Origami Symphony No.

1
The Elephant’s Trumpet Call

John Montroll
Origami Symphony No. 1

The Elephant’s Trumpet Call

Books by John Montroll www.johnmontroll.com

General Origami

DC Super Heroes Origami

Origami Worldwide
Teach Yourself Origami: Second Revised Edition
Christmas Origami
Storytime Origami
Origami Inside-Out: Third Edition

Animal Origami

Dogs in Origami
Perfect Pets Origami
Dragons and Other Fantastic Creatures in Origami
Bugs in Origami
Horses in Origami
Origami Birds
Origami Cone Wild
Dinosaur Origami
Origami Dinosaurs for Beginners
Prehistoric Origami: Dinosaurs and other Creatures: Third Edition
Mythological Creatures and the Chinese Zodiac Origami
Origami Under the Sea
Sea Creatures in Origami
Origami Sea Life: Third Edition
Bringing Origami to Life
Bugs and Birds in Origami
Origami Sculptures: Fourth Edition
African Animals in Origami: Third Edition
North American Animals in Origami: Third Edition

Geometric Origami

Origami Stars
Galaxy of Origami Stars: Second Edition
Origami and Math: Simple to Complex
Origami & Geometry
3D Origami Platonic Solids & More: Second Edition
3D Origami Diamonds
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3D Origami Pyramids
A Plethora of Polyhedra in Origami: Third Edition
Classic Polyhedra Origami
A Constellation of Origami Polyhedra
Origami Polyhedra Design

Dollar Bill Origami

Dollar Origami Treasures: Second Edition

Dollar Bill Animals in Origami: Second Revised Edition
Dollar Bill Origami
Easy Dollar Bill Origami

Simple Origami

Fun and Simple Origami: 101 Easy-to-Fold Projects: Second Edition

Super Simple Origami
Easy Dollar Bill Origami
Easy Origami Animals
Easy Origami Polar Animals
Easy Origami Ocean Animals
Easy Origami Woodland Animals
Easy Origami Jungle Animals
Meditative Origami
Origami Symphony No. 1
The Elephant’s Trumpet Call

John Montroll
Antroll Publishing Company
To Robert and Yojna

Origami Symphony No. 1: The Elephant’s Trumpet Call

Copyright © 2019 by John Montroll. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced by any means without the express written permission of
the author.

ISBN-10: 1-877656-45-3
ISBN-13: 978-1-877656-45-3

Antroll Publishing Company

 Introduction
Welcome to the world premier of the first Origami Symphony! A musical symphony is an elaborate composition that
typically has four movements, each with various musical expressions and forms. When first developed, the symphony
brought music to a new level. This origami symphony is also an elaborate composition with four movements of
varying themes from simple to complex, depicting the richness of origami.

My vision of origami is that it is fun to fold, that standard origami paper is all that is required, and that the models are
pleasing and hold together well when completed. An elegant folding method using fewer steps is better than a
cumbersome method requiring lots of steps to achieve the same look. While many like to judge a model by its finished
look, the folding experience is also important. I look for hidden structures to allow the model to have good proportions,
with minimal thickness of layers so it does not spread. This way, it gives models a life-force. All models in this
symphony are folded from a single uncut square.

In music, every time the performer plays a composition, he improves. The same is true with origami. While it is fun to
fold a model and then move on to the next, it would also be a good practice to fold it a few more times, making it
easier to fold, perhaps foldable by memory, making one’s own improvements on the model in the process, ultimately
making the folding experience more enjoyable.

This symphony has four movements depicting various life forms and more abstract qualities of the Earth. The first
movement, Allegro, is theme and variation on the traditional crane. The symphony begins by taking a classic work and
expanding upon it, showing new directions in origami. The crane symbolizes peace and is a favorite model to fold and
to teach the beginner. The variations include a Sandhill Crane, a Whooping Crane, a Crowned Crane, and a Black-
Necked Crane. The second movement, Andante, captures simple crawling bugs. While much has been done recently to
depict insects in full detail with all the legs and appendages, it is also important to find an easy way to depict them.
The third movement is a minuet of the Platonic Solids with a trio of Sunken Solids. The Platonic Solids symbolize
Fire, Earth, Air, Water, and the Universe. Unusual folding methods are used so the models are fun to fold in as few
steps as possible, and hold together well when completed. The symphony concludes with the fourth movement, The
March of the Large African Animals. You can hear the Elephant’s trumpet call and the Lion’s roar.

The diagrams are drawn in the internationally approved Randlett-Yoshizawa style. You can use any kind of square
paper for these models, but the best results will be achieved with standard origami paper, which is colored on one side
and white on the other (in the diagrams in this book, the shading represents the colored side). Large sheets, such as
nine inches squared, are easier to use than small ones.

Please follow me on Instagram @montrollorigami to see posts of my origami.

I thank Antoni Wellisz, Ian Patzman-Rivard, and Jay Sella for the photography. I thank my editor, Charley Montroll. I
also thank Himanshu Agrawal and Brian Webb for their continued support of this project.

John Montroll
www.johnmontroll.com
 Symbols 9
Contents
Appreciating Symphonies and Origami 9 Simple
Origami Symphony No. 1 10 Intermediate
First Movement 11 Complex Very
Second Movement 40 Complex
Third Movement 71
Fourth Movement 99

First Movement
Allegro: Theme and Variation on the Classic Crane

Flying and
Traditional Crane Psychedelic Crane Standing Crane

Flying Crane Standing Crane

Young Crane Sandhill Whooping

Crane Crane

Flying Crowned Crane Crowned Black-Necked

★★ Crane Crane

6 Origami Symphony No. 1

Second Movement
Andante: Simple Crawling Bugs

Ladybug Butterfly Moth Caterpillar

Dragonfly Stink Bug Stag Beetle Cicada

Ant Wasp Grasshopper

Fly Snail Frog

Contents 7
Third Movement
Minuet of Platonic Solids with a
Trio of Sunken Solids

Tetrahedron Cube Octahedron Icosahedron

Dodecahedron Sunken Tetrahedron Sunken Cube Sunken

Dodecahedron

Fourth Movement
March of the Large African Animals

Rhinoceros Hippopotamus Baby Elephant

Elephant Lion Giraffe

8 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Symbols
Lines Arrows

Valley fold,
fold in front. Fold in this direction.
Turn over.

Mountain fold,
fold behind.

Sink or three dimensional folding.

Crease line.

X-ray or guide line. Fold and unfold. Place your finger between these layers.

Appreciating Symphonies and Origami

Symphonies were invented in Europe around the 18th century during the Classical Period of musical history, approximately
1740 to 1820. Composers put deep thought into musical expression to be performed by an orchestra under a conductor’s
guidance in a grand concert hall for an appreciative audience. An unimaginable amount of work went into the development of
the instruments, effective and acoustically balanced concert halls, the skill of the performers, along with music theory and the
composers’ evolving thoughts as music changed throughout the centuries. As a result, each instrument in the orchestra has a
rich history. All of this represents and celebrates the highest of human achievement, as art is the concrete and sharable
expression of human thought, emotion and creativity.

