Learn how to make a cute and simple origami koala bookmark in this easy step-by-step tutorial that’s perfect for all ages!
Origami Koala Bookmark
Koalas are just such cute little animals. Their little faces and fuzzy bodies are irresistible! I love how this little guy hugs the pages of your book so you don’t lose a spot. He’s such a cute reading companion!
Folding origami is great for fine motor skills, and this koala is not complicated! Even a beginner will find this project easy to follow. My kids were so excited to follow the steps and end up with something that really does look like a koala!
Supplies
- 2 sheets colored origami paper or light craft paper
- Craft glue
- Sharpie or other marker
How to Make an Origami Koala Bookmark
Directions
- Start with one sheet of square paper. Fold the paper in half diagonally, from both sides. Unfold the diagonal folds.
- Turn the paper over and fold it in half vertically and then horizontally. Unfold.
- Push the horizontal and vertical creases inwards towards each other. This will form a 4-point star shape.
- Flatten the pattern into a triangle. There will be two triangle flaps on each side.
- Fold the top point of the triangle down so that the point touches the bottom of the triangle.
- Keeping the half-fold intact; open the bottom-open side of the triangle
- Let’s work on any one side of the current pattern. Open the middle layer and try to align and flatten its open side.
- Flatten the open side of the middle layer neatly.
- Similarly, flatten the middle layer of the other side of the pattern.
- Fold the entire pattern in half, so that the two points on one short side of the shape align with the two points on the other short side.
- Hold the pattern so that the larger, right triangle is on the bottom. Fold the lower left corner of this triangle in.
- Unfold this fold.
- Now fold this same triangle backward, along the crease. This is the bottom side of the origami koala.
- Fold each of the remaining points to create small creases. These will be the arms and legs of the koala.
- Unfold the small folds and then fold those inwards. This will give the legs and arms a finished look. Set aside.
- Take another square paper that is smaller than the previous one. It should be at least a cm smaller on all sides.
- Fold the sheet in half horizontally, then unfold and fold in half vertically. Unfold.
- Bring all 4 corners of the square sheet to the center of the square. This will create 4 triangle flaps.
- Unfold two adjacent triangles and fold them backwards to the other side of the pattern.
- Fold one side of the square inwards to align with the middle crease. Make sure to keep the point of the triangle pointed outward, not folded in.
- Similarly, fold the other side of the pattern.
- Notice the triangle shape at the bottom of the pattern. Fold the point of this triangle up until it meets the other folds.
- Fold the top point of the pattern down all the way to the bottom of the shape.
- Turn the pattern over
- Glue the blush cutouts to the head and use a Sharpie to draw the eyes, nose, and mouth-line of the koala
- Glue the head of the koala to the body pattern to complete the craft
Tips and Tricks
- The best way to measure a smaller paper for the koala’s head is with a ruler. Measure one centimeter in from each side at the corners, and use the ruler to draw straight lines between your marks. Cut along the lines.
- If you are using paper that is patterned or colored on only one side, start with the pattern or color facing down.
- Glue the hand and feet folds into place so they don’t snag on anything!
- Follow the pictures closely to make sure your koala turns out right!
More Ideas…
This craft is definitely for older kids who have better fine motor skills. But you can get all ages in on the fun with our Koala Paper Bag Puppet or this Koala Headband Craft!
Did you know that koalas are not actually bears? Try reading this fun book Don’t Call Me Bear! About a koala who is really tired of being categorized incorrectly!
You can also give your koala another Australian friend by making this Kangaroo Bookmark!
Whatever you do, don’t forget to share on social media @frostingandglue
Koala Origami Bookmark
Learn how to make a cute and simple origami koala bookmark in this easy step-by-step tutorial that's perfect for all ages!
Materials
- 2 sheets colored origami paper or light craft paper
- Craft glue
- Sharpie or other marker
Instructions
Start with one sheet of square paper. Fold the paper in half diagonally, from both sides. Unfold the diagonal folds.
Turn the paper over and fold it in half vertically and then horizontally. Unfold.
Push the horizontal and vertical creases inwards towards each other. This will form a 4-point star shape.
Flatten the pattern into a triangle. There will be two triangle flaps on each side.
Fold the top point of the triangle down so that the point touches the bottom of the triangle.
Keeping the half-fold intact; open the bottom-open side of the triangle
Let’s work on any one side of the current pattern. Open the middle layer and try to align and flatten its open side.
Flatten the open side of the middle layer neatly.
Similarly, flatten the middle layer of the other side of the pattern.
Fold the entire pattern in half, so that the two points on one short side of the shape align with the two points on the other short side.
Hold the pattern so that the larger, right triangle is on the bottom. Fold the lower left corner of this triangle in.
Unfold this fold.
Now fold this same triangle backward, along the crease. This is the bottom side of the origami koala.
Fold each of the remaining points to create small creases. These will be the arms and legs of the koala.
Unfold the small folds and then fold those inwards. This will give the legs and arms a finished look. Set aside.
Take another square paper that is smaller than the previous one. It should be at least a cm smaller on all sides.
Fold the sheet in half horizontally, then unfold and fold in half vertically. Unfold.
Bring all 4 corners of the square sheet to the center of the square. This will create 4 triangle flaps.
Unfold two adjacent triangles and fold them backwards to the other side of the pattern.
Fold one side of the square inwards to align with the middle crease. Make sure to keep the point of the triangle pointed outward, not folded in.
Similarly, fold the other side of the pattern.
Notice the triangle shape at the bottom of the pattern. Fold the point of this triangle up until it meets the other folds.
Fold the top point of the pattern down all the way to the bottom of the shape.
Turn the pattern over
Glue the blush cutouts to the head and use a Sharpie to draw the eyes, nose, and mouth-line of the koala
Glue the head of the koala to the body pattern to complete the craft
Notes
The best way to measure a smaller paper for the koala’s head is with a ruler. Measure one centimeter in from each side at the corners, and use the ruler to draw straight lines between your marks. Cut along the lines.
If you are using paper that is patterned or colored on only one side, start with the pattern or color facing down.
Glue the hand and feet folds into place so they don’t snag on anything!
Follow the pictures closely to make sure your koala turns out right!
