How to Make an Origami Jumping Frog That Really Hops!
Beginner
10 minutes
6″ × 6″ square
This origami jumping frog is a classic favorite that’s perfect for beginners and kids! Unlike static origami models, this frog actually jumps when you press down on its back. It’s a fun way to introduce action origami and makes for a great activity at parties, in classrooms, or anytime you need a creative break. Follow along with this simple tutorial to create your own hopping paper friend!
Materials Needed
- One square sheet of paper (origami paper works best, but any paper will do)
- A flat surface to work on
- Optional: colored markers to decorate your frog after folding
Video Tutorial
If you prefer to follow along with a video, watch the step-by-step tutorial below:
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start with a square piece of paper
Begin with your square paper colored side down (white side up). If you’re using paper that’s the same color on both sides, it doesn’t matter which side faces up.
Tip: Brighter colors make more eye-catching frogs! Green is traditional, but any color works.
Step 2: Fold in half twice
Fold the paper in half, bringing the bottom edge up to the top edge. Crease well, then unfold. Next, fold in half again, this time bringing the left edge over to the right edge. Crease well and unfold. You should now have creases dividing the paper into four equal squares.
Step 3: Bring corners to the center
Turn the paper so it looks like a diamond (with points at the top, bottom, left, and right). Fold the top corner down to the center point where the creases intersect. Then fold the bottom corner up to the center point. Leave the left and right corners as they are.
Tip: Make sure these folds are precise, with the tips meeting exactly at the center point.
Step 4: Fold the sides in
Fold the left and right corners inward to meet at the center line. Your paper should now look like a narrow kite shape.
Step 5: Fold the bottom edges upward
Take the bottom edges of the model and fold them upward at approximately a 45-degree angle. These will form the frog’s front legs.
Tip: You can adjust the angle of this fold to change how your frog jumps. A steeper angle often leads to higher jumps.
Step 6: Fold in half
Fold the entire model in half, bringing the right side over to the left side. The colored side of the paper should now be facing outward.
Step 7: Create the back legs
Fold the bottom corner of the model upward at about a 30-degree angle to create the back legs of the frog. This fold should be made about halfway up from the bottom point.
Important: This fold is what allows the frog to jump! The exact position affects how well your frog jumps, so you might need to adjust it if your frog doesn’t hop well.
Step 8: Make a small fold for stability
Finally, fold a small portion of the bottom of the back legs upward. This small fold helps the frog stay upright and balanced.
Step 9: Make your frog jump!
Place your frog on a flat surface. To make it jump, press down gently but firmly on the back of the frog, then quickly release. With practice, you can make your frog leap quite far!
Tip: The more you press down (and the quicker you release), the farther your frog will jump.
Finishing Touches
Once your frog is folded, you can add some personality with a few simple decorations:
- Use markers to add eyes on the front of your frog
- Draw spots on the back for a more realistic look
- Add a small red dot for a tongue
- Create different colored frogs for frog races with friends
Tips for Better Jumps
How to Make Your Frog Jump Farther
- Use the right paper: Slightly stiffer paper can create more spring action.
- Adjust the leg angle: The angle of the back legs significantly affects jump height and distance.
- Create a longer “spring”: Making the fold in Step 7 a bit higher can sometimes improve jumping distance.
- Practice your technique: Press down firmly and release quickly for the best jumps.
- Keep it compact: A well-creased, tightly-folded frog generally jumps better than a loose one.
Fun Activities With Your Jumping Frogs
- Frog Racing: Create multiple frogs and race them with friends to see whose jumps the farthest.
- Target Practice: Set up “lily pads” (circles of paper) and try to make your frog land on them.
- Obstacle Course: Create a miniature obstacle course for your frog to jump through.
- Distance Contest: Measure and record jump distances to see if you can beat your personal best.
Troubleshooting Tips
Common Issues & Solutions
- If your frog won’t jump: Check that the back legs are folded correctly and that you’re pressing down on the right spot.
- If your frog flips over: Try adjusting the small fold at the bottom of the back legs to stabilize it.
- If your frog jumps backward: You might be pressing too far forward. Try pressing closer to the back of the frog.
- If your frog doesn’t jump far: Try using slightly stiffer paper or adjusting the angle of the back legs.
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Questions About This Model?
Having trouble with a particular step? Leave a comment below and I’ll help you troubleshoot!
Fun Facts About Frogs
- There are over 5,000 species of frogs around the world!
- Some frogs can jump more than 20 times their body length in a single leap.
- The smallest frog in the world is less than 1/2 inch long, while the largest can grow to over 12 inches.
- In Japan, frogs are considered symbols of good luck and are associated with return (the word for “frog” and “return” are similar in Japanese).
- The traditional origami jumping frog has been a popular children’s toy in Japan for centuries.