Make an Origami Jumping Frog from an Index Card
Origami can be a fun activity for people of all ages. This easy-to-make jumping frog can be made in about three minutes and can provide hours of entertainment. The sturdiness of the index card makes the frog jump higher and last longer than if you Make-an-Origami-Jumping-Frog. With a few friends and a few more frogs, you can play games like seeing whose frog can jump the farthest or race frogs seeing who can reach the finish line first.
Steps
- Using a 3" by 5" index card fold the top-right corner of the card diagonally (down and left) until the top of the card meets the left side. Unfold the card.
- Fold the top-left corner of the card diagonally (down and right) until the top of the card meets the right side. Then unfold the card. This will result in an X-shape on the upper portion of the card as shown in the figure.
- Grasp the right and left edges of the card at the midpoint of the triangles and fold the two sides inward. Keep the top portion flat while bending the two sides. As the top portion of the card folds inward, press it the rest of the way down. The card should resemble a house (see figure).
- Grasp the right corner of the resulting triangle and fold the "wing" upward to the top corner of the triangle.
- Fold the left "wing" upward to the top corner of the triangle as well.
- Fold the right edge of the "house" into the middle so that the right edge meets the vertical center line.
- Fold the left edge of the "house" into the middle so that the left edge meets the vertical center line.
- Fold the bottom of the card up a little bit past the top and then halfway back down again to meet the new fold at the bottom.
- Turn the frog over; it should open up a bit.
- Using the tip of your index finger, press the back of your frog down slightly and slide it off; the frog will jump.
Tips
- After completing a fold, run your thumbnail across the fold while pressing firmly to ensure it is crisp and flat.
- Green cardstock will make a more realistic-looking frog.
- Larger cardstock can be used to make a larger frog. However, if the proportions are not 3:5 trim it down using scissors or a paper cutter.
- Markers can be used to decorate your frog.
- If you fold the "legs" upside down, you will have a bunny instead.
Warnings
- If you are using scissors and/or paper cutters, keep fingers and clothing away from cutting parts, and keep an eye on children using them.
- Be careful with the corners of the index card. They are sharp.
Things You'll Need
- One 3" by 5" index card.
- A rectangle piece of paper
