In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to make an origami ninja star using simple step-by-step instructions. We’ll guide you through the process, from selecting the appropriate paper to folding and assembling the star. Get ready to create your own origami ninja star and immerse yourself in the art of paper folding!
Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, has captivated people worldwide with its intricate designs and endless possibilities. Among the many fascinating origami creations, the ninja star holds a special place. These iconic stars, known for their striking appearance and symbolic significance, make for an engaging and rewarding origami project.
Now, let’s embark on our origami ninja star journey. With a few simple folds and careful attention to detail, you’ll soon have your own origami ninja star ready to display or play with.
origami easy step by step – Ninja Star
Transform paper into a striking Ninja Star with these simple steps.
- Choose colorful, square paper.
- Fold in half twice, then create diamond shape.
- Form a square base and sink folds.
- Complete preliminary base.
- Flip and squash fold.
- Unfold and repeat on all sides.
- Fold inward on all sides.
- Unfold, flatten, then fold.
- Inside reverse fold, open pockets.
- Form star shape, lock folds.
Showcase your paper Ninja Star or let it soar through the air!
Choose colorful, square paper.
Selecting the right paper is crucial for a successful origami ninja star. Let’s delve into the key factors to consider when choosing your paper:
- Color:
Unleash your creativity by opting for vibrant hues or captivating patterns. The visual appeal of your ninja star will undoubtedly be enhanced by selecting paper that suits your personal style.
- Square shape:
This is essential for creating the initial folds that form the foundation of the ninja star. Ensure that your paper is perfectly square before commencing the folding process.
- Paper weight:
For a sturdy and well-defined ninja star, choose paper with a weight between 80 and 120 gsm. This range provides the ideal balance between flexibility and rigidity.
- Type of paper:
Origami paper is readily available and specifically designed for folding projects. However, if you don’t have origami paper on hand, you can use regular printer paper or even colorful construction paper.
With the appropriate paper selected, you’re now ready to embark on the exciting journey of creating your very own origami ninja star. Let the folding begin!
Fold in half twice, then create diamond shape.
Now that you have your chosen paper, let’s begin the folding process:
Step 1: Place your square paper on a flat surface with one colored side facing up. Fold it in half diagonally from corner to corner, creating a triangle.
Step 2: Unfold the triangle and turn it 90 degrees. Fold it in half diagonally again, forming a new triangle with a different orientation.
Step 3: Unfold the paper completely, revealing four creases that intersect at the center. These creases divide the paper into four smaller squares.
Step 4: Fold the paper in half horizontally, aligning the left and right edges. Unfold and repeat the same fold vertically, aligning the top and bottom edges.
Step 5: You should now have a square with eight creases radiating from the center. Turn the paper over so that the colored side is facing down.
Step 6: Fold the paper in half diagonally from corner to corner, forming a triangle. Unfold and repeat this fold with the opposite diagonal.
Step 7: Unfold the paper completely, revealing eight creases that intersect at the center and four smaller squares.
Step 8: Fold the paper in half horizontally, aligning the left and right edges. Unfold and repeat the same fold vertically, aligning the top and bottom edges.
Step 9: You should now have a diamond shape with sixteen creases radiating from the center. This is the foundation for creating the ninja star.
With the diamond shape complete, you’re well on your way to crafting your very own origami ninja star. Stay tuned for the next steps, where we’ll transform this diamond into the iconic star shape.
Form a square base and sink folds.
With the diamond shape as our starting point, let’s proceed to form the square base and sink folds:
- Fold the diamond in half horizontally:
Align the top and bottom edges and crease sharply. Unfold to reveal a horizontal crease.
- Fold the diamond in half vertically:
Align the left and right edges and crease sharply. Unfold to reveal a vertical crease.
- Fold the diamond in half diagonally from top right to bottom left:
Crease sharply and unfold to reveal a diagonal crease.
- Fold the diamond in half diagonally from top left to bottom right:
Crease sharply and unfold to reveal another diagonal crease.
You should now have a square with four creases radiating from the center and four smaller squares. These creases divide the diamond into four equal parts.
Next, we’ll sink folds into the square to create the foundation for the ninja star’s points.
- Sink fold along the horizontal crease:
Fold the top and bottom edges of the square inward along the horizontal crease. Crease sharply and unfold.
- Sink fold along the vertical crease:
Fold the left and right edges of the square inward along the vertical crease. Crease sharply and unfold.
- Sink fold along the diagonal creases:
Fold the top right and bottom left corners inward along the diagonal crease. Crease sharply and unfold. Repeat this step with the top left and bottom right corners.
The result is a square with four sunken folds, resembling a pinwheel shape. This is the square base that will transform into the ninja star.