A typical symphony is structured in four movements. The first and last movements are often in Sonata form, introducing
themes, developing them, bringing them back, and ending. When listeners understand the Sonata form, they can follow the
progression of the symphony. After a complex first movement, the second movement is often slow and gentle. The third is a
fast-paced Minuet or Scherzo, with a Trio in the middle, and can be dance-like. The last movement is often once again in
Sonata form with rich and complex themes. Any of the movements can also take other forms, such as theme and variation.

Music composers throughout the past several centuries have written a variety of work for different skill levels. Do all
composers perform their own work? Some composers are also violinists or play other instruments, so they might. However,
most composers are not experts at playing all the instruments, yet understand them very well. Much of music is playable by a
performer with a certain skill, yet there are difficult pieces that only a few can perform. So the composer thinks of not only the
musical expression, but its ability to be playable by a large group of performers or a specific performer.

As an origami composer, 1 am searching for the simplest way to achieve the complex. That is where the magic is. I strive to
make my work foldable by the mainstream folder, hold well using standard origami paper, use the fewest folds for the highest
level of detail and effect, and be enjoyable to fold. This brings origami to a higher level and gives each model its own life-
force. 1 am always looking for ways to improve origami design through taking related and varied subjects and putting them
together to create a common context in the form of full scenes, where both individual models and groups of models can tell
their story.

Symbols 9
 Origami Symphony No. 1

Cranes, Bugs, Geometric Shapes, and Mammals are all united in this Symphony. Elegant folding methods make the models
fun to fold with a minimal number of steps for their detail.

The first movement opens the Symphony with a theme and variation on the traditional Crane, which is a symbol of peace. For
several of the Cranes, legs are added, and others have crowns and color changes. The first variations use elements from the
traditional Crane, and then develop into new forms. The folding methods for the Cranes are all kept at an intermediate level,
all under 30 steps.

The slow and relaxing second movement, Andante, presents over a dozen simple crawling Bugs. Other small creatures such as
a snail are included because the Japanese character for Bugs includes other small creatures. While it is fun and challenging to
fold insects with legs and full detail, it is also fun to capture their essence. Specific colors can make a display of these insects
more life-like, such as a Red Ladybug, Blue Dragonfly, Green Grasshopper, Yellow Wasp, Orange Butterfly, and a Black Fly.

The third movement is a Minuet of Platonic Solids with a trio of Sunken Solids. These geometric shapes represent the
Elements of Fire, Earth, Air, Water, and the Universe. Folding three dimensional models that hold and lock together requires a
special way of folding; the folding methods for the five Platonic Solids shows a wide range of folding techniques and a range
of skill levels from simple to very complex. The Trio shows three models built on Sunken Triangles, Squares, and Pentagons.
While these shapes are fun to fold and exhibit, they are also stunning with Origami animals placed around them.

The fourth movement, March of the Large African Animals, concludes the symphony with more complex work. You can hear
the Elephant’s trumpet call, the Lion’s roar, the Hippo making bubbles in the water, and the galloping of Giraffes. Exhibits
can be made with mother and baby Elephant, along with Rhinos, Lions, Hippos, and Giraffes.

This symphony, then, captures several themes, folding styles, and levels of skill, and making colorful scenes of models from
the different movements show’s the diversity of Origami.

10 Origami Symphony No. 1

 First Movement
Allegro: Theme and Variation on the Classic Crane
The symphony opens with the Traditional Crane, a symbol of peace.
Variations are at first adapted from the Traditional Crane, and then
develop into new forms. Models are simple and intermediate in skill
level. Spread your wings and soar with the cranes.

Traditional Crane

This is perhaps the most famous model in all of

origami. The crane symbolizes peace and hope;
a thousand cranes, often strung together, are
folded for many occasions. Many Japanese
children know this model. Being able to fold it
is a milestone.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. Fold along

the creases.

Traditional Crane 11
 Fold the top layers Fold all the layers Unfold,
to the center and and unfold. repeat behind.
repeat behind.

Petal-fold. Petal-fold behind. Fold close to the center

line but not exactly on it.
Repeat behind.

Reverse-fold.

Reverse folds.

Pull the wings apart

and spread the body.

12 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Psychedelic Crane

An interesting technique for creating more

points is to blintz the paper. For the blintz-
fold, the four corners of the square are
folded to the center. This results in a
smaller square with more layers and points
to make more complex models. For this
crane, opposite corners are folded to the
center, forming a new square with color
changes. By folding the traditional crane
from it, a new crane is formed with
stunning color changes.

Fold and unfold. Fold opposite corners to the Fold and unfold.
center in front and behind.

Fold along the creases. Continue with steps 4

through the end of the
Psychedelic Crane
Traditional Crane.

Psychedelic Crane 13
 Flying and Standing Crane

Let’s take the traditional crane and

add long legs. It can be in several
positions including flying and
standing. Many of the folds are the
same as in the traditional crane.

Fold and unfold.

Fold in half and swing Unfold back to step 4. Repeat steps 4-5 in the
out from behind. opposite direction. Rotate 90°.

14 Origami Symphony No. 1

Fold along the creases. Petal-fold. Repeat step 8 behind.

Unwrap rhe paper. Fold the top layer.

Repeat behind.

Fold down close Pull out some Unfold.

to the bottom. paper.

Repeat behind. 1. Reverse-fold.

2. The dors will meet,
repeat behind.

Flying and Standing Crane 15

 Fold along the crease between Petal-fold, repeat behind. 1. Fold to the center.
the dots. Repeat behind. 2. Leave some space
at the bottom.
Repeat behind.

Reverse-fold. Crimp-fold.

1. Fold inside.
2. Outside-reverse-fold.
Repeat behind

1. Reverse-fold.
2. Pull the wings apart
and spread the body.

Reverse-fold. Repeat
behind. Tire crane can
Outside-reverse-fold. balance on its legs.
Repeat behind.

16 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Flying Crane

This variation resembles the

traditional crane though it is
folded without the the bird base
or use of petal folds. This model
is related to the next one, the
Standing Crane, which looks
similar but includes long legs.

Fold to the center.

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center.

The dots will meet. 1. Outside-reverse-fold.

2. Unfold, repeat behind.

Flying Crane 17
 Outside-reverse-fold. Outside-reverse-fold. Squash-fold and
The dots will meet. repeat behind.

1. Fold between the layers. Make reverse folds.

Repeat behind.
2. Reverse-fold.

1. Fold inside.
2. Fold inside.
3. Spread the wings.
Repeat behind

18 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Standing Crane

This crane builds upon the previous flying crane and

has a similar look. The pair goes well together in a
display.

Cranes are the world’s largest flying birds with long

legs and long necks. They range in height from 3 to
over 6 feet and have a lifespan of 30 to 40 years.
They feed on small animals, grains, and berries.
Cranes form monogamous couples and families.
They have special dances for courtship and have a
vocabulary with a rich variety of sounds.

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center.

Fold to the center Petal-fold.

and unfold.

Standing Crane 19
 Fold at 90° from the edge. Unfold. Repeat steps 7-8
on the right.

Outside-reverse-fold the inner Wrap the inside layers

white flap along the creases. around. Repeat behind.

Reverse-fold the inner flap. Unlock the paper.

Repeat behind.

Repeat behind. Rotate

the dot to the top.

