. You can use origami paper specifically designed for folding, or you can cut a square out of regular printer paper. Once you have your paper, follow these steps to create your origami fish:
origami anleitung fisch
Follow these nine steps to create an origami fish:
- Square paper required
- Fold in half twice
- Unfold and fold opposite corners
- Fold in half again
- Unfold and squash flat
- Fold bottom corners to center
- Fold top corners down
- Fold sides to center
- Flip and fold bottom corners up
With these steps, you’ll have your very own origami fish!
Square paper required
The first step in creating an origami fish is to have a square piece of paper. This is because origami traditionally uses square paper, and it makes the folding process easier and more symmetrical.
- Size matters:
The size of the square paper you choose will determine the size of your finished origami fish. You can use any size paper you like, but a good starting point is a 15 cm x 15 cm (6 inch x 6 inch) square.
- Type of paper:
You can use origami paper specifically designed for folding, or you can cut a square out of regular printer paper. Origami paper is usually thinner and more pliable, making it easier to fold. However, regular printer paper can also be used, especially if you are a beginner.
- Color and design:
The color and design of the paper you choose can also affect the final look of your origami fish. You can use solid-colored paper, patterned paper, or even paper with a metallic finish. Be creative and choose a paper that you think will look good as an origami fish.
- Preparation:
Before you start folding, make sure your square paper is flat and free of creases. If necessary, you can iron the paper to remove any wrinkles.
Once you have a square piece of paper, you’re ready to start folding your origami fish!
Fold in half twice
Once you have your square piece of paper, the next step is to fold it in half twice. This will create a smaller square with four layers of paper.
To fold in half the first time, align the top and bottom edges of the paper and crease the fold. Then, unfold the paper.
Next, fold the paper in half again, this time aligning the left and right edges. Crease the fold and unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square with four crease lines. These crease lines will be helpful in the next steps of the origami fish folding process.
The reason we fold the paper in half twice is to create a smaller square with a more manageable size. This makes it easier to fold the paper into the desired fish shape.
Unfold and fold opposite corners
After folding the paper in half twice, you will unfold it to reveal the four crease lines you made in the previous step.
- Locate opposite corners:
Find two opposite corners of the square. These can be any two corners, but make sure they are directly across from each other.
- Fold corners to center:
Take one of the corners you identified and fold it towards the center of the square. Crease the fold well.
- Repeat for opposite corner:
Do the same for the opposite corner. Fold it towards the center of the square and crease the fold.
- Unfold the paper:
Once you have folded both opposite corners to the center, unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square with four crease lines and two diagonal crease lines running from opposite corners to the center. These creases will help you in the next steps of folding the origami fish.
Fold in half again
After unfolding the paper in the previous step, you will now fold it in half again, but this time in a different direction.
To do this, align the top and bottom edges of the paper and crease the fold. Make sure the diagonal crease lines you made in the previous step are parallel to the fold you are making now.
Once you have creased the fold, unfold the paper again. You should now have a square with four crease lines, two diagonal crease lines, and one horizontal crease line in the middle.
Folding the paper in half again helps to create a more defined shape for the origami fish. It also makes it easier to fold the paper into the fish’s body and fins in the next steps.
Remember, origami is all about precision and following the steps carefully. Take your time and make sure each fold is creased well. This will ensure that your origami fish turns out neat and symmetrical.
Unfold and squash flat
After folding the paper in half again, you will now unfold it and squash it flat.
- Unfold the paper:
Gently unfold the paper completely, so that it returns to its original square shape.
- Squash flat:
Place the paper on a flat surface and use your hands to squash it flat. Make sure to apply even pressure all over the paper, so that all the creases are flattened out.
- Check for creases:
Once you have squashed the paper flat, check for any remaining creases. If you see any, gently smooth them out with your fingers.
- Flip the paper:
Flip the paper over to the other side. This will ensure that both sides of the paper are smooth and flat.
Unfolding and squashing the paper flat helps to prepare it for the next steps of the origami fish folding process. It also helps to ensure that the fish has a neat and symmetrical shape.
Fold bottom corners to center
After squashing the paper flat, you will now fold the bottom corners to the center.
To do this, locate the two bottom corners of the square. Fold one of the corners towards the center of the square, aligning its edge with the horizontal crease line you made earlier.
Crease the fold well and then repeat the same fold for the other bottom corner. Make sure both corners are folded neatly and symmetrically.
Once you have folded both bottom corners to the center, you should have a diamond shape with two triangular flaps at the bottom.
Folding the bottom corners to the center helps to create the basic shape of the origami fish. It also forms the fish’s tail and fins in the next steps.
Fold top corners down
After folding the bottom corners to the center, you will now fold the top corners down.