Complete preliminary base.
With the square base and sink folds in place, we’re ready to complete the preliminary base for the ninja star:
- Fold the top right flap inward:
Take the top right flap of the square base and fold it inward along the diagonal crease. Crease sharply.
- Fold the bottom left flap inward:
Take the bottom left flap of the square base and fold it inward along the diagonal crease. Crease sharply.
- Fold the top left flap inward:
Take the top left flap of the square base and fold it inward along the diagonal crease. Crease sharply.
- Fold the bottom right flap inward:
Take the bottom right flap of the square base and fold it inward along the diagonal crease. Crease sharply.
The result is a square with four flaps folded inward, resembling a windmill shape. This is the preliminary base, which sets the stage for the final transformation into the ninja star.
With the preliminary base complete, we’re almost there! Just a few more steps and you’ll have your very own origami ninja star.
Flip and squash fold.
With the preliminary base ready, let’s move on to the flip and squash fold, which will start to transform the windmill shape into the ninja star:
- Flip the model over:
Turn the model over so that the side with the four flaps facing upward is now facing downward.
- Squash fold the top flap:
Take the top flap and fold it downward, squashing it flat against the model. Crease sharply.
- Squash fold the bottom flap:
Take the bottom flap and fold it upward, squashing it flat against the model. Crease sharply.
- Squash fold the left flap:
Take the left flap and fold it to the right, squashing it flat against the model. Crease sharply.
Repeat this process with the right flap, squash folding it to the left. The result is a square with four flaps squashed flat, resembling a flattened windmill shape.
This flip and squash fold is a crucial step in shaping the ninja star. It creates the foundation for the star’s points and prepares the model for the final folds.
Unfold and repeat on all sides.
After performing the flip and squash fold, we need to unfold and repeat the process on all sides to create a uniform shape:
Step 1: Unfold the model:
Carefully unfold the model back to its original flattened windmill shape.
Step 2: Repeat flip and squash fold on the right side:
Locate the right flap and perform the same flip and squash fold as before. Squash fold the flap to the left, creating a flattened windmill shape on that side.
Step 3: Repeat flip and squash fold on the left side:
Locate the left flap and perform the flip and squash fold. Squash fold the flap to the right, creating a flattened windmill shape on that side as well.
Step 4: Repeat flip and squash fold on the bottom side:
Locate the bottom flap and perform the flip and squash fold. Squash fold the flap upward, creating a flattened windmill shape on the bottom side.
Step 5: Repeat flip and squash fold on the top side:
Finally, locate the top flap and perform the flip and squash fold. Squash fold the flap downward, creating a flattened windmill shape on the top side.
Once you have completed the flip and squash fold on all four sides, you should have a square with four flattened windmill shapes, resembling a flower with four petals.
This step ensures that all sides of the ninja star are uniform and symmetrical. It prepares the model for the final folding sequence that will transform it into the iconic ninja star shape.
Fold inward on all sides.
With the flattened windmill shapes in place, we’re ready to fold inward on all sides to start forming the ninja star’s points:
Step 1: Locate the creases:
On each flattened windmill shape, identify the two diagonal creases that intersect at the center.
Step 2: Fold along the diagonal creases:
Take one of the flattened windmill shapes and fold it inward along one of the diagonal creases. Crease sharply.
Step 3: Repeat step 2 on the other diagonal crease:
Locate the other diagonal crease on the same flattened windmill shape and fold it inward as well. Crease sharply.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 on all sides:
Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the remaining three flattened windmill shapes. Fold inward along both diagonal creases on each side.
After completing this step, you should have a square with four triangular flaps folded inward, resembling a four-pointed star shape.
These inward folds create the foundation for the ninja star’s points. The next step will involve unfolding and flattening the model to prepare for the final shaping.
Unfold, flatten, then fold.
To continue shaping the ninja star, we need to unfold, flatten, and then make a specific fold:
- Unfold the model:
Carefully unfold the model back to its previous state, where you had four triangular flaps folded inward.
- Flatten the model:
Press down on the model to flatten it completely. Ensure that all the creases are sharp and well-defined.
- Fold the model in half diagonally:
Locate two opposite corners of the square and fold them together diagonally. Crease sharply.
- Unfold the diagonal fold:
Unfold the diagonal fold you just made.
After completing these steps, you should have a square with four triangular flaps that are now flattened against the model.
This unfolding, flattening, and folding sequence prepares the model for the final step, where we’ll transform it into the iconic ninja star shape.
Inside reverse fold, open pockets.
Now, let’s perform an inside reverse fold and open pockets to create the star’s intricate shape:
- Locate the triangular flaps:
Identify the four triangular flaps that are flattened against the model.