20 Origami Symphony No. 1

 -fold.
2. Pleat-fold all the layers. Unfold.

1. Reverse-fold.
2. Crimp-fold. 1. Crimp-fold.
Fold along the creases. 2. Outside-reverse-fold.

1. Reverse-fold.
2. Repeat behind.
1. Rabbit-ear, repeat behind.
2. Reverse-fold.

1. Fold inside, repeat behind.

2. Reverse-fold, repeat behind.
3. Reverse-fold so the dots meet.

Standing Crane 21
 Young Crane

While the earlier cranes were modeled

after the traditional crane, this crane
begins a new series. The young crane fits
in well with an exhibit of cranes. Cranes
live in families that take care of the
young and teach them how to eat.

1. Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold Fold and unfold

2. Fold and unfold on the right. on the right.
at the bottom.

22 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold to the center.
Unfold and rotate.

Thin the legs.

Make squash folds.

Make small spread-

squash folds.

Thin the neck.

Fold in half and rotate. Reverse-fold. Repeat behind.

Young Crane 23
 Reverse-fold. Reverse-fold.

1. Crimp-fold.
2. Reverse-fold,
repeat behind.

1. Fold the eyes.

2. Thin and bend the legs.
Repeat behind. The crane
can stand.

24 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Sandhill Crane

Rather large birds, Sandhill Cranes are gray with

tan feathers and have a crimson-capped head.
They sing a loud trilling bugle call, honk, and
snoring sounds. Their long windpipe produces
lower pitches with richer sounds. Mainly found
in marshlands and other wet areas from North
America to Siberia, they have long, thin necks
and bulky bodies.

1. Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold Fold and unfold

2. Fold and unfold on the right. on the right.
at the bottom.

Sandhill Crane 25
 Unfold and rotate.
Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold.

Fold and unfold all the Fold along the creases. Fold to the center.
layers. Rotate 180°.

Fold to the center. Unfold. Make reverse folds.

Petal-fold. Make reverse folds.

26 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Reverse-fold.
Note the right angles. Fold Fold in half
the top layers. Repeat on and rotate.
the lower layers.

1. Thin the neck. 1. Reverse-fold. 1. Crimp-fold and reverse-fold.

2. Fold inside. 2. Crimp-fold. 2. Reverse-fold.
Repeat behind. 3. Crimp-fold, repeat behind.
The crane can stand.

Crimp-fold.

Fold the eye,

repeat behind.

Sandhill Crane 27
 Whooping Crane

With a strong, high-pitched burst of sound,

Whooping Cranes join the Sandhill Cranes as
the only two varieties of the Crane that make
their home in North America. They form
smaller flocks and are an endangered species.
They are white with a red crown and stripe
by the beak. In flight, their black wingtips
can be seen.

Bring the right dot to the Unfold.

top. Crease on the right.

Fold and unfold the Repeat behind. Repeat behind.

top layer on the right.

28 Origami Symphony No. 1

Unfold and rotate 90°. Th left dot will meet
the center line.

Unlock the top layer. Repeat steps 9-11

on the right.

Fold to the center. Make squash folds. Fold in half and

rotate 90°.

Reverse-fold and Make a squash fold with a

repeat behind. small spread-squash fold.
Repeat behind.
Reverse-fold and
repeat behind.

Whooping Crane 29
 Petal-fold and repeat behind. 1. Unlock and slide the leg,
repeat behind.
2. Reverse-fold.

1. Reverse-fold. 1. Reverse-fold on both sides of

2. Thin the neck. the leg and repeat behind.
Repeat behind. 2. Reverse-fold.

1. Reverse-fold and repeat behind. 1. Crimp-fold, repeat behind.

2. Reverse-fold at an angle. Rotate 2. Outside-reverse-fold.
slightly.

1. Crimp-fold.
2. Fold inside on both sides,
repeat behind.
3. Crimp-fold.
4. Shape the neck.
The crane can stand.

30 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Flying Crowned Crane

This model is designed as a

variation of the classic crane.
Crowned Cranes fly in flocks
of 30 to 130 cranes, making
loud honks.

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center

and unfold.

Unfold.
Rotate 90°.

Flying Crowned Crane 31

 Fold to the center.

Petal-fold.

Unfold. Double-rabbit-ear
along the creases.

Double-rabbit-ear
along the creases. Repeat behind. Fold close to the center.
Repeat behind.

Bring the dot to the bold line. Make reverse folds.

The bottom of the valley line
matches the the bottom of the
right side. Repeat behind.

32 Origami Symphony No. 1

Spread at the head. The head is 3D.

Begin with a rabbit 1. Crimp-fold to pivot the head.

ear, then fold half 2. Pull the wings apart and
the crown behind. spread the body.

Flying Crowned Crane 33

 Crowned Crane

A number of varieties of Crane are known

as Crowned Cranes, including the Grey
Crowned Crane, which is the national bird
of Uganda, and the Black Crowned Crane,
which is found in the African savannah.
They are smaller than most cranes. They are
the only cranes that can grasp branches and
roost in trees.

1. Fold and unfold.

2. Fold and unfold
Bring the corners to the lines. Fold and unfold.
on rhe edge.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold all the Fold along
layers. Rotate 180°. the creases.

34 Origami Symphony No. 1

1. Fold to the center. Fold to the center. Unfold.
2. Fold and unfold.

Make reverse folds. Petal-fold.

Make reverse Note the right

folds. angles. Fold the top
layers. Repeat on the
lower layers.

Fold in half
and rotate.

Crowned Crane 35
 1. Thin the neck. 1. Reverse-fold.
2. Fold inside. 2. Crimp-fold.
Repet behind.

Reverse-fold.
1. Crimp-fold.
Spread at the top.
2. Reverse-fold.
3. Reverse-fold, repeat behind.
The crane can stand.

Begin with a rabbit

ear, then fold half the
crown behind.

36 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Black-Necked Crane

Black-necked Cranes can be found in

Tibet, where they have their breeding
grounds, as well as in India, Vietnam and
Bhutan. They have been long revered as a
symbol of Peace, and Bhutan hosts a yearly
festival to honor these birds. They are the
only cranes that live in the mountains.

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center. Fold and unfold.

Tuck inside. Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. Reverse-fold

along the crease.

Black-Necked Crane 37
 Squash-fold. Repeat steps 7-8 Unlock the
on the right. paper.

Begin with a petal fold at Fold in half and

1. Then make rabbit ears rotate 90°.
at 2 and 3.

Pleat-fold.

Repeat behind. Outside-reverse-fold

so the edge goes to
the left dot.

Bring the edge to

the dot.

Unfold. 1. Crimp-fold. This is the same as

making two outside-reverse folds.
2. Reverse-fold.

38 Origami Symphony No. 1

1. Outside-reverse-fold 1. Reverse-fold, 1. Thin the leg on the front and
along the crease. repeat behind. back layers, repeat behind.
2. Wrap around and 2. Make a thin 2. Outside-reverse-fold.
repeat behind. reverse-fold.

1. Reverse-fold,
repeat behind.
2. Crimp-fold.
1. Wrap around from inside.
2. Spread the top layer on the front
and back layers.
3. Pull out and spread the top layer.
Repeat behind.

