Butterflies might be the single most popular thing to fold in origami—those wings just beg to be opened and shown off. This version builds a classic butterfly from one square of paper, walking through 14 photo-backed steps that take the sheet from a few simple creases all the way to a winged shape. It is a satisfying fold that looks great in any color, and two-tone paper makes the wings pop against the body. Find a quiet flat surface, pick a sheet, and let us bring a butterfly to life.

The butterfly is a classic origami favorite, and this version folds from a single square of paper in 14 photo-backed steps.

STEP 1. Fold it in half and make a crease.

STEP 2. Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 3. Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 4. Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 5. Open and fold as shown in the picture.

STEP 6. Fold it up at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 7. Open and fold as shown in the picture.

STEP 8. Turn it over and it is in the position shown in the photo.

STEP 9. Fold it down at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 1.

Turn it over and it is in the position shown in the photo.

STEP 1.

Open and fold as shown in the picture.

STEP 1.

Fold it in half.

STEP 1.

Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 1.

Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

Done!

The butterfly is completed.