After some consideration, and some suggestions from friends, I decided to put up some instructions for a model of mine, so that others can learn how to make it. I was thinking of what design to make, when I realized that i should do something simple, but elegant, and thought that my stingray would be a good figure to start with, so this post will teach you how to make a stingray out of a square of paper. Let’s get started!
To start, obtain a square sheet of paper. I use special origami paper, but as it can be expensive, you can use any paper you find.
The first thing you will need to do, is put it blank side up. The blank side is the side that will not be seen in the final product, but in some cases, it can lead to a beautiful two-colored model, such as a gray elephant with white tusks. The first step is to fold the paper in half diagonally, or froM corner to corner. This will separate the paper into 2 triangles.
The next step is to fold the two opposite corners in, so that the lower sides of the paper are even with the central line. This should create a kite-shape. In origami, this structure is called a Kite base.
The next step is to fold the bottom point up to meet the top point, like so. Then, although you can’t see it, you must fold part of the flap down, creating a “zig-zag” fold. This is called a pleat fold, and can be useful for details in advanced models.
After folding part of the bottom point back down (just estimate how long you want the tail to be), you must fold the outer edge from the bottom point inwards. This will cause the paper at the top to spread out towards the middle. This may seem difficult at first, but the paper in the upper edge will fold itself if you do it right. In origami, this is called a squash fold, and is very useful for creating thin shapes in a design.
The resulting squash fold will look like this. Now repeat the same thing with the other side to make a thin tail.
This should be the result. You can fold what is now the outer edge of the tail inwards again, but it will create a bit of a “mess” of paper inside the model, however I find it not too troublesome, and it adds to the realism.
This step will separate the body from the fins. fold a fin inwards. There are no guidelines for this,just trust your gut, but make sure the other side can be done too.
Fold the fin back out, but do not unfold it completely. This creates a pleat between the fins and body of the stingray.
Fold the front point inwards to round out the head. Right now, you are looking at the stingray’s belly. In the next step, you will turn it upright to see its back.
Almost done! Now fold the corners of the head in to round it out, and form eyes. Then, fold the body slightly to give it a three, dimensional look and thin out the tail some more.
And this is the completed stingray! You can bend the fins to make it look like it is swimming, or change it around any way you want to. This was one of my first models, but I have improved it over the years, resulting in it’s lifelike (to me at least) appearance If you want to learn how to make anything else to add to your collection, you can use the links on my Origami From Around the Web page. So enjoy the model, and happy folding!
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