1. Reverse-fold so the dots meet.

2. Fold inside on both sides of the
leg, repeat behind.
3. Fold inside, repeat behind.

Black-Necked Crane 39
 Second Movement
The slow and relaxing second movement presents simple bugs.
The Japanese word for bug also includes other small creatures
such as a snail. Models are simple and intermediate in skill level.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy these little creatures.

Ladybug

Also called Ladybirds, Ladybugs are in fact not

bugs, but are members of the Beetle family, and
many scientists refer to them as Lady Beetles.
Ladybugs protect our gardens from plant-
damaging pests, and some cultures believe they
bring good fortune. There are over 4,000
varieties of Ladybugs.

Fold and unfold.

Fold and unfold Fold in half.

to find the quarter
marks.

40 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold to the center.
Fold a strip up so the bottom
edge meets the dots.
Thin the antennae.

Fold the top layer inside. 1. Fold behind so the dots meet.
2. Fold behind on the left and right.

1. Make rabbit ears. Fold behind.

2. Puff out at the dot to
make the body 3D.
Ladybug

Ladybug 41
 Butterfly

Many stories have been told throughout

history of the lowly caterpillar that
munches on leaves and plants, builds a
cocoon for itself, rests and soon emerges
from the cocoon as a beautiful and very
colorful Butterfly. About 20,000 species
of Butterflies can be found throughout the
world except in the Antarctic.

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center and

Rotate 180° swing out from behind.

42 Origami Symphony No. 1

Note the dot is at a corner on the Repeat step 5
hidden layer. Fold triangle A inside on the right.
so that the bold edge meets the dot.

Crease lightly.
Repeat behind.

Butterfly 43
 Moth

Related to Butterflies, Moths help

make the world a better place by
pollinating flowers, which leads to
seed production and more flowers.
Over 150,000 species of Moths cover
the globe. Unlike the Butterfly which
has thin antennae, the Moth usually
has feathery antennae.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. Collapse along

the creases.

This is the Waterbomb

Base. Fold to the center
and repeat behind. Fold one layer in front Fold to the center and
and one layer behind. swing out from behind.

44 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold to the center. Fold down.

Make squash folds. Make spread-squash folds.

Make crimp folds.

Simple Moth
Melody without harmony.

Moth 45
 Caterpillar

Will the Caterpillar become a

Butterfly or a Moth?
Depending on their coloring,
size and other identifiable
features, one can tell what will
eventually emerge from the
cocoon. For protection, some
Caterpillars use camouflage to
hide, or have markings to
appear poisonous.

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center. Fold to the center.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. Repeat steps 4-5. 1. Fold and unfold.
Rotate 180°. 2. Valley-fold.
Rotate 90°

46 Origami Symphony No. 1

Make pleat folds. Make four pleat folds.
1. Valley-fold along the crease. Mountain-fold along
2. Mountain-fold along the crease. the creases.

1. Reverse-fold. 1. Reverse-fold.
2. Pull out. 2. Fold inside, repeat behind.
3. Fold inside, repeat behind.

Spread the paper different

1. Fold behind. ways for 1 and 2.
2. Fold inside.
Repeat behind.

Shape the back. Steps 15-16 show

ways to shape the caterpillar. You
can skip or modify them.

Caterpillar 47
 Dragonfly

With their distinctive four wings,

Dragonflies are primarily seen thing
around marshes and other wetlands since
they are aquatic in their nymph stage.
Dragonflies eat mosquitoes, which
benefits humans. Over 5,000 species can
be found around the world except in
Antarctica. Dragonflies have bright
iridescent colors. They can fly up or down
or even stay in place.

Fold and unfold. 1. Fold to the center.

2. Fold and unfold.

48 Origami Symphony No. 1

Fold behind so Repeat behind. Unfold and rotate 90°.
the dots meet.

1. Fold and unfold. 1. Fold and unfold. 1. Pleat-fold.

2. Fold down. 2. Fold up. 2. Pivot at the dots.

1. Squash-fold.
2. This is a combination of
squash folds.

Pleat-fold.

Dragonfly 49
 Stink Bug

Stink Bugs are more of an invasive

species of bug, and are generally
pests in gardens and farms.
However, they do prey on other
insects that would damage plants,
and in this way, they are helpful.

Repeat behind. Fold and unfold

the top laver.

Fold in half.

Fold the top layer Fold down to the center.

to the center.

50 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold behind so the dots
meet the bold lines.

Fold to rhe center. Make squash folds.

Make rabbit ears. 1. Fold behind.

2. Fold behind.

Stink Bug 51
 Stag Beetle

Called the Stag Beetle because the male

beetle of this variety looks like it has antlers,
those antlers are in fact its mighty jaws. Now
endangered, the Stag Beetle is effectively
extinct in some countries, and efforts are
being made to rebuild the population of these
spectacular beetles.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold.

Unfold.

52 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold to the center and Fold to the center. Make squash folds.
swing out from behind.

Make pleat folds.

Unfold.

1. Make squash folds.

2. Pleat-fold.

1. Fold behind.
2. Puff out at the dot.

Stag Beetle 53
 Cicada

Every 17 years, people in the Eastern United

States are treated to the distinct song of the
Periodic Cicada. Only the males sing, and
their body is similar to a violin, giving it its
distinctive resonate sound. Large and redeyed,
they spend most of their lives underground,
and are quite harmless.

Fold and unfold.

Fold to the center and Unfold. Note the right angle.

swing out from behind.

54 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Unfold. Make reverse folds.

Repeat steps 5-9 Fold and unfold so Pleat-fold so

on the right. the bold lines meet. the dots meet.

Fold along the creases. 1. Spread while folding down.

2. Fold thin strips.

The model will

become 3D.

Cicada 55
 Ant

Sometimes busy minding their own

business at work and sometimes on the
attack, the many varieties of Ants have
fascinated humans for millennia.
Known for their amazing strength,
there are over 12,000 species of Ants.
Ants form complex colonies with
specialized groups of ants, all working
together, to support and protect the
colony.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. Fold to the center.

Fold and unfold Make reverse folds. Fold and unfold

along the creases. along hidden
creases. Rotate 90°.

56 Origami Symphony No. 1

Fold along Petal-fold.
the creases.

Fold a layer on top

and repeat behind.
Make reverse folds.

Petal-fold.

1. Outside-reverse-fold. 1. Rabbit-ear.
2. This is a combination 2. Reverse-fold.
of reverse folds. 3. Fold inside.
4. Fold inside.
Repeat behind.

1. Reverse-fold.
2. Fold inside.
3. Push in.
Repeat behind.

Ant 57
 Wasp

Wasp resembles both the Bee and the Ant

in shape and coloring, though it is neither.
Some species are very social and some
are solitary, and it is the female Wasp that
stings, while the male does not have the
stinger. Wasps build nests made of wood
fibers which they convert into paper-like
pulp.

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center. Squash folds.

Unfold everything. Fold along the creases.

58 Origami Symphony No. 1

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. Make pleat folds.

