Author: Jo Nakashima

Paper folder. Dog lover. See all my origami tutorials on my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/jonakashima
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Origami Chess Set

Origami Chessboard by Jo Nakashima

All you need to play chess is paper! In the series of videos below you’ll learn how to make the origami chess set. All the pieces are made from square sheets of paper with the same size. You can also make a chessboard using my origami Pixels.

♙ Pawn

♖ Rook

♘ Knight

The horse head was based on my origami Unicorn. This is the only piece in my origami chess set that doesn’t start with the traditional bird base.

♗ Bishop

♕ Queen

♔ King

Chessboard

You can use the Origami Pixels to make the Chessboard. You’ll need 64 square sheets of paper (32 white and 32 black) with the same size you used for the pieces.

Support my work!

If you like my work, please consider visiting and subscribing to my YouTube channel! You’ll find all my work, including models that are not in this website and also models from other origami artists. The easiest way to support my work is simply watching my videos, clicking the like button, leaving comments and subscribing to my channel!

You can also contribute with small donations on Patreon or YouTube Channel Membership. It’s basically like paying me a tip as a thanks for my work and get some rewards in return, like early access to my tutorials and your name in the video (the “thank you” list). They work with recurring payments, but you can cancel anytime so one-time donations are also possible.

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Origami Baby Dragon

How to make the origami Baby Dragon
Designed by Jo Nakashima (22/Apr/2015)
Difficulty level: low intermediate

The origami Baby Dragon was based on my origami Chinchilla. The outer layers of the body became the wings and I made horns instead of the ears.

Origami Baby Dragon and Chinchilla

I used a similar base on my origami mouse (2020) and squirrel (2018).

Paper

I’m using 20cm x 20cm red tissue-foil in this tutorial. Special paper is not required for this model, regular 15cm x 15cm origami paper works well for this model.

Diagrams

Notice: at first I’ve made these diagrams only for the video, not to be published separately. For this reason, some transitions or steps might not be so clear. If you find some step difficult, you can find more detailed instructions in the video tutorial.

Support my work!

If you like my work, please consider visiting and subscribing to my YouTube channel! You’ll find all my work, including models that are not in this website and also models from other origami artists. The easiest way to support my work is simply watching my videos, clicking the like button, leaving comments and subscribing to my channel!

You can also contribute with small donations on Patreon or YouTube Channel Membership. It’s basically like paying me a tip as a thanks for my work and get some rewards in return, like early access to my tutorials and your name in the video (the “thank you” list). They work with recurring payments, but you can cancel anytime so one-time donations are also possible.

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Origami Devil Dragon v3

How to make the origami Devil Dragon v3
Designed by Jo Nakashima (01/2021)
Difficulty level: complex
Paper: 30cm x 30cm red tissue-foil

This is a new version of the origami Devil Dragon with the improvements from de Dragon v3. It has a better structure compared to the original version, a longer neck and tail. The face, hands and wings are the same from version 1.

Paper

I recommend using a large sheet of paper (at least 30cm x 30cm), otherwise some of the details will be difficult to make. It’s doable with standard origami paper, but I recommend higher quality papers like red tissue-foil for best results. The white side of the paper is visible at the snout and wings, so you might prefer using paper with color on both sides.

Diagrams

Notice: at first I’ve made these diagrams only for the video, not to be published separately. For this reason, some transitions or steps might not be so clear. If you find some step difficult, you can find more detailed instructions in the video tutorial.

Support my work!

If you like my work, please consider visiting and subscribing to my YouTube channel! You’ll find all my work, including models that are not in this website and also models from other origami artists. The easiest way to support my work is simply watching my videos, clicking the like button, leaving comments and subscribing to my channel!

You can also contribute with small donations on Patreon or YouTube Channel Membership. It’s basically like paying me a tip as a thanks for my work and get some rewards in return, like early access to my tutorials and your name in the video (the “thank you” list). They work with recurring payments, but you can cancel anytime so one-time donations are also possible.

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Origami Deltahedron/Triangular Pixels

Origami Deltahedron designed by Jo Nakashima (10/2020)
Difficulty level: simple

In geometry, a deltahedron is a polyhedron whose faces are all equilateral triangles. This definition includes some of regular polyhedra (tetrahedron, octahedron and icosahedron) and a variety of other shapes.

This is a modular origami and each unit is made from a triangular sheet of paper. Since it’s an unusual shape for origami, I show how to cut the triangles from a square sheet of paper in the beginning of the tutorials.

The units are connected in the internal side of the polyhedron, so final model is very clean with no visible creases nor unwanted layers. The downside is that it can be difficult to connect the last units. The final connection is made only with tabs and pockets, so it isn’t as secure as the other connections.

