Money Pine Tree

money pine tree

This money pine tree was created by Florence Temko (co-founder of OrigamiUSA) and V’Ann Cornelius.

This origami tree is not hard to make, but it does involve two squash folds. Squash folds are easy once you understand what’s going on. However, it takes practice to make squash folds nicely: nicely means to squash the paper evenly and symmetrically so that the final model has clean lines. If you are having trouble, you can always try the $ Easy Tree which only uses valley and mountain folds.

Instructions for Money Pine Tree

money pine tree

Step 1:

Start with a crisp dollar bill and place it vertical with the black-side facing up. Fold and unfold the dollar bill in half lengthwise.

money pine tree

Step 2:

Fold the dollar bill in half (bottom to top).

money pine tree

Step 3:

Fold the top layer back down. The location of the fold will dictate how long the trunk of the tree will be. A fold near the letter O is good.

money pine tree

Splay apart the layers of paper and take note the location of the bottom layer of paper.

money pine tree

Step 4a:

Start making the squash folds. First, fold down the left-side of the dollar bill; note where crease ends at the arrowhead.

money pine tree

Step 4b:

Unfold.

money pine tree

Step 4c:

Pry open the top layer and fold it towards the right. The fold should extend down from top-corner of the previous fold.

money pine tree

Keep going…

money pine tree

Squash the paper evenly.

money pine tree

Step 5:

Repeat the squash fold on the right side. Fold and unfold the right corner.

money pine tree

Pry apart the top layer and fold towards the left.

money pine tree

money pine tree

Squash.

money pine tree

Step 6:

Valley fold the top-right and top-left corners.

money pine tree

Step 7:

Fold down the top-right and top-left edges once more.

money pine tree

Turn over and you have yourself a dollar bill pine tree.

money pine tree

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