Origami n' Stuff 4 Kids: Origami: Uncle Sam

Origami Folding Tips

Origami, from the Japanese ori (to fold) and kami (paper), began in the 6th century when Buddhist monks introduced paper to Japan. The print-and-fold crafts and easy diagrams are designed to help children with fine motor skills, directions and hand eye coordination. Some basic origami folding tips:

Print and cut out patterns carefully.
Fold with clean, dry hands.
Follow the instructions. Study the diagrams and be patient.
Be precise: fold each crease well, flattening the creases by running your fingertip over the fold.
Folding the paper away from you is easier than folding towards you.
Be creative...use your origami on greeting cards, holiday decorations, table place cards and bookmarks.

Print and fold an Easy Origami Uncle Sam for Independence Day!

1a. Print and cut out hat origami and Sam's face.

1b. Turn your origami over, with the printed side down. Fold toward center along A.
1c. Repeat fold along B.

2a. Cut out red triangles marked C and D.
2b. Your origami, with the triangles cut out, should appear as shown.

2c. Fold along E as shown.
2d. Fold vertically along F as shown.

3a. Fold up along G.
3b. Fold diagonally on H.
3c. Fold diagonally on I.

3d. Unfold H and I. Your origami should appear as shown, with diagonal creases marked in blue.

4a. "Pull out" corner of hat brim and fold along H as shown.
4b. Repeat on other side, pulling out and folding along I as shown.

4c. Turn your origami over. It should appear as shown.