It works also as triangular pixels if you connect them flat with different colors to form some figure. If you like pixel art, see also the standard square pixel.

Video Tutorials

Icosahedron

The Icosahedron is a polyhedron with 20 triangular faces.

Octahedron

The Octahedron is a polyhedron with 8 triangular faces.

Tetrahedron

The Tetrahedron is a polyhedron with 4 triangular faces.

Stellated Octahedron

8 pointed star. Each point is a triangle-based pyramid. You can also see it as two interlaced tetrahedra.

Antiprisms tower

This is an example with variable number of units. You can use different antiprisms and any amount of levels. The model in this picture has 4 levels of square antiprisms (4×8=32 units) and a square-based pyramid on the top (+4 units). Optionally you can close the bottom with a concave pyramid (+4 units).

More Polyhedra

This model is not limited to the regular polyhedra. You can build other shapes, including non-convex forms. Here are some examples:

  • Excavated Dodecahedron (60 units): it looks like a dodecahedron with concave pentagonal pyramids in place of its faces. Although it wasn’t hard to build, the last pocket/tabs connections aren’t secure so I didn’t like it.
  • Stellated Icosahedron (60 units): an icosahedron with triangular pyramids augmented to each face. The last connections are too difficult to make (maybe with larger units it could be easier).
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Magnetic Origami Pocket Cube

How to make a functional Magnetic Origami Pocket Cube
Designed by Jo Nakashima (10/2020)
Difficulty level: Intermediate

The Pocket Cube (also known as the Mini Cube) is the 2x2x2 version of the Rubik’s Cube puzzle. This is a modular origami and each cube is made from a square sheet of paper. The “stickers” are also origami units connected to the cubes without glue nor tape.

To make it fully functional, I’ve attached magnets inside the cubes using double sided tape. Although it’s an easier puzzle, the magnet positioning isn’t as straightforward as the 3x3x3 version. I made it based on Larry D. Nichols cube puzzle, but using pairs of magnets.

To make this Pocket Cube you’ll need:

  • 12cm x 12cm origami paper (8x black, red, green, blue, yellow, white, orange)
  • 5mm diameter x 1mm thick magnets (48 units)
  • Double sided tape

Helpful Videos

To make each cube you’ll need to fold a 5×5 grid on every sheet of paper. In the tutorial I show the “origami way” to do that, without a ruler or any kind of tool. However, there are easier methods and the videos below can help you in this task:

To cut the rectangles for the stickers units I recommend this paper cutter:

Support my work!

If you like my work, please consider visiting and subscribing to my YouTube channel! You’ll find all my work, including models that are not in this website and also models from other origami artists. The easiest way to support my work is simply watching my videos, clicking the like button, leaving comments and subscribing to my channel!

You can also contribute with small donations on Patreon or YouTube Channel Membership. It’s basically like paying me a tip as a thanks for my work and get some rewards in return, like early access to my tutorials and your name in the video (the “thank you” list). They work with recurring payments, but you can cancel anytime so one-time donations are also possible.

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Origami Pixels

How to make origami Pixels
Designed by Jo Nakashima (09/2020)
Difficulty level: simple

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to make origami pixels. Each unit is made from a square sheet of paper and everything is connected without glue. There are two ways you can use it:

  • the front side is neat and perfect for pixel art, chess board and fractals like the Sierpiński carpet ;
  • the back side can be used as sets of 4 changeable pixels. Great to make panels where you can make letters, numbers and other patterns using only two colors.

Although the units are very simple to make, the connections can be a little tricky for beginners. They are similar to the ones I made for the Seamless Moving Cubes.

Paper

In the video I’m using 7.5cm x 7.5cm origami paper. The pixel (front side) will be 1/4 of the square length, so, to make a pixel with 1cm, use 4cm x 4cm.

Diagrams

Changeable Origami Pixels sample pictures

Support my work!

If you like my work, please consider visiting and subscribing to my YouTube channel! You’ll find all my work, including models that are not in this website and also models from other origami artists. The easiest way to support my work is simply watching my videos, clicking the like button, leaving comments and subscribing to my channel!

You can also contribute with small donations on Patreon or YouTube Channel Membership. It’s basically like paying me a tip as a thanks for my work and get some rewards in return, like early access to my tutorials and your name in the video (the “thank you” list). They work with recurring payments, but you can cancel anytime so one-time donations are also possible.

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Origami Peacock v2

How to make an origami Peacock v2
Designed by Jo Nakashima (Aug/2020)
Difficulty level: hard

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to make an origami Peacock step by step. In this version I’ve added more pleat folds to make the spread feathers and, in addition, I also made the crest on its head. With this approach it is not possible to make really big feathers, but I still like how it looks.

