origamimax

Lay your square paper color-side down. Fold it corner to corner both ways to crease an X, then unfold flat again.

Bring all four corners in to meet at the middle crease point. Press each fold flat so you have a smaller square.

Turn the paper over and fold all four new corners into the center again. You should now have a small, thick square.

Fold the small square in half into a triangle, then tuck the top flap into the pocket underneath to lock everything together.

Push a toothpick or a rolled bit of paper through the center point, stand it on the pointed end, and flick it with your fingers to spin.

Any color side up. Fold it corner to corner both ways, then unfold so you're left with an X crease.

Fold the square in half along the X to make a triangle, then fold it in half again to make it smaller.

Lift the top layer, push the sides in, and flatten it down into a small diamond shape.

Fold the two side edges in to meet the center line, on both the front and back, then fold the top point down and unfold it again.

Lift the front layer up along the creases and squash it flat. Flip the paper over and repeat the same fold on the back.

Fold the two bottom points down to make legs, then fold the tip of one point inward to shape a small head.

Hold the body gently and pull the two wings apart until they sit out to the sides. Your crane is done!

Fold your square in half side to side, then top to bottom, unfolding after each one. You'll be left with a plus-shaped crease.

Fold each of the four corners in to meet the center point, pressing the creases flat.

Fold the new left and right edges in to meet the center line, making a narrower rectangle shape.

Unfold the last two folds partway, then gently pull the corners open so the paper starts to form a box shape.

Push the two open sides in toward each other so the walls stand up straight and the base squares off.

Press down inside the base with your finger to flatten it, and shape the top edges evenly. Your box is ready to hold small things.

Take two square papers in different colors. Fold each one in half to make a long rectangle, then set them aside.

Fold each rectangle in half the other way to find the center, then unfold it again so you can see the crease.

On each strip, fold the top corner of one end and the bottom corner of the other end in to make two angled points.

Fold each strip in half along its length so the points lock in place. You'll end up with two thin, pointed pieces.

Lay one folded strip flat and place the other on top so they cross in a plus shape, pointed ends sticking out on all four sides.

Fold each pointed flap up and over, tucking it into the pocket of the piece next to it, going around all four points to lock the star together.

Fold your square paper in half to make a rectangle, then unfold it so you have a crease across the middle.

Fold the top two corners down and in so they meet in the middle, shaping a point that will become the head.

Fold the left and right edges in toward the center to narrow the body and shape a pair of simple arms.

Fold the bottom edge up to give your character a flat base to stand on, like a little robe or a pair of legs.

Fold two small tabs out at the bottom corners so the character balances upright on its own.

Use a marker to draw eyes and a smile on the folded head. Give your character its own name and personality.