How to Make an Easy Origami Butterfly

Using an easy-to-follow tutorial, you can learn how to make a little origami butterfly. It's a traditional origami model that is a good introduction to the art of paper folding popularized by the Japanese. The word origami means "folding paper" (ori means "folding," and kami is "paper" in Japanese).

The origami butterfly has a simple but elegant look. Once you learn how to make one, you won't want to stop. An entire group of paper butterflies makes a wonderful wall decoration. You can also use them to embellish handmade cards, scrapbooks, and even as the finishing touch on gift wrapping.

You will need one sheet of square paper for each origami butterfly. For a bold look, use solid colored paper. If you'd like an elegant and traditional Japanese look, try authentic washi paper. Washi paper is made in a traditional manner and processed by hand from fibers native to Japan. The fibers come from the inner bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, or the paper mulberry bush. 

You could also use other types of paper, such as newspaper, music sheets, or wrapping paper to make these if you do not have any fancy origami paper. You might want to practice on scrap paper until you get used to the folds so you don't waste the paper you intend to use for your project.