How to Make Origami Monsters

Making an origami monster is a creative way to express your imagination and basic paper folding skills. An origami "snapper" monster, for example, can "snap" its mouth open and closed with an effortless pinch of the fingers. Origami is the art of bending and manipulating standard sheets of paper into life-like or fantasy-based objects. The historic Japanese paper folding craft began as a formal skill in the early part of the first century, according to the Origami Resource Center. In modern times, origami is an activity enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Step 1

Place the paper onto a table top. Turn the paper so one of its 8 1/2-inch edges is facing you.

Step 2

Bend the right half of the paper over the left half. Crease the fold. Unfold the paper.

Step 3

Bend the top half of the paper down over the bottom half. Fold the top two corners down toward center. The object now resembles a triangle with a rectangular bottom.

Step 4

Fold the top rectangular flat on the bottom edge upwards. Flip the paper over and repeat with the remaining rectangular flap. Flip the paper back over.

Step 5

Pull the underside of the paper outwards and flatten. The shape now resembles a diamond. Fold the bottom half of the diamond -- the top flap -- upwards. Flip the paper over. Fold the remaining bottom half of the diamond upwards. Flip the paper back over.

Step 6

Pull the top portions of the paper outward. The shape now resembles a basic raft or boat. Press the tiny center triangle down and flatten. Push the outside tips of the paper in toward each other.

Step 7

Pinch the two outside corners closed with your index finger and thumb. Press one stick-on wiggly eye onto to the left and right of the object, respectively. Your monster is now complete. Gently pinch your finger and thumb together to open the monster's mouth. Release the pinching pressure to close the mouth.