Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, has been practiced for centuries as a creative and therapeutic process. One of the more popular models in origami is the shuriken, or throwing star. In this article, you’ll learn a step-by-step guide on how to fold an origami shuriken.

Materials needed:

– Two square sheets of paper (preferably 15x15cm or 6×6 inches)

– A flat surface

– Patience and focus

Step 1: Preparing the Paper

Select two square sheets of paper, preferably in contrasting colors for a better visual effect. Place the first sheet of paper on a flat surface in front of you.

Step 2: Folding Rectangles

Fold the sheet in half to form a rectangle, and then unfold it. Rotate the paper 90 degrees and fold it in half again to create another rectangle. Unfold again to reveal creases that form a cross shape on the paper.

Step 3: Making Triangles

Fold diagonally from one corner to another, forming a triangle. Unfold and repeat with the opposite corners. Open again so that your sheet has creases forming both crosses and an X.

Step 4: Bring Corners Inward

Flip the paper over so that its non-crease side faces up. Fold each corner inward toward the center where all creases meet, making a smaller square shape with triangular flaps pointing inward.

Step 5: Creating Arms

Fold the top triangle flap downward over the bottom flap so that it aligns with the central horizontal crease. Repeat this step on all sides, effectively creating four arms of equal length.

Step 6: Completing One Module

Collapse two opposite arms along their outer edges inward onto each other (forming an overlapping Z-shape), creating a compact module. There should be two flaps sticking out at each end. Repeat steps 1-6 for the second sheet of paper to create two identical modules.

Step 7: Joining Modules

Place one module on a flat surface, with one open end facing you. Position the second module perpendicularly over the first module and insert the flaps of the first module into the openings of the second. They should fit snugly, interlocking both modules.

Step 8: Securing Arms

Now that both modules are joined together, secure each arm by inserting their flaps into adjacent openings on the opposite module. Ensure all four arms are locked in place.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully folded an origami shuriken, or throwing star. The more you practice, the more precise your folds will become, and your shuriken will look even better. Remember to keep experimenting with different paper sizes and colors to create unique and eye-catching origami stars. Enjoy your newfound skill, and may it bring joy and tranquility to your life!