To do this, locate the two top corners of the diamond shape. Fold one of the corners down towards the bottom of the diamond, aligning its edge with the horizontal crease line you made earlier.
Crease the fold well and then repeat the same fold for the other top corner. Make sure both corners are folded neatly and symmetrically.
Once you have folded both top corners down, you should have a shape that resembles a kite.
Folding the top corners down helps to create the fish’s head and body. It also forms the fish’s fins in the next steps.
Fold sides to center
After folding the top corners down, you will now fold the sides to the center.
- Locate the side edges:
Identify the two side edges of the kite-shaped figure.
- Fold one side to the center:
Take one of the side edges and fold it towards the center of the figure. Align the edge with the vertical crease line you made earlier.
- Crease and repeat:
Crease the fold well and then repeat the same fold for the other side edge. Make sure both sides are folded neatly and symmetrically.
- Check the shape:
Once you have folded both sides to the center, you should have a shape that resembles a rectangle.
Folding the sides to the center helps to create the fish’s body and fins. It also prepares the origami fish for the final steps of shaping and detailing.
Flip and fold bottom corners up
After folding the sides to the center, you will now flip the origami fish and fold the bottom corners up.
- Flip the fish:
Gently flip the origami fish over to the other side, so that the unfolded edges are now facing you.
- Locate the bottom corners:
Identify the two bottom corners of the rectangular shape.
- Fold one corner up:
Take one of the bottom corners and fold it upwards, aligning its edge with the horizontal crease line you made earlier.
- Crease and repeat:
Crease the fold well and then repeat the same fold for the other bottom corner. Make sure both corners are folded neatly and symmetrically.
Folding the bottom corners up helps to create the fish’s tailfins. It also adds depth and dimension to the origami fish, making it more realistic and visually appealing.
FAQ
Have more questions about origami art? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you learn and create:
Question 1: What is the best paper for origami?
Answer: Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is usually thinner and more pliable than regular paper. However, you can use regular printer paper if you are a beginner or if you don’t have origami paper on hand.
Question 2: How do I make crisp and clean folds?
Answer: To achieve crisp and clean folds, use a bone folder or a similar tool to crease the folds firmly. Make sure to fold along the crease lines accurately and avoid folding the paper at an angle.
Question 3: What are some easy origami projects for beginners?
Answer: Some beginner-friendly origami projects include the origami crane, the origami fish, and the origami boat. These projects require simple folds and are a great way to practice your skills.
Question 4: How can I learn more advanced origami techniques?
Answer: There are many resources available to learn advanced origami techniques, such as books, online tutorials, and origami classes. You can also find inspiration and techniques by studying the works of famous origami artists.
Question 5: What are some tips for successful origami folding?
Answer: Patience, precision, and practice are key to successful origami folding. Take your time and focus on making each fold accurately. It’s also helpful to practice regularly to improve your skills and learn new techniques.
Question 6: Can origami be used for more than just making decorative objects?
Answer: Yes, origami has practical applications as well. For example, origami has been used to create stents for medical procedures, airbags for cars, and even space telescopes.
Origami is a fascinating art form that offers endless possibilities for creativity and learning. With a little practice and dedication, anyone can create beautiful and intricate origami pieces.
Now that you have a better understanding of origami, here are some tips to help you create stunning origami pieces:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you create stunning origami pieces:
Tip 1: Start with simple projects:
If you’re new to origami, start with simple projects that use a few basic folds. This will help you build your skills and confidence before moving on to more complex projects.
Tip 2: Use качественную бумагу:
The quality of the paper you use can make a big difference in the final look of your origami piece. Choose paper that is thin and pliable, and that holds creases well.
Tip 3: Be patient and take your time:
Origami can be a challenging art form, but it’s important to be patient and take your time. Rushing through the folds can lead to mistakes and a less polished final product.
Tip 4: Practice regularly:
The more you practice origami, the better you’ll become at it. Try to set aside some time each week to practice folding different origami projects. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills improve.
With a little practice and dedication, you’ll be able to create beautiful and intricate origami pieces that will impress your friends and family.
Origami is a rewarding and enjoyable art form that offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Whether you’re looking for a fun hobby or a new way to challenge yourself, origami is a great choice.
Conclusion
Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, is a fascinating and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. With just a piece of paper, you can create intricate and beautiful objects that showcase your creativity and patience.
In this article, we explored the steps involved in creating an origami fish, from choosing the right paper to folding and shaping the fish’s body and fins. We also provided a FAQ section to address common questions about origami art and a tips section to help you create stunning origami pieces.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced folder, origami offers endless possibilities for exploration and self-expression. So grab a piece of paper and start folding – the world of origami is waiting for you to discover its magic!