1. Reverse-fold. 1. Reverse-fold.
2. Spread-squash-fold, 2. Reverse-fold.
repeat behind.
Fold along the creases
and push in at the dot

1. Pivot the tail. Wasp

2. Rabbit-ear.
3. Fold inside.
Repeat behind.

Wasp 59
 Grasshopper

The Grasshopper has been around in

some form since the Triassic Period
and has a familiar chirping song that is
often heard on warm Summer nights.
They can jump three feet. Grasshoppers
will eat anything from plants to other
insects or spiders.

Fold and unfold. Bring the corner to the line.

Unfold. Fold and unfold. Repeat steps 2-5.

Rotate 180°

60 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Repeat behind.

Mountain-fold along the Note the bold lines are parallel. 1. Reverse-fold, repeat behind.
crease for this squash fold. Mountain-fold along the crease 2. Crimp-fold.
Repeat behind. and repeat behind.

1. Reverse-fold, repeat behind. 1. Fold behind, repeat behind.

2. Crimp-fold. 2. Reverse-fold.

Curve and shape the

legs. Repeat behind.

Grasshopper 61
 Fly

Though there are over 120,000 species

of Flies, the ones humans are most
familiar with are houseflies. Attracted
to decaying meat and other organic
material, rhe Common House Fly has
paid a visit to most everyone’s home.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold Fold and untold

on the left. on the diagonal.

Rotate.

62 Origami Symphony No. 1

Fold to the center and Pull out.
swing out from behind.

1. Pivot around the Petal-fold. Fold and unfold.

mountain-fold line.
2. Fold and unfold.

Unfold. Make reverse folds.

Fly 63
 1
Spread while folding down. 1. Fold up. 1. Fold up on the left and right.
2. Fold to the center. 2. Fold and unfold. Bring the dot
down to the line which is
mostly hidden.

Spread while
folding down.

Pleat-fold. Fold behind.

64 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Snail

Snails are gastropods with shells. Slow

and slimy, some Snails live on land, such
as Garden Snails, and some live in the
water, such as Periwinkles. Some large
Land Snails are eaten as Escargot.

Fold and unfold. Unfold.

Bring the corners to the lines. Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold.

Snail 65
 Fold and unfold all the Fold along Fold to the center.
layers. Rotate 180°. the creases.

Fold to the center. Unfold. Make reverse folds.

Petal-fold. Fold and unfold.

Bring the center line to Fold inside and

the dot. Rotate 90°. repeat behind.

66 Origami Symphony No. 1

1. Fold inside, repeat behind. 1. Fold inside, repeat behind.
2. Reverse-fold on a line parallel 2. Outside-reverse-fold.
to the bold line. Leave a small 3. Rabbit-ear, repeat behind.
space by the circle.

1. Continue with reverse folds. Outside-reverse-fold.

2. Outside-reverse-fold.
Rotate.

1. Reverse-fold.
2. Spread the tip to round it.
3. Bend the antenna.
Repeat behind.

Snail 67
 Frog

Popular as pets, these hopping amphibians

have a variety of songs, from high chirps to
deep croaks. Throughout history, Frogs have
been popular as the subjects of folk tales,
often in the form of princes who have been
turned into a Frog by a magic spell.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold Fold and unfold

on the edge. on the diagonal.

68 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold and unfold. Fold to the center and
swing out from behind.
Rotate 180°.

1. Fold down.
1. Petal-fold and 2. Make small squash folds.
swing
out from behind.
2 M k f ld

Fold and unfold. Bisect the angles.

Pivot on the dots as

Fold the legs in half. you slide the legs.

Frog 69
 1. Squash fold.
2. Reverse-fold.

1. Fold the foot with a possible Repeat steps 18-19

small squash fold. on the right.
2. Valley-fold.

1. Fold the eyes.

2. Bend the legs.
3. Open the mouth and fold
the back slightly in half.

70 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Third Movement
Minuet of Platonic Solids with a
Trio of Sunken Solids
The minuet of geometric shapes highlights the five Platonic Solids. To Plato, the Greek philosopher, they represent the
classic Elements of Fire, Earth, Air, Water, and the Universe. Folding these three-dimensional shapes, each from one
square sheet, shows varied techniques. The trio shows three models built on Sunken Triangles, Squares, and Pentagons.
Models range from simple to very complex in skill level. Light up the room with these geometric wonders.

Tetrahedron

Composed of four equilateral triangles, this is the simplest of the five

Platonic Solids. To Plato, the Tetrahedron represents fire because of its
sharpness and simplicity.

The image on the right shows the crease pattern. The four sides of the model
are the colored triangles, showing their placement on the square sheet of
paper. The crease pattern shows a band of four triangles. The extra paper on
top is used as the tab to lock the model.

Tetrahedron 71
 Fold and unfold. Bring the top 1. Bring the bottom
corner to the line. edge to the dot.
2. Fold down.

Unfold.

Bring the bottom dot

to the right dot.

1. The dots will meet. Unfold.

2. Fold along the edge.

The left and right sides of the tab tuck

into two pockets. Fold along the creases
and tuck the tab inside the pockets.

72 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Cube

Plato believed the Cube, with six square faces,

symbolized Earth because of its stability.

Six squares forming a cross become the six sides

of the cube. Even symmetry is used.

1. Fold and unfold on the corners. Fold and unfold

1. Fold and unfold on
2. Fold and unfold on the right. on the bottom.
the bottom.
2. Fold and unfold on
the top and bottom.
Rotate 45°.

1. Fold up. Pull out.

2. Fold down.

Cube 73
 Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. Fold to the center
and unfold.

1. Fold on the left and right. Fold and unfold but not in Push in at the
2. Unfold. the center. Rotate 180°. lower dot.

1. Fold and unfold.

2. Lift up at A and flatten
the layers behind A.

This is 3D.

Tuck the tab into the

pockets of B. The top
square of the cube is B.
Flatten the layers of B.

74 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Octahedron

The Octahedron is composed of eight equilateral triangles. According to Plato,

the Octahedron represents air because it appears to be suspended.

The crease pattern shows the arrangement of the eight triangular faces. If it is
rotated 90°, the pattern would be the same, so this model uses square symmetry.
At rhe end of the folding, the model closes with a four-way twist lock. Using an
unusual method of folding, none of the triangular faces are adjacent.

Fold and unfold. Bring the left dot to the Unfold and rotate 180°.
line. Crease on the left.

Fold and unfold Repeat steps 2-4. Fold and unfold.

Octahedron 75
 Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. Fold through the
intersection.

Pivot around the upper Fold and unfold along the Fold and unfold along the
dot. The lower dot will partially hidden crease. partially hidden creases.
meet the valley-fold line.

Unfold and rotate 90°. Repeat steps 8-13

three times.

Fold and unfold to bisect Fold along the

the angles. Mountain-fold creases and push
along the creases. in at the dot.

76 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Squash-fold along Fold along the creases
the crease. and push in at the dot.

Repeat steps 16-18 Wrap around.

three times. Rotate
to view the outside.

1. Fold and unfold.

2. Unfold.
Repeat steps 20-21
three times.

Octahedron
Tuck the tabs under A and B and
continue all around. The dots will
meet at the top. The model closes
with a four-way twist lock.

Octahedron 77
 Icosahedron

The Icosahedron is composed of 20 equilateral triangles. Plato

attributed this model to water because of its ability to roll.