It’s not really a complex model, but some steps can be tricky for beginners. If you think 20m 19s is easy, you should be able to make this model with no problems. If this is too hard, try the Peacock v1 or the Pigeon (it’s a similar model, but much easier).

Paper

In the tutorial I’m using 20cm x 20cm Copper Tissue-foil, but special paper is not required. Standard 15cm x 15cm origami paper works as well.

Diagrams

Diagrams for the Peacock v2 are not available yet. Watch the tutorial to learn how to make it!

Support my work!

If you like my work, please consider visiting and subscribing to my YouTube channel! You’ll find all my work, including models that are not in this website and also models from other origami artists. The easiest way to support my work is simply watching my videos, clicking the like button, leaving comments and subscribing to my channel!

You can also contribute with small donations on Patreon or YouTube Channel Membership. It’s basically like paying me a tip as a thanks for my work and get some rewards in return, like early access to my tutorials and your name in the video (the “thank you” list). They work with recurring payments, but you can cancel anytime so one-time donations are also possible.

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Origami Peacock

How to make an origami Peacock
Designed by Jo Nakashima (10/Aug/2020)
Difficulty level: low intermediate
My paper: 15cm x 15cm origami paper

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to make an origami peacock step by step. This model has the same base of some of my other origami birds (Pigeon, Java Sparrow and Cockatiel), but with different locks on the bottom and neck. It can’t spread the tail, but I’ll try to make a different version that can do it.

Optional steps

This model isn’t hard to make, but some parts can be simplified. These points are also indicated in the progress bar (video chapters – it works only if you watch on youtube, not in the embedded video player):

  • Legs: in this tutorial I show how to make color changed legs. But you can make an easier version without color change, like in the Pigeon tutorial. Skip all the “Left/Right wings and legs” (starting at 6:28) and follow the pigeon tutorial for these steps (the progress bar indicates the segments you’ll need): https://youtu.be/mY_Ja3p6e5I?t=303
  • Tail: you can skip this part (13:28 to 15:23) and narrow it with one fold on each side.
  • Neck: you can skip the neck color change and lock (19:25)
  • Feet: it’s not a hard step, but I think it looks more elegant without feet.

Diagrams

Support my work!

If you like my work, please consider visiting and subscribing to my YouTube channel! You’ll find all my work, including models that are not in this website and also models from other origami artists. The easiest way to support my work is simply watching my videos, clicking the like button, leaving comments and subscribing to my channel!

You can also contribute with small donations on Patreon or YouTube Channel Membership. It’s basically like paying me a tip as a thanks for my work and get some rewards in return, like early access to my tutorials and your name in the video (the “thank you” list). They work with recurring payments, but you can cancel anytime so one-time donations are also possible.

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Origami Dragon v3

How to make an origami Dragon (version3)
Designed by Jo Nakashima (12/July/2020)
Difficulty level: intermediate

This new version of my origami dragon has not only a better shape, but also more improvements! It has a longer neck, tail and horns, better structure with less tension (so it holds better the shape) and a better folding sequence. I hope the video length does not discourage you to fold it, it’s not that hard! (actually, maybe it’s even easier than the origami dragon v1 because the folding sequence is better)

Paper

This origami dragon doesn’t require special paper and even the standard 15cm x 15cm origami paper works. For best results I recommend 25cm x 25cm and the finished model will be about 8cm tall. If you want to use some special paper, here are some suggestions:

Lizard Hide

This paper has a very nice texture imitating skin of reptiles. It is a bit thick, but works great if you wet-fold it. Click here to buy it from origam-shop.

Texture detail

Biogami

Like the previous one, Biogami is also thick and works better if you wet-fold it. Buy it from origam-shop.

Red Tissue-foil

This is the paper I used in the tutorial. It is thin and works great for almost any model. Click here to buy it from origami-shop.

Diagrams

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Origami Brachiosaurus

The origami Brachiosaurus’ base is similar to the Giraffe and the Unicorn. If you like dinosaurs, see also the T-Rex and the Velociraptor.

Origami Brachiosaurus designed by Jo Nakashima (28/Jun/2015)
Difficulty level: low intermediate
My paper: origami paper 15cm x 15cm

Diagrams

Notice: at first I’ve made these diagrams only for the video, not to be published separately. For this reason, some transitions or steps might not be so clear. If you find some step difficult, you can find more detailed instructions in the video tutorial.

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Origami Butterfly

There are two versions of my origami butterfly. The version 1 has a color change on the body, but it is made from a rectangle with ratio 2:1. The version 2 is made from a square sheet of paper and it’s easier to fold, but there’s no color change.

