Wouldn’t it be fun if you could actually move and play with your origami after folding it?Origami includes many creations with simple steps yet unique movements, such as mouths that open and close or mechanisms that spin.Here, we introduce origami ideas you can play with after you fold them.We’ve gathered a wide range, from things you can enjoy with children to cleverly engineered pieces you might get totally absorbed in.Be sure to experience the thrill of that “It moved!” moment when you finish.
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Moving origami is fun! A simple collection of ideas that both kids and adults can enjoy (1–10)
Monkey’s Mountain ClimbNEW!
It’s a whimsical toy where a little monkey climbs a mountain and appears from the summit.
First, make crease lines in both vertical and diagonal X shapes, then fold along those lines to form a square.
Fold the unopened section into a small triangle and cut it off as is.
The cut piece is the monkey.
Next, slightly fold up the edges of the opening part on both sides (front and back) to finish the monkey.
Place the monkey origami between the lower piece that represents the mountain’s foothills, and by moving the foothill section with small, quick motions, the monkey will climb the mountain and reach the top!
Spins round and round! A flying toyNEW!
It’s an easy-to-make toy that you’ll want to play with over and over.
First, fold the origami paper into a triangle, then roll it up tightly into a long, thin shape starting from the center.
That’s all there is to making it! To play, simply snap open the final folded tip and let go—the piece will shoot off with great speed.
The direction you unfold it affects how well it spins, so experiment and see what works best.
Once it has opened up, you can fold it back the same way and play again and again!
Spins like crazy! Hand spinnerNEW!
The hand spinner became extremely popular with both children and adults and even went out of stock for a time.
Believe it or not, you can make one from a single sheet of origami paper! First, make vertical and horizontal crease lines to form a cross, then fold both ends toward these creases.
Rotate it and fold both ends toward the other central line, then fold each end back into a triangle.
Open along those creases, fold back only the two on the diagonal, and form a pinwheel-like shape.
Add creases to each blade-like part, shape it by creating a triangular peak in the center, and you’re done! Pinch the peaked part between your fingers and blow on it—the spinner will whirl around.
How to fold blinking eyesNEW!
How about some blinking eyes that look a bit eerie in the dark? They’re perfect for Halloween toys, too! First, fold a piece of origami paper in half into a triangle to make a crease, then fold both ends inward toward this crease three times.
Next, fold it in half from the other direction to make another crease, and fold both ends toward the center along that crease.
Shape the whole piece into an eye by folding the straight edges diagonally.
Attach a handle, and the eye is complete! Finish it by adding a separately made drawing of an eye in the center and gluing on eyelashes around it.
Spinning paper toyNEW!
You’ll definitely get hooked watching it spin around and around! First, cut a 4 cm × 15 cm sheet of origami paper lengthwise into three long strips.
Fold each strip in half at the center.
Start by crossing two strips at a right angle, then thread the remaining strip through the loop created where the first two intersect at a right angle.
Pull all the ends tight to secure them, adjust the shape, and it’s done! Just drop it, and it will spin as it falls.
Try dropping it from different heights and have fun!
How to fold a jumping catNEW!
This is a cute origami cat that looks like it’s hopping.
Fold a 15 cm square sheet of origami paper in half horizontally, then fold both sides toward the crease.
With that shape, fold it in half vertically, fold one side toward the crease, then open and squash-fold it.
Do the same on the other side, flip it over, and continue folding along the creases.
This part will become the cat’s face.
Keep folding the body and legs, then draw the eyes, mouth, whiskers, etc.
on the face with a pen to finish.
If you like, try drawing a variety of expressions—smiling, angry, crying—to give it personality and make it more fun.
Moving is fun! Spring toyNEW!
Spring toys with mysterious motions are so captivating that you can keep playing with even store-bought ones forever, right? Let’s make that kind of spring toy with origami.
You’ll need one regular square sheet of origami and another sheet cut in half.
Cut each into long, narrow strips so you have a total of 12 pieces.
Glue two strips together at a right angle, flip them over, and fold them back and forth in an alternating pattern.
When the folding sections start getting short, extend them by gluing on more strips to continue.
The key is to make crisp creases as you fold.
Once you’ve used all 12 strips, you’re done! Try wobbling it or pressing it like a switch to play.