The model was designed to close with a five-way lock. The five
dots in the layout all meet at a vertex, to close the model.

1. Fold and unfold. Bring the corners Fold in half.

2. Fold and unfold on the edges. to the lines.

Unfold. Fold to the center. Unfold everything.

78 Origami Symphony No. 1

Repeat steps 2-6 in the Fold and unfold.
opposite direction.

Fold to the center

and unfold.

For 1
and 2

Fold and unfold at 1 and 2. Fold and unfold at 1 and 2. Rotate

180° for 3 and 4 (same as 1 and 2).

Fold and unfold. All the folds are along the

creases.
1. Fold along the crease.
2. Push in at the dot.
3. Push in at the dot.

Icosahedron 79
 1. Squash-fold along the creases. Fold and unfold three times.
2. Squash-fold. Valley-fold along Rotate to view the outside so
the crease. The dot will meet the dot is center and top.
the edge.

Fold along the creases, in 1. Wrap around.

order. Puff out at the dots. 2. Puff out at the dot.

1. Puff out at the dot. 1. Fold behind along the crease.

2. Puff out at the dot and wrap 2. Fold along the creases to tuck the
around the paper shown with tab between the layers, with A on
the dotted lines. top. The upper dots will meet and
dot b will meet c inside. Puff out at
dot d.

80 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold and unfold along
the crease. Rotate the 1. A will cover the tab as the upper dots
dot to the center. meet. Puff out at the lower left dot.
2. Puff out at the dot below 2.

Fold behind. Fold and unfold.

The tab will go under B so the two upper

dots meet. Puff out at the lower dot. Slide
the top, at the upper left dot, so it catches Icosahedron
with the inside flaps to lock it.

Icosahedron 81
 Dodecahedron

The Dodecahedron has twelve pentagonal faces. To Plato, the

Dodecahedron, the quintessence (the “fifth being”), represented the
whole universe.

This was very difficult to design, especially to be foldable from

standard origami paper and hold together. The crease pattern shows
odd symmetry, that is, the pattern is the same when rotated 180°.

Fold and unfold at Fold and unfold on the left Repeat step 2.
the top and bottom. and right. Rotate 180°.

1. Fold and unfold. Repeat step 4. Fold and unfold

2. Fold and unfold part way. at the top.
Rotate 180°.

82 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold and unfold on Repeat steps 6-7. The dots will meet.
the left. Rotate 180°.

1. Fold and unfold along Fold along the crease. Unfold to step 10.
the crease.
2. Fold to the crease.

Fold and unfold

Repeat steps 10-12. Unfold and rotate. on the left.

Fold a thin strip along

Fold up to the crease. the hidden crease. Unfold and rotate 180°.

Dodecahedron 83
 Repeat steps 15-18. Fold along the crease. Fold along a hidden crease.

This is 3D. Flatten. Unfold and rotate 180°. Repeat steps 20-23.

Fold behind Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold.

along the crease.

Fold and unfold. Unfold and rotate 180°. Repeat steps 25-29.

84 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. 1. Fold and unfold.
2. The dots will meet.

Fold and unfold along a Unfold. 1. Fold and unfold.

partially hidden crease. 2. Fold and unfold
along the crease.
Rotate 180°.

Repeat steps 31-36. Fold and unfold six times. Fold and unfold.
Rotate 90°.

Unfold to step 40.

The dots will meet as the
model becomes 3D.

Dodecahedron 85
 Refold along the creases. Turn over and repeat
Push in at dot B, puff out at steps 40-43.
dot A. The bold lines will
meet and the model will
become 3D. Rotate dot C to
the bottom and center.

The dots will meet as the

model becomes 3D.

Unfold to step 45. Refold along the creases. Push

in at the center dot. The other
two dots will meet.

Turn over and repeat steps 45-48.

Rotate the top to the bottom so the Fold two layers together.
dot will be at the top and center. Puff out at the dot.

86 Origami Symphony No. 1

Fold along the creases. Puff out at the lower dot. The upper Turn over and repeat
Fold behind and flatten. dots will meet. The folds are done on steps 50-52. Rotate
panel A, which is covered by region B. the dot to the center.
Mountain-fold along the crease.

Fold along the creases Fold inside but do not completely flatten.
and puff out at the dot. There is no crease for the mountain-fold
Turn over and repeat. between the dots. Turn over and repeat.

Tuck the two tabs into the

pockets. The three dots will
meet. You can also inflate
into it to round it out.

Dodecahedron

Dodecahedron 87
 Trio of Sunken. Solids
In the minuet is a trio of three sunken
polyhedra, with sunken triangles, squares,
and pentagons. Dive deep to master these
mind-boggling shapes.

Sunken Tetrahedron

The twelve faces of the Sunken Tetrahedron are isosceles triangles.

The sides of each triangular face are proportional to 2√2, √3, and
√3. The crease pattern shows 3/4 square symmetry.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold on the edges. Fold and unfold on the top.

88 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold and unfold on Repeat steps 3-4.
the top. Rotate 180°.

1. Fold along the crease. Unfold everything Repeat steps 6-8.

2. Fold along a hidden crease. and rotate 90°. Rotate 45°.

Bring the edge to Valley-fold along a hidden Fold and unfold along a
the line. Crease on crease and mountain-fold crease. Do not unfold at
the right. at the edge. the bottom.

Unfold. Fold along the crease.

Sunken Tetrahedron 89
 Unfold and
rotate 90°. Fold and unfold to bisect
the angles. Mountain-fold
Repeat steps 10-16 three along the creases.
times. Rotate 45°.

20

Fold along the creases Fold along the creases.

and push in at the dot. The dots will meet.
Fold along the creases and puff
out at the dot in the center. The
other two dots will meet.

Fold along the 1. Fold and unfold.

crease on the left. 2. Repeat steps 20-23 two times.
Rotate to view the bottom.

Fold paper 1, then fold 2 which

covers tab 1. Then fold 3 to
cover tab 2 and tuck tab 3 under
1. Push in at the center.

90 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Sunken Cube

The Sunken Cube is composed of 24 isosceles

triangles all meeting at the center. Each face has
sides proportional to 2, √3, and √3. The crease
pattern shows square symmetry.

Fold and unfold. Bring the edges to the center Unfold.

creasing on the edges.

Valley-fold along the crease.

Turn over and repeat.

Unfold and rotate 90°

Sunken Cube 91
 Repeat steps 4-6. Fold and unfold Fold and unfold in
on the corners. half three times.

Rotate 90°. Repeat steps 9-10 three Fold and unfold

times. Rotate 45°. near the edges.

Fold up using
the dots.
Bring the edge to the
line and swing out from
behind.

Repeat steps 13-16 in

Unfold. the opposite direction.

92 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold
along the creases.

Unfold. Repeat steps 19-21 in the Repeat steps 12-22

opposite direction. Rotate 90°. three times.

Fold and unfold to bisect Push in at the dot as the model Form a sunken
the angles. Mountain-told becomes three-dimensional. square on top.
along the creases.

Sunken Cube 93
 Slide the paper inside The arrow shows the orientation of the Fold along the creases so
along the creases. layers. Repeat step 27 on the thee other two dots will meet. Push in
edges. Rotate the top to the bottom. at the dot in the center.

