Paper Santa - Make-Origami.com

origami santa
This Paper Santa is originally from this web site (http://www.gem.hi-ho.ne.jp/ko-chan/santa.htm) which, unfortunately, no longer exists. It is a really cute model but it isn’t really origami because there are many cuts.

Despite the use of scissors, this model is fun to make and it is incredible that someone was smart enough to invent it. Making this model, you will find many moves used in origami. For example, the model starts with a preliminary base, and many of the folds bisect angles just as it is done in traditional origami.

This is not a fast & easy paper Santa. As well, because scissors are used, you have to be careful so you don’t mess-up and cut at the wrong place. On the other hand, the cuts allow the model to have more flexibility and expression. So, follow along carefully and let us start:

Instructions for Paper Santa

Step 1:

Start with a square sheet of paper that is red on one side and white on the back side. Place the paper so it is white-side up.

Fold the paper along the diagonals to get an X shaped crease. Turn the paper over.

Step 2:

Fold the paper in half (left to right). Unfold.

Step 3:

Fold the paper in half (top to bottom).

Step 4:

Push the top-corners towards one another.

Allow the front layer to come up towards you as you continue to push at the corners.

Swivel the flap of paper pointing towards you to the right. There should be a similar flap of paper behind the model: swivel this flap towards the left. Once it is flat, it is called a Preliminary Base.

Step 5:

Cut off a triangle section from the top layer of paper. The size doesn’t matter too much: target for something that is 1/4 to 1/3 the height of the Preliminary Base.

Step 6:

For the small triangle sheet of paper: fold the base up a little to get a white edge.

Step 7:

Turn both pieces over.

Step 8:

For the large piece: fold the top layer up.
For the small piece: fold the top-right and top-left edges so they meet at the central crease.

Step 9:

For the large piece: fold down the top layer (connect green dots). Unfold.

The small piece will be Santa’s hat. Put this aside for now.

Step 10:

Fold the top-right and top-left edges towards the central crease. You don’t need to fold all the layers, just fold the top two layers. Unfold.

Step 11:

Cut along the dotted lines as shown. You will cut through three layers of paper. Use the existing crease from step 9 as a guide; do not cut beyond the creases made in step 10.

Step 12:

Fold down the small flaps of paper along the existing creases (fold only top layer of red paper).

Step 13:

Fold down the entire tip. This will be Santa’s white beard.

Step 14:

Cut along the dotted lines as shown.
Cutting horizontal, you will be cutting through one layer of red paper.
Cutting upwards, you will be cutting through 3 layers of paper. Use the existing creases from step 10 to show you where to cut.

Step 15:

Fold in the flaps which will be Santa’s arms.

Step 16:

Fold these two flaps back out to complete Santa’s arms.

Step 17:

Define Santa’s head and legs by folding back (mountain fold) the flaps of paper beside the head and legs.

Step 18:

This is how the model looks like. Now, all that is left is to thin out the legs and making Santa’s sack of toys.
Swivel the entire left flap towards the right.

Step 19:

Fold in the bottom edge of the leg to make it more narrow.

Step 20:

Swivel the flap back towards the left.

Step 21:

Repeat steps 18 to 20 on the right side of the model.

Step 22:

The legs are done. Time to work on Paper Santa ‘s toy sack.
Cut along the dotted lines as shown.
Beside Santa’s head, you will be cutting through two layers of paper.
Near the legs, you will cut through one layer of paper. Look at the back side of the model to see where to cut.