3D Origami Owl

Bring a touch of wisdom to your crafts with this 3D origami owl, made from a single sheet of paper-no glue or scissors required!

Perfect for Halloween or year-round crafts.

This 3D origami owl project lets you create a charming little owl using nothing but a single sheet of paper.

Best of all, it stands entirely on its own, showcasing the beauty of origami's precise folds and clever designs.

Whether you're looking for the perfect Halloween decoration, a cute desk companion, or a handmade gift, this project is versatile and fun to create.

It's ideal for beginners who want to try 3D origami and for seasoned crafters seeking a simple yet impressive project.

Using a 6-inch x 6-inch (15cm x 15cm) square of paper, your completed owl will stand approximately 3 inches (8 cm) tall and 3.5 inches (9 cm wide) - a perfectly compact size for display.

You can experiment with colors to suit different themes: classic browns and whites for a natural look, orange and black for Halloween, or bright, whimsical shades for a playful touch.

This craft offers endless opportunities for personalization and creativity, making it a favorite for crafters of all ages.

Additionally, this owl makes an excellent addition to party decor, goodie bags, or even as part of a children's crafting afternoon.

With its clean lines and charming design, it will surely capture the hearts of anyone who sees it.

Keep reading to discover all the tips, tricks, and steps you'll need to bring this adorable 3D origami owl to life.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• This 3D origami owl stands on its own, making it a delightful centerpiece or decoration for any room or occasion.
• Perfect for Halloween with its mysterious appeal, but equally great as a year-round craft project.
• Beginner-Friendly: This project requires only one sheet of paper and no scissors or glue, making it accessible to origami enthusiasts of all skill levels.
• Customizable: Experiment with paper colors and patterns to match your chosen theme-earthy tones for realism, bright hues for playfulness, or holiday-themed colors for seasonal flair.
• Compact and Portable: When made with 6 inch x 6 inch (15 cm x 15cm) paper, it's small enough to fit on a desk or shelf without taking up too much space.
• Eco-Friendly Crafting: Use recycled or sustainably sourced paper to make your owl an environmentally conscious creation.

Skill Level

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy)

Materials Needed

• 1 Sheet of Square Paper: For a standard owl, use 6 inch x  6 inch (15cm x 15cm) paper.
• Paper Suggestions: Choose lightweight cardstock for a sturdier owl or standard origami paper for ease of folding. For a striking effect, try double-sided paper with contrasting colors.
• Optional: Use patterned paper for added texture or seasonal designs, such as orange and black for Halloween.

Paper GSM Guide

• 70-80 GSM: Ideal for smooth folds and detailed work; this weight is common in standard origami paper. Best for smaller origami owls.
• 100-120 GSM: Great for a sturdier owl that can withstand handling, perfect for decoration.
• Cardstock: Around 200 GSM is suitable if you want a long-lasting piece, but it may be slightly harder to fold. Great if you are making really big owls.

Instructions

Step 1: Start with the color you want your owl to be facing down.

Step 2: Fold the paper in half from top to bottom.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold the paper in half from left to right.

Step 5: Unfold previous step.

Step 6: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 7: Fold the top edge down to meet the middle crease.

Step 8: Unfold previous step.

Step 9: Fold the left edge to meet the middle vertical crease.

Step 10: Fold the right edge to meet the middle vertical crease.

Step 11: Unfold previous 2 steps.

Step 12: Fold the top left and right points down diagonally to meet the 1^st horizontal crease from the top.

Step 13: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 14: Fold the top edge of the paper down to meet the 1^st horizontal crease from the top.

Step 15: Fold the left edge of the paper inward to meet the 1^st vertical crease from the left.

Step 16: Fold the right edge inward to meet the 1^st vertical crease from the right.

Step 17: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 18: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the 1^st horizontal crease from the top.

Step 19: Fold the top right corner of the top layer down diagonally to meet the middle.

Step 20: Unfold previous step.

Step 21: Re fold the top right corner along the crease you made in step 19, but this time, open out the folded edge on the right.

Step 22: Fold the left edge of the flap you just made to meet its right edge.

Step 23: Fold the right edge of the paper to the left so that its edge aligns with the top folded flap.

Step 24: Repeat steps 19 to 23 for the left side.

Step 25: Fold the point found in the middle of the paper down slightly. This will be the owl's beak.

Step 26: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 27: Fold the bottom left and right edges of the paper up inwards so that their smallest edges meet the middle crease.

Step 28: Fold the paper in half from left to right, along the existing middle crease.

Step 29: Fold the top left corner diagonally to the right. Its folded edge should be along the edge of the white square.

Step 30: Unfold previous 2 steps.

Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

• Uneven Folds: Take your time with the base folds to ensure symmetry.
• Weak Creases: Reinforce creases by running your nail or a bone folder along each fold.
• Incorrect Wing Angles: Align the wings carefully to avoid a lopsided owl.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

• Natural Look: Browns and whites mimic the appearance of real owls.
• Halloween Theme: Go with spooky orange, black, and purple.
• Festive Owl: Use Christmas-themed paper with red and green patterns.
• Playful Designs: Choose bright colors like yellow, pink, or blue for a fun, whimsical owl.
• Custom Patterns: Try polka dots, stripes, or metallic paper for a different twist.

FAQ

Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:

• Origami Heart Ring
• Origami Fox
• Origami Star Box
• 3D Origami Penguin
• Rectangle Origami Box
• Paper Flower Headband
• Origami Heart With Bow

Helpful Origami Tips

If you're curious to learn more about origami, you might like to look at our basic guides on how to make some common origami folds.

Start with the valley fold and mountain fold-these are the foundation of most origami models.

Once you're comfortable, you might like to try the petal fold for 3D shapes, and explore the bird base and square base for more complex designs.

The water bomb base is also great for creating inflatable or geometric models, like this inflatable origami rabbit.

Useful Paper Craft Terms

Want to learn a little more about paper crafts and origami?

We've made this helpful printable just for you. It explains common terms and helpful tips you might come across when you are folding origami or making a paper craft project.

You can download the useful paper craft terms printable PDF here.