Paper, one fold at a time
Explore animal faces, a boat, a heart, a butterfly, a box, a paper airplane, a tulip, a modular cube, a garland, a dragon head, a crane, a lily and a thirty-unit Sonobe star. Each illustrated draft includes materials, the folding action and the result to compare before continuing.
The first tutorial
Diagram
Two ears and a folded muzzle. Follow the sequence with the paper orientation and moving layers explained at every step.
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Fourteen illustrated tutorials to explore, with materials, folding diagrams and assembly instructions where needed.
These filters organise an editorial proposal. Levels and audiences are provisional; they are not tested difficulty ratings or verified age recommendations. Activities with children are presented for the adults helping them. Fourteen tutorial drafts are available; physical folding and assembly tests remain pending.
14 ideas · 14 tutorial drafts available
Illustrated draft
The first illustrated draft follows the paper orientation, moving layers and intermediate results. Physical folding test pending.
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Illustrated draft
Fold the ears and chin, then turn the model over for optional drawn features. Materials, actions and results are illustrated.
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Illustrated draft
Start with a rectangle and follow the hat, diamond and opening stages. Floating performance has not been tested.
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Illustrated draft
Follow the centre creases, shape the lower point and round the shoulders with small folds. Includes material choices and checks.
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Illustrated draft
Build the base and open the paper into a butterfly. The longer sequence separates the layer changes into individual actions.
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Illustrated draft
Follow the centre creases, folded walls and opening stages of a masu box. Materials and layer orientation accompany each action.
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Illustrated draft
Fold a rectangle into a dart-shaped airplane, with matching wing guides and the moving layers explained. Flight performance has not been tested.
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Illustrated draft
Use two squares for a flower head and a stem with a leaf. Follow the separate pieces and the optional flat-card arrangement.
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Illustrated draft
Fold six matching Sonobe units and follow the pockets, tabs and cube assembly. Fit and strength still need a physical test.
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Illustrated draft
Fold four square sheets into triangular flags and arrange them along a cord. Paper adhesive belongs to the separate decoration assembly.
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Illustrated draft
Shape a flat dragon face with two horns and a folded muzzle. Follow the moving layers and add optional drawn features.
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Illustrated draft
Follow the preliminary and bird bases, petal folds and inside reverse folds for the neck, tail and head. Includes layer checks and opening views.
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Illustrated draft
Work around four faces to shape the lily base, narrow the petals and open the flower. The illustrated guide separates the repeated layer changes.
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Illustrated draft
Prepare thirty matching units and follow sixty tab-to-pocket joins to form twenty points. Includes unit labels, assembly views and closure checks.
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Read the action, check the picture and compare your fold before moving on.
Gather the sheet, ruler and pencil before you begin.
Each instruction names the corner, edge or layers that move.
Use the result diagram to check the shape at the end of the step.
Most figures begin with a square; the boat and airplane use a rectangle. Compare paper choices in the materials guide before you begin.
Materials shortlist · For adults
You can start with paper you already have. If you need something specific, choose your country’s store and compare the specifications before buying.
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Look for about 6 inches, a coloured front and white reverse. Check size, sheet count and format before choosing.
Choose contrasting front and back colours when both faces show in the model. Double-sided does not mean thicker paper.
Check the instruction language, paper sizes and box contents. You do not need a kit to start the tutorial.
Look for intermediate diagrams and a clear learning progression. Check language, author and edition.
An optional finish for later. Check size and thickness; a busy pattern can hide crease lines while you learn.
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These are catalogue searches. US examples were identified in product sources and have not been tested by our team. Check language, delivery, availability and price in the store.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
These are catalogue searches. US examples were identified in product sources and have not been tested by our team. Check language, delivery, availability and price in the store.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
These are catalogue searches. US examples were identified in product sources and have not been tested by our team. Check language, delivery, availability and price in the store.