Origami Dolphin; Dive into a world of creativity with the smartest animal in the ocean.
Dolphins are loved by almost everyone. They are playful, incredibly intelligent, and famous for their acrobatic jumps above the waves. Whether you are dreaming of a beach vacation or just looking for a fun summer craft, this Origami Dolphin is the perfect way to bring the ocean into your home.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to fold a streamlined, jumping dolphin.
This is an Easy-to-Intermediate project. It uses a classic origami start called the “Fish Base” (fitting, right?). Once you master this base, you can make all sorts of sea creatures. The result is a smooth, 3D model that looks like it is leaping right out of the water.
Grab a sheet of blue or teal paper, and let’s make some waves!
🐬 Fun Facts: The Geniuses of the Sea
While you fold, entertain your fellow crafters with these dolphin facts:
- They Have Names: Scientists have discovered that dolphins have “signature whistles” that they use to identify themselves. It’s basically their version of a name!
- Sleeping with One Eye Open: Dolphins can’t stop swimming completely or they would sink. When they sleep, they shut down only half of their brain and keep one eye open to watch for predators and remember to breathe.
- Mammals, not Fish: Even though they live in the water, dolphins breathe air through a blowhole on top of their heads.
What You Need
- Paper: 1 sheet of square origami paper (6×6 inches / 15×15 cm).
- Color: Blue, Teal, Grey, or Silver.
- Two-Sided: Paper that is colored on one side and white on the other works great to give the dolphin a white belly!
- Scissors: (Optional) To separate the tail fin for a more realistic look.
- Marker: Black, for the eye.
Instructions: The Origami Dolphin
Difficulty: Easy / Low-Intermediate
1.Start with a square piece of paper.
2.Fold and unfold.
3.Fold side corners to center, unfold.
4.Fold side corners to center from the top, unfold.
5.Fold in half horizontally to precrease only on the ends.
6.A. Pinch the right side and collapse to the center along diagonal folds.
6.B
6.C. . Fold the flap up.
7.Repeat for left side to finish “fish base.”
8. Result. Turn over.
9. Fold top corner down to center.
10. Fold top corner back up.
11. Inside reverse fold.
12. Result. Fold top corner down once more.
13.Fold down the center line.
14. Result. Fold fin down.
15. Turn over.
16.Open flap and fold along line.
17. Result. Fold and unfold.
18. Cut along the dotted line.
19. Unfold the back fin.
20. Fold front fin to match.
21. Fold front fin down.
22. Result. Turn over.
23. Rotate 90º counter-clockwise.
24. Finished.
Crafty Ideas: An Ocean Diorama
Don’t let your dolphin swim alone!
- The Waves: Cut strips of blue construction paper and curl them with scissors (like ribbon). Glue your dolphin jumping over these paper waves.
- The Pod: Dolphins rarely swim alone; they swim in groups called “pods.” Fold three or four dolphins in different shades of blue to make a family.
- The Hoop: Twist a pipe cleaner into a circle and tape it to a stand. Position your dolphin so it looks like it is jumping through a hoop!
Conclusion
You have successfully navigated the seas of origami!
This Origami Dolphin is a wonderful project because it captures the energy and grace of the animal with just a few simple folds. It’s sleek, fast-looking, and makes for a great decoration on a summer-themed greeting card.
