How To Make A Simple Origami Dog

Master the art of origami with this beginner-friendly guide to crafting a charming origami dog. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to transform a square paper into a delightful canine companion. Unfold your creativity today!

How To Make A Paper Dog

In the vast realm of origami, where a single sheet of paper can be transformed into intricate koala bookmarks, delicate flowers, and complex geometric designs, there lies the delightful simplicity of creating familiar forms. 

One such form, universally loved and recognized, is the loyal canine companion. If you’re new to origami or just looking for a fun project, crafting a paper dog is a wonderful place to start. Not only will it introduce you to the foundational techniques of paper folding, but you’ll also have a charming paper dog to showcase when you’re done. Let’s embark on this creative journey and learn how to make a paper dog! Once you master the origami dog you can try our simple origami chicken. 

Benefits of Origami Paper Crafts

• Mental Exercise: Origami is a great exercise for the brain. It demands concentration, precision, and spatial understanding, thus stimulating different parts of the brain.
• Stress Reduction: The focused nature of paper folding can be meditative. The rhythmic motions and progression toward a final figure can be incredibly soothing.
• Fine Motor Skills: Origami provides an excellent workout for the fingers and can enhance hand-eye coordination.
• Low-cost Hobby: All you need is paper! It’s a relatively inexpensive hobby, making it accessible to many.

Supplies Needed

• Colored construction papers
• A pair of scissors
• Craft glue
• Sharpies

Directions To Make An Origami Dog

• Select a colored craft paper for the origami dog craft and select colored craft papers for the collar, collar charm and eye cutouts from white paper. Prepare 2 square sheets (we’re using 15cm x 15cm sheets) from the selected craft paper, one for the head and one for the body of the origami dog.

• Take any one of the square sheets and fold it in half, diagonally.

• Fold the closed side of the current pattern but do not fold it entirely.
• Mark the middle point of the closed side.

• Fold any one side of the middle point inside the pattern; fold it to 30 degrees.

• Similarly, fold the other side of the middle point. The folded sides are the ears of the origami dog.

• Fold the open corner of any one of the ears to slightly 1 cm, crease and unfold this fold. Now, fold the 1 cm part inwards.

• Following the same steps, fold the other ear. Turn the current pattern to the other side. Fold the top-pointy end of the pattern inside by 1 cm.

• Turn the pattern to the other side again. Use a sharpie to draw the eyes on the eye cutouts and draw the nose and mouth of the paper dog pattern. The head of the origami dog is ready.

• Take the other square sheet.
• Fold the square sheet in half, diagonally.

• Fold any one of the open sides by 2 cm

• Unfold the bottom layer of the folded side and then flatten that side.

• Fold the top layer 2 cm fold in half.
• Now, fold the bottom layer 2 cm fold in half.
• Turn the origami pattern to the other side.

• Fold in the corner (opposite to the 2 cm folds) by 5cm (for the tail).
• Now, fold it out by making sure that a small tip of that corner crosses the lower body part and visible from the other side. This is the tail of the origami dog.

• Turn the lower body origami pattern to the other side.
• Use glue to join the head part with the lower body part.
• Glue the collar below the head part to complete the craft.

Tips and Tricks

Making an origami dog can be a delightful experience, but like all crafts, it requires patience, precision, and practice. Whether you’re new to origami or refining your skills, these tips and tricks will help ensure that your paper pup turns out to be a charming masterpiece:

• Select the Right Paper: 
  • Thickness: Thinner papers are generally easier to fold and result in neater outcomes for intricate models. Origami paper, or kami, is often recommended.
  • Size: If you’re a beginner, start with a larger piece. It’s more forgiving and easier to work with. 
  • Color and Texture: Consider using dual-colored paper. This can make your dog have a distinct color for its body and another for its face or underbelly. 

• Folding Precision is Key: Ensure that every fold is crisp. You can use a bone folder or the back of a thumbnail. Always align the edges precisely before making a crease.
• Work on a Flat Surface: A stable and flat surface ensures accuracy, especially for intricate folds.
• Understand Basic Folds: Before diving into the dog model, familiarize yourself with basic origami folds like the mountain fold, valley fold, and squash fold. 
• Follow Instructions Carefully: Origami is a step-by-step process. Don’t skip steps, and ensure you understand each one before moving on. 
• Stay Patient: If a fold doesn’t turn out right, unfold it and try again. Remember, every origami master has been in your shoes, folding and refolding.
• Add Personality: Once you’ve mastered the basic shape, personalize your dog:
  • Try slightly curling the tail for a playful effect. 
  • Adjust the ears – some breeds have pointy ears while others are floppy. 
  • Use a pen to add eyes, a nose, or other features to give your pup some character.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you fold, the better you’ll get. As you continue to practice, you’ll develop an intuition for how the paper behaves and how to achieve the results you want.

More Ideas…

Once you’ve mastered the art of origami and have created your paper masterpiece, origami creations can be used in various fun and creative ways. Here are some ideas on how to use your origami pieces:

• Decorative Display: frame it, or set it up on a shelf or desk.
• Gifts: Add a folded creation, like an origami flower or heart, to a gift wrap or card to make presents more personal.
• Bookmarks: Use flat origami creations, such as an origami corner bookmark, to mark your place in a book.
• Interactive Play: Some origami models, like frogs or birds, can move and can serve as simple toys for kids.

The possibilities with origami are truly endless. Its versatility goes beyond just the folding process; it’s about bringing art into everyday life. So, let your creativity flow and find inventive ways to integrate your origami creations into the world around you!