Explore a charming collection of traditional origami projects perfect for beginners and seasoned paper folders alike.
From time-honored favorites like the origami boat and shirt to unique classics like the cicada and sanbo box, this list is full of fun, beautiful, and useful creations made with just a sheet or two of paper.
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Traditional origami projects are a wonderful way to explore the beauty and simplicity of paper folding.
These timeless designs have been passed down and enjoyed for generations, and they’re still just as satisfying to make today.
Whether you’re crafting with kids, looking for a relaxing afternoon activity, or diving into the art of origami for the first time, this collection has a mix of cute, useful, and iconic designs to choose from.
You’ll find paper crafts for all kinds of occasions—whether you're making fun decorations for Halloween, a handmade card insert for a birthday, or a clever little gift box for Christmas or Easter.
All of the projects featured here use simple materials and they come with step-by-step instructions, making them perfect for beginners or anyone who loves a good DIY project.
Try them out as classroom crafts, party activities, or quiet creative projects.
These easy origami ideas are a great way to explore folding techniques while making something practical, decorative, or just plain fun.
18 Easy To Make Traditional Origami Projects
1. How To Make An Easy Origami Hat
This fun and beginner-friendly origami hat is made using a simple rectangle sheet of paper (like A4 or US letter).
It’s a great project for kids, party crafts, or just for playing dress-up. You can even scale it up with newspaper for a wearable size!
Great for celebrations like birthdays, Father's Day, or just a rainy afternoon indoors.
2. Heart Origami Corner Bookmark
This sweet heart-shaped corner bookmark folds neatly over the edge of a page and makes a lovely little handmade gift.
Great for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just to add a personal touch to your reading.
All you need is one square sheet of paper—no glue or scissors!
3. Square Origami Envelope
Create a simple and elegant square envelope from a single sheet of paper.
Great for handing out notes, gift cards, or even money, especially during holidays or birthdays.
You can use patterned origami paper, recycled pages, or even colored printer paper to match your style.
4. 2D Origami Boat (With Sails)
This classic design is a must-know! With a few quick folds, you’ll have a sturdy 2D boat complete with sails.
Perfect for kids, beginner folders, or themed parties. Try using blue patterned paper or adding stickers for extra fun.
5. Simple Star Origami Box
This clever star-shaped box is both decorative and useful.
Made from a single sheet of paper, it’s a great little container for sweets, jewelry, or small gifts. Ideal for festive occasions like Christmas, birthdays, or weddings.
6. 2D Origami Tulip
This flat tulip is one of the most iconic origami flowers. It’s made from two sheets—one for the flower head and one for the stem.
A great pick for spring crafts, Mother’s Day, Easter, or even card-making.
7. Origami Skull
This spooky paper skull is perfect for Halloween!
Use white paper and decorate it with markers or stickers to create your own style. It’s quick to fold and fun to hang on walls or string into garlands.
8. How To Make An Easy Origami Ghost
An easy and fun Halloween project using just one square sheet of paper.
This origami ghost has a cute and simple shape—great for kids’ crafts, party decorations, or even bookmarks. Add your own face details with a black pen!
9. Origami Sanbo Box
The traditional sanbo box is a square origami container with flared sides—often used in Japanese celebrations to present offerings.
It’s sturdy and useful as a small dish or gift box. Made from one sheet of square paper and no glue.
10. Origami Mushroom
Create a fun paper mushroom using simple folds and just one sheet of paper. Great for woodland-themed crafts, fall decorations, or even Halloween.
You can play with color combinations or even draw spots on the top.
11. Easy Origami Crown
This folded paper crown is a great party activity for kids and adults alike. Made from multiple sheets of paper, it can be sized to fit your head.
Fun for birthdays, classroom activities, or even pretend play.
12. Origami Shirt
This classic folded shirt is always a hit for Father's Day or thank-you cards. Use patterned paper to give it a stylish look.
Pair it with an origami tie to make it even cuter!
13. Samurai Hat Origami Bookmark
This bookmark takes the traditional samurai hat design and turns it into a practical corner bookmark.
It’s a fun and clever variation, and great for history lovers or themed gift tags.
14. Origami Apple
Fold a cute red apple that's perfect for back-to-school season or fall crafts.
It’s quick and easy, and looks great on cards or as part of a paper garland.
15. Origami Cicada
This traditional design mimics the shape of a cicada, a symbolic creature in many cultures.
A fun piece to add to nature-themed origami collections.
16. Origami Bamboo Letterfold
This foldable letter design opens up like a bamboo scroll.
Made with A4 or US letter paper, it’s great for notes, invitations, or even treasure hunt clues. Stylish, elegant, and practical.
17. DIY Letterfold Envelope
Create a beautiful fold-and-tuck envelope out of a rectangle sheet of paper (A4, US letter, or A5).
This version is great for notes, cards, or small letters—and it requires no glue or cutting.
18. Origami Lovers Knot
A romantic and beautiful origami piece that looks like an intertwined knot.
Ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or wedding decorations. Looks lovely with soft or patterned paper.
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