Category: Diagrams

How to make the origami Chibi Dragon Bookmark.
Designed by Jo Nakashima (05/2018)
Difficulty level: intermediate

Now you can have a cute little dragon sitting and guarding the page of your favorite book! This is a simplified version of my Dragon Bookmark.

In 2015 I’ve created the original non-bookmark versions of the Chibi Dragon and the Dragon v1 from a combination of crane and frog bases. But only in 2018, after the creation of the Crane Boomark, many of my viewers requested to do the same with the dragon – and it worked pretty well!

Paper

For this model you’ll need a rectangle with 2:1 ratio (half of a square). I recommend 20cm x 10cm.

It works best if you use a very thin paper, otherwise the layers on one of the sides of the dragon will get too thick and hard to fold or keep the shape. It does work with printer paper for test fold and learning, but don’t expect very good results from it.

This beatiful shiny paper used in the tutorial is 20cm x 10cm Shadow Fold paper from Origami-shop (buy it here).

Diagrams

See also

The origami Chibi Dragon Bookmark has a very simple look, but if you want a more details like horns and nicely shaped wings, try my first Dragon Bookmark:

And there are also the original non-bookmark versions of both Chibi Dragon and Dragon v1:

Learn how to make the origami “Stay home” symbol
Designed by Jo Nakashima (08/April/2020)
Difficulty level: simple

I’ve created this model based on the Instagram sticker with a heart and a little house.

During this difficult time of COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing is the best way to stay safe. So, in order to raise awareness, people are using the hashtag #stayhome on social networks.

And, of course, the origami community also joined the cause: now there are many variations of houses and hearts by different artists around the globe. Click here to see a list of some of these models folded by Sara Adams.

My version is pretty simple so I think even beginners can fold it. The top part of the heart is similar to my Heart Stand and I used the rest of the paper to make a simple house with a color change on the roof.

Stay home, save lives.

Paper

The origami “Stay home” symbol works better if you use paper with different colors on each side due to the color change on the roof. Any simple paper like standard 15cm x 15cm origami paper works well.

In the video tutorial I’m using 15cm x 15cm kraft paper.

Diagrams

How to make the One Sheet Origami Tree
Designed by Jo Nakashima – 12/dec/2019 (v1 and v2), 15/dec/2019 (v3)
Difficulty level: intermediate

This is a clean-looking flat origami pine tree made from a single square sheet of paper, and I highlight this in its name because most of origami Christmas trees are modular models.

Despite of the simple look, it is not so easy to make because there are open sink folds on the sides of the tree. It’s a somewhat advanced technique that can be a little bit tricky for beginners. It’s possible to get the tree shape without the sink folds (stopping at 9:21 in the first tutorial), but then it won’t keep the shape (the top would bend forward) so it won’t be able to stand.

In this post I’m covering the three flat versions of the One Sheet Origami Tree, but there is also a three dimensional fourth version.

Version 1

This is the basic version of the tree with no extra features in it.

Version 2 – Star

In this version I added a star on the top based on Oz Neyer’s tree.

Version 3 – Tsuru

This version is a mix of the basic tree and my Crane Bookmark.

Diagrams (version 1)

How to make an origami Unicorn
Designed by Jo Nakashima (12/jul/2014 + nov/2019)
Difficulty level: complex

This model was first designed in 2014, but this is an updated version with some “bug fixes” (legs are properly locked) and a color changed horn.

The biggest flaw of the old version is that the legs and layers of the body would spread open after a while. This could be solved using foil paper or the wet folding technique, but in my opinion a good design should hold the shape well even with normal paper. So, to solve this problem, I’ve made some locks on the legs similar to the hind legs of my origami Reindeer. Additionally, I rearranged some layers on the crimp fold of the neck and added some locks inside the body too.

Paper

The paper used in this tutorial is Copper tissue-foil 20cm x 20cm. For the first unicorn, I used Deluxe Washi White 24cm x 24cm (this is my recommended paper).

Origami Unicorn 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.

Origami Horse and Pegasus

It’s easy to hide the horn to make a normal horse. The tutorial is the same as the unicorn until 31 minutes:

You can also add wings to make an origami Pegasus:

How to make an origami Java Sparrow
Designed by Jo Nakashima (May/20019)
Difficulty level: intermediate
My paper: 20cm x 20cm origami paper

This is a very cute bird also known as Java finch, Java rice sparrow or Java rice bird. The normal colors of a wild Java Sparrow is black, white and gray (plus red for beak and legs), but there are also other mutations including the pure white that I chose to depict in this origami.

This model was based on the origami Cockatiel, also designed by myself. Most of the steps are the same, except on the head (52 to 59 on the diagrams). In the video I also decided to simplify the feet (no steps 25-27 and in the end all fingers are pointing to the front).

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.

How to make an origami Cockatiel
Designed by Jo Nakashima (2019/05)
Difficulty level: complex

This is a small parrot with a distinctive crest and it’s also known as weiro bird or quarrion.

If you like birds, see also my origami Java Sparrow. The steps are almost the same as the origami Cockatiel, but with a different head. If you want to make a easier model, try the origami Pigeon.

Paper

The paper used in the tutorial is a 20cm x 20cm sheet of Golden Tissue-foil, a very nice paper from origami-shop. Special paper is not required and you can use standard origami paper as well.

Diagrams

See also the video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_l6X_OnaK8

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.

How to make an origami Pigeon
Designed by Jo Nakashima (05/2019)
Difficulty level: easy

This is my easiest origami bird. Its base, with some modifications, is used to make other birds like the Cockatiel and the Java Sparrow.

