Moving origami is fascinating! A collection of easy ideas that both kids and adults can enjoy
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 (21–30) that kids and adults can enjoy
How to fold customizable game pieces
This simple-design top consists of three parts: the upper and lower bodies, and the handle.
For the top part, fold the origami sheet into a square twice to make creases, then unfold it and fold all the edges clockwise starting from the right edge.
After folding the top edge last, tuck the right section underneath the first edge you folded.
Then flip the paper over and do one cushion fold to finish.
The bottom part can be made using just the basic cushion fold.
For the handle, make one cushion fold, then add fine creases and fold it so the corners stand up, forming a pinwheel shape.
After stacking and assembling the parts, insert any shape you like between the upper and lower parts to customize it to your taste!
How to fold a spinning top that also works as a push pop
Five ideas for spinning tops you can make from a single sheet of origami paper are introduced.
The first is the base folding method that serves as the foundation for all the tops.
After performing a double “zabuton” fold, make creases by folding each of the four edges up to align with the edge of the top triangle.
Using those creases, stand the edges up and press in the center so the piece can spin like a top.
The other tops have the same overall shape, but by varying the folding method, they create different patterns inside the top.
These have no handle and spin when you give the rim a strong push, so even small children can enjoy them.
A spinning top with a helmet-like shape
An origami spinning top you can make and play with! Please prepare three sheets of your favorite origami paper.
The inside of the top and the handle can be made simply by repeating the “zabuton” fold.
The outer part adds helmet-like decorations along the edges, so the steps are a bit more detailed, but if you can fold a crane by yourself, you should be able to complete it without any problem.
In the end, you’ll assemble the parts you made to finish a single top.
Using different colors of origami paper for each part lets you enjoy the color effects when it spins.
Be sure to have fun with top battles, too!
Let’s blow and play! How to fold a blow-top (spinning top you spin by blowing)
This is a fun blow-top origami that spins when you blow on it.
First, prepare two square sheets of origami paper, and place one with the colored side facing down.
Fold it in half into a triangle, then fold it into a triangle once more.
Open it up, then fold it in half into a square and continue with the “zabuton” (cushion) fold.
Using the closed side as the axis, fold up the left and right edges on both sides.
Fold down the triangles on the two faces.
Make two of these and fit them together.
Try blowing on it with a “fuu—.” Blow strongly or gently and enjoy the differences in how it spins!
One sheet of origami! How to fold a spinning top you can display and play with
This is a spinning top you can make using steps similar to the classic crane.
Please prepare a toothpick-like twig for the handle and axle.
Prepare one sheet of origami, fold it into a triangle twice, then squash the pocketed part into a square.
Next, crease and change the shape into a diamond.
Up to this point, it’s the same as the crane, right? Turn a layer of the paper to change the face, then fold up the bottom corners on both sides to make the origami into a triangle.
Now that you should have four triangles on the sides, make a mountain fold along each triangle’s center line and collapse it sideways, flattening it so each triangle becomes half its size.
When it looks like a pinwheel, flip the origami over and fold the collapsed sections inward to create a spiral pattern.
Insert the toothpick-like twig into the center, and it’s complete.
Charizard That Moves Its Mouth!
Charizard, the final evolution of the first-generation starter Charmander, who was a major star under Ash in the anime.
Let’s fold a Charizard face you can chomp open and close after finishing.
Prepare two sheets of orange origami paper of the same size: use one for Charizard’s mouth and the other for the face above the mouth.
When making the upper part of the face, be sure to draw Charizard’s facial features partway through the process.
Use a stapler to fasten each part.
Shape it as you go to give it a three-dimensional finish.
Once it’s done, hold both corners of the mouth and move them to make the mouth open and close with a chomp!
In conclusion
We introduced ideas for enjoying moving origami creations. Did you find a favorite piece? Combining parts and experimenting with folding techniques brings paper to life in a uniquely delightful way. Start with simpler steps, and when you show your finished work to someone, it’s sure to spark conversation. Be sure to explore the profound charm of origami together with your child.