Origami is the ancient art of paper folding that originated in Japan. It is a wonderful way to unleash your creativity and create beautiful paper designs. One of the popular origami shapes to make is a spade. With just a few folds, you can create a cute and decorative spade that can be used as a bookmark, decoration, or even a gift. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to make an origami spade.
To start, you will need a square piece of paper. It can be any size, as long as it is square. If your paper is not already square, you can easily cut it into a square shape using scissors. Once you have your square paper ready, fold it in half diagonally to create a triangle. Make sure to crease the fold well.
Next, take the bottom corner of the triangle and fold it up towards the top corner, creating another smaller triangle. Again, crease the fold well. This will form the pointed end of your spade. Open up the fold and you should see a crease line running from the top corner to the bottom corner of the triangle.
Now, take the right corner of the triangle and fold it towards the center along the crease line. Repeat this step with the left corner, folding it towards the center along the same crease line. This will give you a diamond shape with two flaps at the bottom. Fold these flaps towards the back, tucking them under the triangle. This will create the handle of the spade.
Your origami spade is now complete! You can decorate it with colors, patterns, or even add your own personal touch. Now you can use your origami spade as a cute decoration or a functional bookmark. Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to create beautiful objects using just a sheet of paper. So go ahead, grab some paper, and start folding! Happy origami!
Step 1: Choose the right paper
Choosing the right paper is the first and most important step in creating an origami spade. The type of paper you use will determine the overall quality and appearance of the finished product.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing paper for your origami spade:
- Size: The paper should be square in shape, as this is the standard for most origami projects. You can easily trim a rectangular sheet to make it square if needed.
- Weight: The weight of the paper affects how easy it is to fold and how well the final piece holds its shape. Medium weight paper, such as origami paper or cardstock, is ideal for this project.
- Color: Choose a color that you find appealing and matches the overall theme or purpose of your origami spade.
- Texture: Consider the texture of the paper, as it can add depth and visual interest to the final design. Smooth, matte papers are often recommended for their ease of folding.
- Availability: Look for paper that is readily available in your area. Craft stores, online retailers, and even recycled materials can be good sources for origami paper.
By considering these factors and choosing the right paper, you’ll set yourself up for success in creating an origami spade that will impress and delight!
Step 2: Fold the paper diagonally
Once you have your square piece of paper ready, the next step is to fold it diagonally. Take one corner of the paper and bring it over to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Make sure the edges are aligned perfectly.
Press down firmly on the folded edge to create a crisp crease. This will ensure that the paper stays in place when you proceed to the next step.
Tip: To get the best result, use your fingers or a bone folder to make the crease even sharper.
Remember: Accuracy is key in origami, so take your time to ensure that the fold is straight and the corners meet perfectly.
Step 3: Fold the paper horizontally
Once you have completed step 2, take the bottom edge of the paper and fold it up to meet the top edge. Make sure to line up the edges as accurately as possible, creating a straight horizontal fold.
Note: It is important to have a precise fold to ensure the final shape of the spade turns out well.
After folding the paper horizontally, you should now have a long rectangular shape with the crease running across the middle. This crease is essential for creating the distinct triangular shape of the spade.
Points to keep in mind:
- Take your time and make sure the fold is clean and sharp.
- Pay attention to the alignment of the edges to maintain symmetry.
- Smooth out any wrinkles or bumps on the folded portion for a neater appearance.
By folding the paper horizontally, you are one step closer to completing your origami spade.
Step 4: Fold the paper vertically
Once you have completed the previous steps, you will have a square-shaped piece of paper in front of you. To create the spade shape, you need to fold the paper vertically.
Start by taking the top right corner of the paper and folding it towards the bottom left corner. This will create a diagonal crease in the paper. Make sure to align the edges and corners as neatly as possible.
To secure the fold, gently press along the crease, using your fingertip or a bone folder if you have one. Be careful not to tear the paper while doing this.
After folding and creasing the paper vertically, you will have a triangular shape with two flaps on the sides. The pointed end of the triangle will become the tip of the spade.
Pro Tip:
Ensure that the fold is crisp and well-defined so that your finished spade will have a clean and polished look.
Step 5: Fold the corners to make the blade
Now it’s time to shape the blade of the spade. Take each of the top corners and fold them towards the center of the paper, aligning them with the bottom edge. This will create a triangle shape on the top portion of the paper.
Make sure to press down firmly and crease the paper well along the folded edge. This will help ensure that the blade stays in place when you’re finished.
Next, flip the paper over and repeat the same folding process on the other side. Fold each of the remaining top corners towards the center, aligning them with the bottom edge to create another triangle shape.
Remember to crease the paper well once again to strengthen the shape of the blade.
Tips:
- Take your time and be careful when folding the corners. Precision and accuracy are key in creating a well-defined blade shape.
- Use your fingernail or the edge of a ruler to help make sharp and clean creases along the folded edges.
Final Thoughts:
By folding the corners inward, you have successfully shaped the blade of the origami spade. The triangle shapes created will resemble the sharp, pointed edge of a real spade. Now, you’re one step closer to completing your origami spade!
Step 6: Finish the spade by folding the handle
Once you have completed the previous steps, the main body of the spade should be formed. Now it’s time to add the finishing touch by folding the handle.
To begin, take the top edge of the paper and fold it downwards, aligning it with the bottom edge. This will create a crease in the center of the paper.
Next, unfold the paper and flip it over. Take the left edge and fold it towards the center, aligning it with the vertical crease.
Repeat the same folding step for the right edge, bringing it towards the center and aligning it with the existing crease.
With the left and right edges folded towards the center, fold the entire paper in half along the vertical crease. This will create the handle of the spade.
For added stability, you can reinforce the handle by gently pushing the folded edges with your fingers or using a blunt object, such as a pen or ruler, to make sharper creases.
You have now successfully finished folding the handle of the origami spade! Your spade is complete and ready to be used in any creative project or game.
