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Origami Flapping Butterfly

The photos and folding instructions for this origami flapping butterfly was submitted by our reader Gokul Swamy. He saw the finished product and a few steps on a tv show once, but made up the rest by himself, and sent us the photos and text below. It's a fun action toy, check it out. 

Made this origami? Comment and Submit your photo using the comment box at the end of this page!

Start with a square of origami paper, main color side facing up.

1. Fold the paper in half, in half, and in half again [editor's note: three (3) valley folds ]. You should end up with 8 congruent pieces [editor's note: 8 segments of the same size and shape].

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2. Do the same thing horizontally. You should now have 64 squares. Be sure to make these as accurate as possible, or your butterfly will look malformed.

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3. Fold 3 of those segments on top of 3 others, then fold 2 of them over the other 1, such that one hangs out.

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4. Do the same for the other side [editor's note: you will have to re-crease the folds A and B; mountain fold to valley fold and vice versa].

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5. Do the same thing horizontally , using the lines perpendicular to the ones you just folded on, and do the same for the other side.

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6. You should end up with 4 congruent squares, as pictured below:

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7. Fold one of the double layers corners up. 8. Do this for both sides.

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9. Do this for the other 6 corners.

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10. Unfold the corner, push in and under, then flatten [editor's note: i.e. an inside reverse fold ].

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11. Do the same for the other side.

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12. Do this for the other 6 corners, and flip over.

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13.On one of the sides that doesn't have a pocket, nor is elevated, lift up one of the segments, and tuck it under.

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14. Turn to the other side, and do the same.

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15. You should end up like this:

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16. Then turn to one of the sides with a pocket and that is elevated, and tuck the side in. Be careful not to rip it!

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17. Do the same for the other side.

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18. Fold one of the corners slightly in 19. Do the same for the other 3 corners.

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20. You're Done! Congratulations! The next steps are how to make it flap.

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21. Flip it over, and place your fingers in the side without the flaps, [as shown by the pencil below]. Make a pinching motion with both fingers and watch your butterfly flap. 22. Enjoy!

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Also check out our video for how to make it flap:

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