Some origami models are quick and cute; this one is a project. The origami mammoth is a long, satisfying build that ends with a shaggy little Ice Age giant complete with curled tusks.

It takes patience and a stack of step photos, but there is real magic in watching a flat square slowly become a creature. Grab a generous sheet, settle in, and let’s bring this woolly fellow to life.

Here is how to fold an origami mammoth.

It has many small parts and takes some time, but if you fold it carefully you will end up with a proper, impressive mammoth.

Use this as a reference as you fold your own mammoth.

How to fold a mammoth

STEP 1. Make half creases vertically and horizontally.

STEP 2. Fold the left and right edges to the center and make a crease.

STEP 3. Fold the top edge along the middle crease.

STEP 4. Fold the edge along the crease and make a crease.

STEP 5. Fold it so that it opens inside according to the crease you made.

STEP 6. Fold the edge as shown.

STEP 7. Fold the edge down.

STEP 8. Fold the edge as shown.

STEP 9. Fold the corner to the left.

STEP 10. Align the corners with the edges, make a crease, and insert it into the gap.

STEP 11. Fold it so that the corner is pulled out to the upper left.

STEP 12. Fold the right side in the same way.

STEP 13. Fold the top corner to the bottom edge.

STEP 14. Turn it over and fold the bottom edge up along the line connecting the corners.

STEP 15. