Origami Ninja Star

What you will need
• paper (one sheet of 8.5 x 11 copy paper or two pieces of origami paper)
• scissors (optional)

Step 1: Grab a Sheet of Paper

Steps 2-6 will show you how to create two perfectly square sections of paper from an 8.5x11 in sheet of copy paper. (If you are using origami paper you can skip these steps.)

Step 2: Fold Paper in Half

Line up the two short sides of the paper carefully to form a clean fold down the center, then unfold.

Step 3: Separate Along the Fold

Cut or tear along the fold to separate the paper into two smaller pieces.

Keep both halves of the paper.

Step 4: Fold Down Corner to Make a Triangle

Fold one corner of the paper down at a 45° angle and align the edge with the adjacent side.

Repeat with second half of the paper.

Step 5: Separate the Excess From the Triangle

Cute or tear to separate the triangle from the rectangular excess.

Repeat with second half of the paper.

Step 6: Now You Should Have Two Squares!

You should now have two identical squares of paper to use for this project.

Step 7: Create Center Fold

take one piece of paper and fold it in half to create a crease down the center. Repeat with the second paper

Step 8: Fold the Sides in Toward the Center Fold

For each square, fold the halves you made during the previous step in to meet at the center crease. They should now look like closet doors.

Step 9: Fold in Half and Orient With Folds Facing the Same Direction

Fold in half over the center crease you made in step 7. Then set the two identical pieces next to one another with their folds facing the same way.

Step 10: Fold in Half Again!

Now we are going to fold them in half again, but this time bottom to top.

Step 11: Fold the Corners in Opposite Directions

Take one corner and fold it down at a 45° angle to make a triangle at the end of the paper. Now repeat on the other end but fold it in the opposite direction so the points at the ends are on opposite sides.

Step 12: Now Repeat on Other Paper, But Opposite

Now take the other paper and repeat step 11, but this time fold the ends in the opposite direction. When the two are placed next to one another the top ends should mirror one another and the bottom ends should mirror one another.

Step 13: Fold Triangles Down at a 45° Angle Again

Now, take one of your papers and, as shown in the pictures, orient it so that it is laying horizontally in front of you. Take the point of the triangle and fold it at a 45° angle so that the longer side of that half aligns with the center crease. (The two red lines in the diagram will be lined up once you have completed the step. Same for the blue ones) Now repeat on the other side (if it was fold down before, fold it up this time and vice versa). Repeat with both papers.

Step 14: Stack Two Halves

Now you have two halves of a ninja star. Lay the first half down so that the flat side (where the fold does not open) is facing up. Then place the other half on top of it with the flat side down. All of the pointed ends should be going in the same direction like a pinwheel.

Step 15: Tuck in the Ends

Fold down on of the points at a 45° angle and tuck it under the opening if the other half. Repeat this process for the opposite side.

Step 16: Flip Over and Repeat Step 15

Flip the shape over and repeat step 15, this time sliding the ends into the openings in the middle as they can no longer be lifted.

Step 17: Completed!

Now you have a sturdy, origami ninja star