- Inside reverse fold each flap:
Take one of the triangular flaps and fold it inward along the diagonal crease. However, instead of folding it completely flat, leave a small gap between the flap and the model’s surface. This is called an inside reverse fold.
- Repeat step two on all flaps:
Perform the inside reverse fold on the remaining three triangular flaps.
- Open the pockets:
Gently push the folded flaps outward to open them up. You should now have a star shape with four points.
The inside reverse fold and opening of the pockets create the characteristic shape of the ninja star. It gives the star its three-dimensional structure and allows it to spin when thrown.
Form star shape, lock folds.
To complete your origami ninja star, follow these steps to form the star shape and lock the folds:
- Bring the points together:
Take two adjacent points of the star and bring them together.
- Fold one point over the other:
Fold one point over the other, creating a small flap.
- Repeat steps one and two on all sides:
Continue bringing adjacent points together, folding one point over the other, until you have connected all four points.
- Lock the folds:
Once all the points are connected, gently press down on the star to lock the folds in place.
Congratulations! You have successfully created your very own origami ninja star. Now, you can display it as a decorative piece or have fun throwing it and watching it spin.
Remember, with practice, you can improve your folding skills and create even more intricate origami models.
FAQ
Have questions about the fascinating art of origami? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to guide you on your origami journey:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. It involves transforming a flat sheet of paper into intricate shapes and figures through precise folding techniques.
Question 2: What are the benefits of origami?
Answer: Origami offers several benefits, including improved hand-eye coordination, enhanced spatial reasoning, increased concentration, and a sense of accomplishment. It can also be a relaxing and meditative activity.
Question 3: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer: Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is available in various colors and weights. However, you can also use regular printer paper or other thin, non-glossy paper for simple origami projects.
Question 4: How do I learn origami?
Answer: There are numerous resources available to learn origami, such as books, websites, and video tutorials. Start with basic folds and gradually progress to more complex models as you gain proficiency.
Question 5: Can origami be used for more than just decorative purposes?
Answer: Yes, origami has practical applications as well. For example, it’s used in engineering, architecture, and even medical fields. Origami-inspired designs can be found in everything from solar panels to stents.
Question 6: Is origami difficult to learn?
Answer: Origami can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding. With patience, practice, and a willingness to learn, anyone can master the art of origami.
Origami is an art form that combines creativity, precision, and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced folder, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy in the world of origami.
Now that you have a better understanding of origami, let’s explore some helpful tips to enhance your folding experience.
Tips
To enhance your origami experience and create stunning paper masterpieces, follow these practical tips:
Tip 1: Start with Simple Folds:
Begin your origami journey with basic folds and gradually work your way up to more complex models. Master the fundamental folds, such as the square fold, triangle fold, and bird base, before attempting intricate designs.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Paper:
Selecting the appropriate paper is crucial for successful origami. Use origami paper specifically designed for folding, as it is thinner and more pliable. Experiment with different colors and weights to find the paper that suits your project and skill level.
Tip 3: Practice Patience and Precision:
Origami requires patience, precision, and attention to detail. Take your time with each fold, ensuring it is crisp and accurate. Rushing through the process may result in sloppy folds that compromise the final model.
Tip 4: Use Your Creativity:
Origami offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different folding techniques, colors, and patterns. Create your unique origami designs and let your imagination soar.
With dedication and practice, you can elevate your origami skills and produce intricate and beautiful paper creations. Origami is an art form that combines mindfulness, creativity, and the joy of transforming a simple sheet of paper into something extraordinary.
Now that you have a better understanding of origami and some helpful tips to guide you, let’s explore the captivating world of origami models and discover the diverse creations you can bring to life with the art of paper folding.
Conclusion
Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, continues to captivate people worldwide with its intricate beauty and endless possibilities. Through simple folds and precise techniques, a flat sheet of paper can be transformed into stunning three-dimensional creations.
Whether you’re a seasoned origami enthusiast or just starting your folding journey, the art of origami offers something for everyone. It’s a mindful and creative activity that enhances hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. With dedication and practice, you can create intricate and beautiful origami models that can serve as decorations, gifts, or simply objects of admiration.
The world of origami is vast and ever-expanding, with countless models to explore and discover. From traditional Japanese origami, such as the crane and the samurai helmet, to modern and innovative designs, there’s an origami model for every taste and skill level.
As you embark on your origami journey, remember that the beauty of this art form lies in the process itself. Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something unique and meaningful with your own hands.
Origami is an art form that transcends language, culture, and age. It brings people together and fosters creativity, patience, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of simplicity. So, continue folding, exploring, and discovering the endless possibilities of origami.
