Most Halloween origami is bats, ghosts and pumpkins, which is exactly why a little paper church feels so refreshing. There is something about that tall, narrow steeple that reads as slightly spooky without any effort at all — put it on a windowsill at dusk with a light behind it and it does the job beautifully. The fold itself is friendly: a grid of creases first, then a series of simple folds that pull the walls up and sharpen the roof. Take your time with the opening-out step in the middle, because that is where the building gets its depth. Add a tiny paper cross on the roof and you are done — fold a row of them in different sizes and you have an instant village.

This tutorial shows how to fold an origami church from a single square sheet of paper.

With its tall steeple it has a slightly eerie look about it, which makes it perfect for Halloween.

It is simple enough for anyone to make, so do give it a try.

How to fold a church

STEP 1

With the white side facing up, make diagonal valley creases and vertical and horizontal mountain creases.

STEP 2

Fold the paper along the creases.

STEP 3

Fold the left and right corners up so that they meet the top corner.

STEP 4

Fold the corner so that the inside opens out.

Do the same with the right-hand corner.

STEP 5

Turn the paper over and fold it the same way.

STEP 6

Turn it over so that the overlapping surface is on top, as shown in the photo.

STEP 7

Fold the left and right edges in so they line up with the centre.

STEP 8

Turn it over again so that the overlapping part is on top.

STEP 9

Fold it so that the pocket opens outwards.

STEP 10

Fold the corners upwards.

STEP 11

Cut a cross from another piece of origami paper and glue it on, and the church is complete.