[Origami] Simple Origami Ideas to Feel the Spring with 3-Year-Olds

swallowtail butterfly

[Origami] A summer origami “swallowtail butterfly” to make with a 3-year-old

Enjoy the process of drawing the patterns as you make it! Here’s an idea featuring a swallowtail butterfly.

Swallowtails are a beautiful type of butterfly that can be seen from around April to October, known for their striking wing patterns.

Because of their beauty, they’re especially popular and loved by many people.

This time, let’s make a swallowtail butterfly with origami.

You’ll need black origami paper and a black pen.

It’s a good idea to look at a field guide or similar reference while drawing the patterns.

Easter Triangle Garland

Easter is a celebratory event held in spring.

Easter is set as the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.

There’s also a game where children hide and search for colorful eggs called Easter eggs in the yard.

The rabbit that carries the Easter eggs is also an important motif.

Let’s try making a garland with colorful Easter eggs that evoke spring and cute animals like rabbits.

By following the same steps—such as folding origami paper in half—you can create the individual parts for both the eggs and the animals.

Draw faces on the folded origami, add ribbons, and connect them with a string to finish.

Using ribbon instead of string can be lovely as well.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

koi (carp)

Easy way to make an origami koi (carp) ~ How to make an easy origami carp ~

Let’s make it with a single sheet of origami! I’ll introduce a koi idea.

All you need is one sheet of origami paper in your favorite color.

Koi are traditional fish in Japan, and many children are familiar with them from koi-shaped streamers (koinobori) displayed during Children’s Day.

This origami idea is easy to make using basic folds, so children can have fun while developing their fine motor skills.

Another appealing point is that by experimenting with colors and shapes, kids can create their very own unique koi.

Smile Flower

How to fold an origami flower! Easy enough for kids♪

Spring is the season when it gets warmer and insects and plants come to life, isn’t it? Among the flowers that show us their cute faces in spring, this time I’ll show you how to make a smiling “Smile Flower.” First, fold the paper in half both ways to make creases, then open it.

Fold all four corners toward the center point.

Once that’s done, repeat the same step one more time.

Next, fold down each of the corners gathered at the center one by one.

Try folding as if you’re opening flower petals.

Fold down the inner corners in the same way, and you’re finished.

Lastly, draw a cheerful smile in the center of the flower!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyoko sensei

Report a problem

Spring wreath with tulips and butterflies

When you see tulips and butterflies, you can really feel the spring vibe, right? Let’s make a spring-themed wreath with origami tulips and butterflies.

For the base, use a paper plate with the center cut out and paint it your favorite color.

Prepare origami paper cut into four equal squares, and fold tulips and butterflies.

Fold a square in half into a triangle, then fold the corners upward to complete the tulip.

For the butterfly, make an accordion fold and attach a pipe cleaner in the middle.

Arrange and glue them onto the paper plate wreath however you like to finish it.

You can also draw leaf shapes on construction paper, cut them out, and add them for a nice touch.

It looks like you’ll end up with a wreath full of children’s free and creative ideas.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Tulip and Ladybug

On a warm spring day, when you head outdoors, you might catch sight of tulips in full bloom and ladybugs, too.

Let’s try making this spring scene with origami.

Both the tulip and the ladybug can be made with simple steps.

For the ladybug’s spots, try sticking on small dot stickers or drawing them with a pen.

Ladybugs are one of the insects kids love, so they’ll likely enjoy making them with excitement.

Tear green construction paper into thin, long strips for leaves and glue them onto a backing sheet.

It will enhance the feel of a spring meadow even more.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

ladybug

Ladybugs with origami! A simple and cute spring craft recommended for 3- and 4-year-olds

Perfect for spring crafts! Here are some ladybug ideas.

The origami ladybug features an adorable, rounded shape.

With its red body and black spots, it’s a bug that really captures children’s interest.

This time, let’s make it using origami.

Origami is perfect for developing fine motor skills, and its appeal lies in how children can get absorbed in creating shapes on their own.

It also looks lovely displayed alongside other themed crafts!