Paper

In this tutorial I’m using a 15cm x 15cm sheet of origami paper. It’s a simple model, so it works well even with smaller sizes.

Diagrams

If you like this origami pigeon, please leave a comment and like on my video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY_Ja3p6e5I

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.

Learn how to make an origami Mount Fuji.

Designed by Jo Nakashima (03/2019)
Difficulty level: simple
My paper: 17.5cm x 17.5cm origami paper

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.

Learn how to fold an origami crane (tsuru) using toilet paper.

Designed by Jo Nakashima (21/Apr/2018)
Difficulty level: low intermediate (it’s a bit difficult to make origami from toilet paper)
My paper: toilet paper

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.

Learn how to make the origami Flapping Winged Heart, an action model for Valentine’s Day! I created two different types of wings but I couldn’t decide witch one was the best, so I made both versions!

This origami requires a rectangle with ratio 4:1, so in the beginning of the tutorials/diagrams I just show how to get the proper size from a standard square sheet. I recommend 24cm x 6cm sheet of paper.

Designed by Jo Nakashima (29/Jan/2019)
Difficulty level: low intermediate

Flapping Winged Heart tutorials

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.

Watch the video to learn how to operate 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.

2019 is the year of the pig in the Chinese zodiac! Learn how to fold my origami Pig.

Origami Pig
Designed by Jo Nakashima (09/Oct/2018)
Difficulty level: intermediate
My paper: 18cm x 18cm origami paper
Suggested paper: Tant (https://www.origami-shop.com/fiche_article.php?ref=8&products_id=10045&affiliate_banner_id=1)

Diagrams

I’ve made this origami Maneki Neko for Japan’s Culture Day. The head looks the same as in my original Neko but I did an easier way to make the ears (that was a bit troublesome step for beginners in the original design).

Origami Maneki Neko
Designed by Jo Nakashima (09/2018)
Difficulty level: low intermediate
My paper: copper tissue-foil (buy it here)

Diagrams

If you find some step difficult, you can find more detailed instructions in the video tutorial.

Origami Squirrel
Designed by Jo Nakashima (15/Sep/2018)
Difficulty level: intermediate
My paper:
First squirrel: Alios Kraft 15cm x 15cm (buy it here)
Tutorial: Copper Tissue-foil 20cm x 20cm (buy it here)

Diagrams

If you find some step difficult, you can find more detailed instructions in the video tutorial.

Learn how to make an origami Golden Snitch from Harry Potter books/movies! This is an inflatable model and you just need a single uncut square sheet of paper. No magic required to make this model, so even Muggles can fold it! However, it can’t fly unless you cast a Wingardium Leviosa on it.

Designed by Jo Nakashima (07/07/2018)
Difficulty level: Low intermediate
My paper: 20cm x 20cm Gold Tissue-foil (click here to buy it)

Origami Golden Snitch 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.

Learn how to make an origami Dragon Bookmark
Designed by Jo Nakashima (03/May/2018)
Difficulty level: High intermediate

Now you can have a cute little dragon sitting and guarding the page of your favorite book!

In 2015 I’ve created the original non-bookmark version of the Dragon v1 from a combination of crane and frog bases. But only in 2018, after the creation of the Crane Boomark, many of my viewers requested to do the same with the dragon – and it worked pretty well!

If you think this model is too hard, try also the simplified version: Origami Chibi Dragon Bookmark.

Paper

For this model you’ll need a rectangle with 2:1 ratio (half of a square). I recommend 20cm x 10cm.

It works best if you use a very thin paper, otherwise the layers on one of the sides of the dragon will get too thick and hard to fold or keep the shape. It does work with printer paper for test fold and learning, but don’t expect very good results from it.

These are the papers used in my video tutorial:

• First dragon: 20cm x 10cm Shadow Fold (buy it). This is my recommended size, but it requires good thin paper
• Tutorial: 30cm x 15cm Red Tissue-foil (buy it)

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.

It looks like a simple Crane sitting on a book, but it’s actually an origami Tsuru Bookmark! Diagrams and video available!

Designed by Jo Nakashima (21/Apr/2018)
Difficulty level: low intermediate
My paper: 10cm x 20cm Copper Tissue-Foil
Buy this paper: Origami-shop

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.

Use a rectangle sheet of paper with ratio 1:2 (half of a square). I recommend 10cm x 20cm). It works best with thin paper because one of the sides will have many layers.

This new version of my origami Slinky can be folded from a single long strip of paper (you can use register or calculator rolls for example). In theory it can be as long as you want, but in practice it is difficult to keep the precision after folding many levels of the spiral.
See also the modular version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ErCU013v0k

Designed by Jo Nakashima (03/2018)
Difficulty level: low intermediate
My paper: Thermal paper roll 8cm wide (receipt, adding machine, register or calculator Rolls). For a 8cm wide strip, each lap will use 20cm. My slinky has 15 laps, so it is 15×20 = 300cm long

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.

Learn how to make my new origami heart (named “Nakashima Heart” after the suggestion of my followers on Facebook). At first glance It looks like the simple traditional origami heart, but this one has two clean sides with no loose flaps nor unwanted creases. I’m really happy with the result and the folding sequence.

Designed by Jo Nakashima (31/Jan/2018)
Difficulty level: low intermediate
My paper: 15cm x 15cm kraft paper

Diagrams

If you find some step difficult, you can find more detailed instructions in the video tutorial.
Notice: the version in this diagrams is a little different from the video after step 35. Some of the steps to make the tabs/locking weren’t necessary, so I’ve simplified this part.