1. Fold behind.
2. Fold along the creases.
The dots will meet.

Unfold. Repeat steps 29-33 on Fold inside as far as possible.

the three other sides. The dots will meet inside.
Note the tab on the left.

Continue folding inside in the order shown.

For each of the three folds, cover the tabs.
For the third fold, also tuck the tab inside. Sunken

94 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Sunken Dodecahedron

This Sunken Dodecahedron, one of several stellated icosahedrons, is

composed of 60 equilateral triangles. This version has the same
surface as an icosahedron. The crease pattern shows odd symmetry.
The beauty of this model is that the shape is very complex yet the
folding structure is so efficient that it only takes 35 steps, and the
resulting model is large in proportion to the square sheet of paper.

Fold and unfold Bring the left dot to the Unfold and rotate 180°.
on three edges. line. Crease on the left.

Fold and unfold Repeat steps 2-4. Fold and unfold.

on the right.

Sunken Dodecahedron 95
 Bring the bottom edge to the Unfold. Fold and unfold.
left dot and the bottom right
corner to the top. Crease on
the edges.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold. The paper
is divided into 9ths.

Unfold. Fold and unfold.

Rotate 180°

Repeat steps 13-15. Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold.

Rotate 180°

96 Origami Symphony No. 1

 1. Fold and unfold.
2. Fold and unfold.
3. Valley-fold.
Rotate 180° and repeat,
shown at the top.

Fold and unfold on

four lines on the left.
Rotate 180° and
repeat. Rotate 90°.

Push in at the dot.

Repeat steps 22-23 on the

other side. Turn over to
Squash-fold. view the outside.

Push in at the upper dots to form Push in at the dot to form a

two sunken pentagons. Rotate the sunken pentagon. Turn
lower dot to the center. over and repeat.

Sunken Dodecahedron 97
 Push in at the dot and tuck under Push in at the dot to form
the left side to form a sunken a sunken pentagon. Turn
pentagon. Turn over and repeat. over and repeat. Turn over and repeat.
Rotate to view the dot
at the top, center.

Push in at the dot to form Push in at the dot and tuck

a sunken pentagon. Turn into a hidden pocket. Turn
1. Fold and unfold. Turn
over and repeat. over and repeat.
over and repeat.
2. Spread at the top to
view the inside.
Follow pentagons A, B,
and C into the next step.

There are four flaps at the top,

flaps D, E, F, and G. Flaps E and
G larger than D and F. Tuck E
into D, and G into F. This will
create a pocket at the top.

Tuck the tabs

into the pocket.

98 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fourth Movement
March of the Large African Animals
The symphony comes to a roaring conclusion with a March of
these large and detailed animals. You can hear the Lion’s roar
and the Elephant’s trumpet call. Models are complex in skill
Level. Come ride on the Elephant’s back for a majestic view.

Rhinoceros

Rhinos are known for their horns, which are

in fact made out of keratin, the same protein
that forms our hair and fingernails. Some
species of rhinos have two horns and some
have only one. Rhinos spend much of the
time grazing.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold Fold and unfold

on the edge. on the edge.

Rhinoceros 99
 Fold and unfold
on the edge.

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center and

swing out from behind.

Petal-fold and swing Pull out.

out from behind. Refold to step 11.

Mountain-fold Repeat steps 11-13 Fold and unfold.

along the crease. on the right.

100 Origami Symphony No. 1

Make squash folds. Rotate 90°.

Make reverse folds.

1. Tuck inside.
2. Repeat steps 18-21 at
Unlock the paper. the top.

The bold lines will meet,

while thinning the legs.

Rhinoceros 101
 Make squash folds. Rotate 90°.

1. Fold up. 1. Pleat-fold, using the

2. Fold the inner layers to the dotted line as a guide.
center and make small squash 2. Petal-fold.
folds at the front legs.

102 Origami Symphony No. 1

 1. Crimp-fold.
2. Crimp-fold, repeat behind.
3. Make crimp folds, repeat
behind.
Fold the horn up while 4. Reverse-fold.
folding in half. Rotate 90°.

1. Reverse-fold. 1. Shape the horns.

2. Shape and pleat the legs. 2. Crimp-fold.
3. Open the ears. 3. Shape the back.
4. Fold inside.
Repeat behind.

Rhinoceros 103
 Hippopotamus

One might think Hippos would be

sluggish on land due to their size, but
in addition to being graceful under
water, Hippos can run rather fast on
land when needed. Hippos spend
much of their time in rivers and lakes
to stay cool, but do not swim well in
deep waters. Hippos come on land for
a few hours each day to graze on
grasses, their primary food source.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold Bring the dot to the line.
on the edge.

Unfold. Repeat steps 3-5

on the right.

104 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold and unfold.

Fold to the center and Petal-fold and swing Pull out.

swing out from behind. out from behind.

Refold to step 12. Mountain-fold Repeat steps 12-14

along the crease. on the right.

Fold and unfold. Make squash folds. Rotate 90°.

Hippopotamus 105
 This is a combination of squash folds. 1. Tuck inside.
2. Repeat steps 19-20 on the top.

Rotate 90°.

Mountain-fold This is 3D. Flatten.

along the creases.

106 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Push in. This similar
to a reverse fold.
Repeat behind.

1. Crimp-fold.
2. Reverse-fold.

Fold in halt and rotate 90°.

1. Reverse-fold the hidden

layers to form the eye.
2. Reverse-fold.
Repeat behind.

1. Pivot at the dot for this crimp fold. 1. Spread the upper layer, repeat behind.
2. Crimp-fold. 2. Reverse-fold.
3. Reverse-fold. 3. Reverse folds, repeat behind.

1. Reverse-fold.
2. Pleat-fold the ear, repeat behind.
3. Outside-reverse-fold.
4. Shape the legs, repeat behind.
5. Shape the neck.
6. Shape the head. Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus 107
 Baby Elephant

A Baby Elephant, or calf, stands

at three feet tall. These cute
animals do not yet know what to
do with their trunks. A Baby
Elephant is raised by the mother
and the herd.

Fold and unfold. Fold and unfold Bring the dot to the line.
on the edge. Crease on the top half.

Crease on the upper part. Unfold. Repeat steps 3-5

on the right.

108 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold and unfold Fold and unfold on Fold and unfold
on the edge. the edge. along the diagonal.

Fold and unfold.

Fold to the center and Petal-fold and swing Pull out.

swing out from behind. out from behind.

Refold to step 15. Mountain-fold Repeat steps 15-17

along the crease. on the right.

Baby Elephant 109

 Fold and unfold, Make squash folds. Rotate 90°.

Make reverse folds. 1. The dot will meet the line, spread
on the left.
2. Repeat steps 22-23 on the top.

Rotate 90°.

110 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Pleat-fold.

This is 3D. Flatten.

Mountain-fold
along the creases.

Fold down and swing Fold in half and

out from behind. rotate 90°.

Baby Elephant 111

 1. Crimp-fold. 1. Reverse-fold.
2. Reverse-fold. 2. Crimp-fold.
3. Thin the tail.
4. Make reverse folds.
Repeat behind

1. Spread the trunk. 1. Fold inside, repeat behind.

2. Fold behind. 2. Reverse-fold.
Repeat behind.

1. Bend the trunk with

crimp and reverse folds.
2. Fold behind.
3. Shape the legs.
4. Shape the back.
Repeat behind.

