How To Make an Origami Jumping Frog

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Folding one of these little critters is just half the fun—once you're done, see how far and how high your frog can go, and challenge your…more »
Added December 10, 2007

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You Will Need

A 3" x 5" index card
A flat surface

Step 1.
Position the card

Position the card in front of you with the lined side facing up, and one of the short sides closest to you.
The stiffer the paper you use, the farther your frog will jump.
Step 2.
Fold the top corner to the opposite edge & unfold

Fold the top left corner over to the right edge, forming a triangle. Unfold.
Step 3.
Repeat on the other side

Now do the same with the top right corner. Unfold. You should now have a large “X” on the top half of your card.
Step 4.
Flip the card over

Turn the card over to the plain side.
Step 5.
Fold the short edge to the X and unfold

Fold the top of the X (short edge) to the bottom of the X. Unfold.
Step 6.
Flip the card and poke the X

Turn the card back over to the lined side. With your finger, gently poke in the middle of the X, forming a slight scoop shape.
Step 7.
Bring the sides together and flatten the top

With each of your forefingers, bring the sides of the scoop together. Flatten down the top into a triangular shape.
Step 8.
Fold the frog’s arms

Working only on this triangular shape, fold the bottom corners up to the top, forming the frog’s arms.
Step 9.
Fold the sides to the center

The overall shape of the card should now be like a house. Fold the sides of the “house” in, to meet in the center.
Step 10.
Fold the bottom to the top

Fold the bottom of this narrow “house” all the way to the top. Crease gently.
Step 11.
Double the edge back on itself

Fold this same edge back to the new bottom, again creasing gently. This forms the back legs of the frog.
Step 12.
Arrange the legs

Looking at the model from the side, arrange the back legs of the frog to form a “Z” shape.
Step 13.
Jump

Place your frog on the table and give its back a gentle and quick tap. Now jump to it!
Did you know? In Japan, frogs are symbolic of good luck, and frog charms are often given as gifts to travelers.