How to Make a Paper Origami Pirate Ship

Origami is the art of folding paper. You can create a volume of three-dimensional shapes simply with paper. Origami serves as a creative way for children to create their own toys to play with. Most origami designs require the use of square paper, but some designs, such as the pirate ship, can be made with a rectangular or standard 8 1/2-by-11-inch sheet of paper.

Step 1

Lay the sheet of paper vertically on a flat surface. Fold the paper in half vertically.

Step 2

Fold the top corners down toward the center of the page until they meet. You should have approximately a 1- inch border between the folded pieces and bottom of the paper.

Step 3

Lift the front bottom flap up and crease it. Flip the paper over and lift the bottom flap up and crease it.

Step 4

Flip the front right and left corners down to create a triangle. Flip the paper over and fold the bottom right and left corners in to create a triangle as well.

Step 5

Fold the right side of the triangle over the left side and crease it. Open it. Fold the right side behind the left side.

Step 6

Spread the front and back of the triangle apart to open it. Push the bottom corners together until they touch. Flatten the paper.

Step 7

Lift the front bottom flap. Fold it to the top. Flip the paper over. Lift the bottom flap. Fold it to the top.

Step 8

Push the bottom corners together until they touch. Flatten the paper. Turn it sideways so that it looks like a diamond.

Step 9

Pull the top two corners down until they lie flat. Your paper origami pirate ship is complete.