112 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Elephant

The largest living land animal, the Elephant has

no natural predators, though their young and the
sick in their herd can he vulnerable to such
animals as lions and hyenas. Elephants form deep,
lifelong bonds, and are a matriarchal society. The
trunk is formed from the nose and upper lip. It is
used in several ways to perform complex tasks.
Their sense of smell is the best of all animals, and
they can smell water twenty miles away.

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center

and unfold.

Unfold.

Fold and unfold.

Rotate 180°.

Elephant 113
 Fold and unfold Fold and unfold.
on the diagonal.

1. Fold up.
2. Unfold. Fold up at the bottom
while folding the
comers in the middle.

Fold and unfold

the top layer.
Valley-fold the top layer. Make
squash folds on the inner layers. Make two reverse folds.

114 Origami Symphony No. 1

 1. Fold down.
2. Fold and unfold.
1. Fold up and swing Rotate 180°.
out from behind.
2. Fold and unfold.

Fold and unfold This begins a combination

the top layers. of squash folds.

Pleat-fold the top layers.

This is 3D. Continue Pull out. Spread the paper.

with more squash folds
to flatten the model.

Elephant 115
 Fold and unfold so the Reverse-fold.
dot is in the middle.

Repeat steps 21-27 in Sink. Spread at the Rotate 90°.

the opposite direction. head and ears to sink.

1. Petal-fold. The dot is in 1. Petal-fold.

the middle of the flap.
2. Squash-fold one-third
2. Pleat-fold.
of the angle.

116 Origami Symphony No. 1

Valley-fold but quite to a point
at the bottom, by the arrow.
Repeat steps 31-33 at the top.

1. Reverse-fold. 1. Reverse-fold.
2. Reverse-fold, repeat behind. 2. Reverse-fold.
3. Reverse-fold. Repeat behind.

1. Shape the trunk with

outside reverse folds.
2. Curl the tusks.
3. 4. Shape the legs.
5. Shape rhe body.
Repeat behind.

Elephant 117
 Lion

Both male and female Lions

possess stealth and cunning, and
the male lion is instantly
recognized by its large shaggy
mane. A Lion’s roar is so
powerful that it can be heard
several miles away.

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center Fold and unfold to find
and unfold. the quarter mark.

Fold and unfold

on the edge.

118 Origami Symphony No. 1

Fold and unfold. Fold to the center and
swing out from behind. Petal-fold and swing
out from behind.

Fold and unfold Fold the top layer to the center

the top layer. while folding down. Rotate 90°.

Fold down as
far as possible.
Squash-fold. Mountain-fold
along the crease.

Repeat steps 12-15 Fold and unfold. Make squash folds.

on the top.

Lion 119
 1. Petal-fold.
2. Reverse-fold.

Squash-fold.

1. Tuck inside.
2. Repeat steps 19-23
on the top.

Fold and unfold,

creasing lightly.

Thin the legs.

120 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold the head up while Note the bold line (on 1. Reverse-fold.
folding the body in half. the left) is vertical. 2. Reverse-fold,
1. Pull out. repeat behind.
2. Reverse-fold.
Repeat behind.

The head is folded down so the 1. This is a combination of an 1. Tuck inside, repeat behind.
dot intersects the head and top outside-reverse fold with 2. Reverse-fold.
line of the back. squash folds on the front
1. Crimp-fold. and behind.
2. Fold the white paper inside, 2. Reverse-fold.
repeat behind.

1. Crimp-fold.
2. Thin the tail, repeat
behind.
3. Make squash folds,
repeat behind.

1. Fold inside.
2. Shape the mane.
Repeat behind.

Lion 121
 Giraffe

The tallest land animals, Giraffes have very long

necks as well as very long tongues, both of which
allow them to reach leaves and fruit in high trees.
Giraffes sleep throughout the day for several
minutes at a time rather than for a long stretch at
night because they are prey animals and this is a
way they can keep themselves safe and on guard.
Once believed to be silent, Giraffes actually hum,
but at so low a frequency that the human ear can
barely hear them.

Fold and unfold Bring the right dot to the

on the right. line. Crease on the right.
Fold and unfold.
Rotate 45°.

Unfold. Fold and unfold on the

right. Rotate 45°.

122 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Fold to the center Petal-fold and Pull out.
and swing out from swing out from
behind. behind.

Squash-fold. Squash-fold. Repeat steps 12-14 Fold and unfold.

in the opposite Rotate 90°.
direction.

1. Squash-fold. 1. Divide into thirds.

2. Fold and unfold. 2. Fold and unfold.

Giraffe 123
 1. Unfold. 1. Begin a petal fold.
2. Fold and unfold. 2. Fold and unfold.

1. This is 3D. Petal-fold 1. Make a thin petal fold.

and flatten. 2. Fold and unfold.
2. Fold and unfold.

Repeat steps 17-22 1. Make squash folds.

for the legs. 2. Fold and unfold.

Thin the legs.

124 Origami Symphony No. 1

1. Fold along hidden creases. Fold and unfold.
2. Fold to the center and unfold.

Fold and unfold. Fold in half while folding the

neck up. The dots will meet.

1. Fold along the crease to

make a combination of
reverse folds.
2. Fold inside, repeat behind.
1. This is a combination of
reverse folds.
2. Wrap around. This is the
same as an outside-
reverse fold.

1. Fold down. 1. Bring C up. The two upper

2. Reverse-fold. dots will meet, while comers
A and B stay in place.
2. Reverse-fold.

Giraffe 125
 1. Squash-fold. 1. Make reverse folds. 1. Fold behind.
2. Thin the leg and tail, 2. Thin the leg and tail, 2. Thin the white paper,
repeat behind. repeat behind. repeat behind.

1. Stretch and fold along 1. Fold up. 1. Fold the ears down.
the dotted line. 2. Double-rabbit-ear. 2. Shape the tail.
3. Thin and shape the legs.
2. Crimp-fold.
Repeat behind.

Fold inside and Fold and unfold. Sink.

repeat behind.

126 Origami Symphony No. 1

 Spread the
paper.

1. Fold inside. 1. Crimp-fold.

2. Valley-fold. 2. Fold inside.
Repeat behind.

1. Reverse-fold and shape the head.

2. Crimp-fold.

Giraffe 127
Welcome to the world premier first Origami Symphony. A musical symphony is an elaborate composition
typically in four movements, each with varied musical expression and form. The symphony brought music
to a new level. This origami symphony is also an elaborate composition with four movements of varying
themes from simple to complex, depicting the richness of origami.

Contained in this work are 38 original models, each a masterpiece by origami master John Montroll. Each
model can be folded from a single square using standard origami paper. Themes include cranes, bugs,
Platonic Solids, and African animals. A

First Movement: Allegro: Theme and Variation on the Classic Crane.

Second Movement: Andante: Simple Crawling Bugs.
Third Movement: Minuet of Platonic Solids with a Trio of Sunken Solids.
Fourth Movement: March of the Large African Animals.