20 Easy Origami Animals That Kids and Adults Will Love

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Origami isn’t just fun—it’s a creative way to improve focus, patience, and hand-eye coordination. Plus, making cute paper animals is satisfying for both kids and adults! With simple folds and a little practice, you can turn a single sheet of paper into adorable creatures that make perfect decorations, gifts, or just fun activities.

Here are 20 easy origami animals anyone can make, complete with supplies you’ll need.

Essential Supplies 🛒

• Origami Paper Set – assorted colors and sizes
• Scissors – optional, for trimming
• Markers or Pens – for adding eyes or details

1. Origami Dog 🐶

Steps:

1. Fold a square sheet diagonally.
2. Fold corners for ears.
3. Draw eyes and nose with markers.

2. Origami Cat 🐱

Steps:

1. Fold paper diagonally into a triangle.
2. Fold the top corners down for ears.
3. Add facial details with a pen.

3. Origami Elephant 🐘

Steps:

1. Start with a rectangle or square.
2. Fold into a base shape and create a trunk.
3. Fold back the ears for dimension.

4. Origami Fox 🦊

Steps:

1. Fold paper diagonally to form a triangle.
2. Fold corners for ears and tail.
3. Use markers to add eyes and nose.

5. Origami Bunny 🐇

Steps:

1. Fold paper diagonally into a triangle.
2. Fold corners to form ears.
3. Shape the body and draw the face.

6. Origami Penguin 🐧

Steps:

1. Fold paper in half to form a triangle.
2. Fold sides to create flippers.
3. Add a white belly and eyes.

7. Origami Butterfly 🦋

Steps:

1. Fold paper diagonally both ways.
2. Create a diamond shape and fold wings.
3. Adjust folds for symmetry.

8. Origami Fish 🐟

Steps:

1. Fold square paper into a triangle.
2. Fold tail and fins.
3. Draw eyes with a marker.

9. Origami Turtle 🐢

Steps:

1. Fold paper into a base square.
2. Create shell pattern and legs.
3. Add head details.

10. Origami Lion 🦁

Steps:

1. Fold paper into a square base.
2. Fold mane and head details.
3. Use a marker to draw the face.

11. Origami Owl 🦉

Steps:

1. Fold paper into a triangle base.
2. Fold corners for wings.
3. Draw eyes and beak.

12. Origami Frog 🐸

Steps:

1. Fold paper into a triangle.
2. Fold corners to form legs.
3. Adjust folds to make it “jump.”

13. Origami Whale 🐋

Steps:

1. Fold paper into a rectangle.
2. Shape the tail and fins.
3. Draw eyes and mouth.

14. Origami Owl Face 🦉

Steps:

1. Fold paper into a small triangle.
2. Fold corners to create ears.
3. Add large eyes and beak with markers.

15. Origami Crab 🦀

Steps:

1. Fold square paper in half diagonally.
2. Fold sides to form claws.
3. Add eyes and details.

16. Origami Dragonfly 🐉

Steps:

1. Fold long rectangle into thin wings.
2. Fold center for body.
3. Adjust wings for symmetry.

17. Origami Snail 🐌

Steps:

1. Fold square into a triangle.
2. Roll paper for shell.
3. Fold head and antennae.

18. Origami Horse 🐴

Steps:

1. Fold rectangle into base body shape.
2. Fold head and tail details.
3. Adjust legs for balance.

19. Origami Elephant Face 🐘

Steps:

1. Fold square paper into triangle.
2. Fold corners for ears and trunk.
3. Draw eyes and tusks.

20. Origami Dog Face 🐕

Steps:

1. Fold square into triangle base.
2. Fold top corners for ears.
3. Draw eyes, nose, and mouth.

✨ Final Tips:

• Use colorful or patterned origami paper for extra charm.
• Start with simple animals and gradually try more complex ones.
• These make great decorations, gifts, or even a fun DIY activity for kids.

Supplies Recap:

• Origami Paper Set
• Scissors
• Markers

These 20 origami animals are easy, fun, and perfect for all ages—from kids crafting their first project to adults adding charming handmade decorations to their homes.