Easy Butterfly Origami

My new book, Easy Butterfly Origami features 30 bold full-color patterns designed to accurately portray the dorsal and ventral sides of some of the most beautiful butterflies from around the world!

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.

Red-Bellied Turtle

There are three species of red-bellied turtles in the United States: the endangered Alabama red-bellied turtle (Alabama's official state reptile), the threatened Eastern red-bellied turtle (also known as the American red-bellied turtle or the Northern Red-bellied Cooter), and the Florida red-bellied turtle.

The threats to these brightly colored turtles are many, ranging from wetland loss, habitat fragmentation, pollution, collection of turtles for food and pets. In Alabama, fences are being built to protect turtles crossing highways in search of nesting areas.

Alabama red-bellied turtle:


Print and Fold an Origami Red-Bellied Turtle:




Difficulty: Easy


Directions:

1A. Print and cut out origami along outer solid lines.
1B. Fold up along line A. Unfold.
1C. Fold down along line B. Unfold.







2A. Turn paper over so that printed side is facing down.
2B. Fold up along diagonal line C. Unfold.
2C. Fold up along diagonal line D. Unfold.







3A. Fold down along diagonal line E. Unfold.
3B. Fold down along diagonal line F. Unfold.
3C. Your origami should now be creased as illustrated.







4A. Fold bottom half up along creases as shown.
4B. Fold top half down along creases as shown.
4C. Your origami should appear as illustrated.







5A. Fold head up.
5B. Fold rear flipper down as shown.
5C. Repeat on other side.







6A. Turn your turtle over, so that the printed side is facing up.
6B. Fold side of shell under as shown.
6C. Repeat on other side.
6D. Fold top of shell under.








"Accordian" fold the tail by tucking it back, then folding it forward. Your red-bellied turtle origami is done!

Print red-bellied turtle origami



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