How to Fold an Origami Money Tree

Begin folding your money origami tree with George Washington's face up. Fold the top left-hand corner of the bill over so it is flush with the right side. The corner of the bill should touch the point that is right after the second "L" in "ONE DOLLAR." This is shown in the photo to the left. Crease firmly, then unfold.

Fold the top right-hand corner of the bill over so it is flush with the left side. Crease firmly, then unfold.

Fold the top of the dollar across the intersection of the two diagonal creases you have made. When finished, the top of the dollar bill should be resting just above the first "L" in "ONE DOLLAR." Crease firmly, then unfold.

Using your horizontal crease as a guide, collapse the folds as shown in the photo to the left. The process of collapsing the folds is the same as what is used in the first two steps of the origami jumping frog.

Fold the top flap on the left hand of the paper over. Fold the bottom portion of the bill into the center as demonstrated in the photo to the left. Fold the top flap back to its original position. Repeat these steps on the right side of the bill.

Repeat the folds in steps 1 to 4 on the opposite end of the bill. When you're finished, your origami money tree should look like the photo to the left.

Fold the bottom triangle up and tuck it into the flap of the top triangle as shown in the photo to the left.

Flip your bill over. Fold a second dollar bill into a small thin strip and tuck it into the flap of the top triangle to create a trunk for your tree.

If you're giving your money tree as a gift, you can use a small amount of poster putty to adhere it to the greeting card. This will also help keep the model from coming apart in transit.

Money origami is fun to give as a gift throughout the year, but this money origami tree is especially appropriate for Christmas.