Designed by Jo Nakashima (20/apr/2016)
Difficulty level: low intermediate (version 1) or simple (version 2)
Suggested sizes: 20cm x 10cm (version 1) or 10cm x 10cm (version 2)
The nice paper used in the first version is called Copper Tissue-Foil and you can buy it here.

Diagrams – Version 1

Diagrams – Version 2

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Origami Pixelated Octahedron

How to make an origami Pixelated Octahedron
Designed by Jo Nakashima (05/2020)
Difficulty level: simple

This is a modular origami and each cube is made from a single square sheet of paper, all connected without glue.

With few units you probably won’t think it looks like an octahedron – that is because it’s like a very low resolution pixel art of an octahedron! But it can be escalated to add more pixels: each level will require more and more cubes and there is no theoretical upper limit! (see below how to find the number of sheets you need for each level)

I’ve created many other models from the basic cube unit. For more figures that can be escalated indefinitely, see also the Pixelated Pyramid and the Menger Sponge. If you like puzzles, try the Soma Cube and the Rubik’s Cube!

Paper

In the video tutorial I’m using 12cm x 12cm origami paper for each cube. The origami Pixelated Octahedron can be built with different sizes, so the number of cubes varies. See the table below:

(More info: Octahedral number)

Helpful videos

To make each cube you’ll need to fold a 5×5 grid on every sheet of paper. In the tutorial I show the “origami way” to do that, without a ruler or any kind of tool. However, there are easier methods and the videos below can help you in this task:

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Origami Pixelated Pyramid

How to make an origami Pixelated Pyramid
Designed by Jo Nakashima (05/2020)
Difficulty level: simple

This is a modular origami and each cube is made from a single square sheet of paper, all connected without glue.

With few units you probably won’t think it looks like a pyramid – that is because it’s like a very low resolution pixel art of a pyramid! But it can be escalated to add more pixels: each level will require more and more cubes and there is no theoretical upper limit! (see below how to find the number of sheets you need for each level)

I’ve created many other models from the basic cube unit. For more figures that can be escalated indefinitely, see also the Pixelated Octahedron and the Menger Sponge. If you like puzzles, try the Soma Cube and the Rubik’s Cube!

Paper

In the video tutorial I’m using 12cm x 12cm origami paper for each cube. The origami Pixelated Pyramid can be built with different sizes, so the number of cubes varies. See the table below:

More info: Pyramidal number

Helpful videos

To make each cube you’ll need to fold a 5×5 grid on every sheet of paper. In the tutorial I show the “origami way” to do that, without a ruler or any kind of tool. However, there are easier methods and the videos below can help you in this task:

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One Sheet Origami Tree v4

How to make the One Sheet Origami Tree v4
Designed by Jo Nakashima (02/2020)
Difficulty level: complex

This is the ultimate version of my One Sheet Origami Tree, after 3 flat versions. Despite of the simple look, it is actually the hardest of my origami trees.

Paper

I start the tutorial with a 15cm x 15cm sheet of origami paper, but after some steps I change to a 24cm x 24cm sheet to make the steps easier to see. It’s possible to finish it with the 15cm square, but the recommended size is 24cm to get a good size for the finished model.

Diagrams

Notice: at first I’ve made these diagrams only for the video, not to be published separately. For this reason, some transitions or steps might not be so clear. If you find some step difficult, you can find more detailed instructions in the video tutorial.

Previous Christmas Trees

In addition to the One Sheet Trees, I’ve created also some of modular trees. They are easier to fold (especially the Easy Christmas Tree as its name suggests) and doesn’t need glue to connect their units. Click here to open my Christmas playlist with all my trees.

One Sheet Origami Tree v1, v2 (star) and v3 (tsuru)
My modular origami Christmas Trees

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Origami Groom

Learn how to make the origami Groom. See also the origami Bride.

Designed by Jo Nakashima (11/2010)
Difficulty level: intermediate
Paper size: 21cm x 9cm (7:3 ratio) – black and white

Diagrams

Notice: at first I’ve made these diagrams only for the video, not to be published separately. For this reason, some transitions or steps might not be so clear. If you find some step difficult, you can find more detailed instructions in the video tutorial.

See also the bride tutorial

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Origami Bride and Princess

Info and diagrams

The origami Bride and the Princess are basically the same, but the bride needs a longer paper for the veil. The Princess video has a better quality and the printable pattern has marks to help you to fold it (the Bride video is older and unfortunatelly I used white paper on white background, bad choice).
You can get Princess Peach (and other Super Mario characters) printables here.

Designed by Jo Nakashima (Nov/2010)
Difficulty level: simple
Recommended paper size: 22.5cm x 4.5cm
Diagrams: Download [PDF]

See also

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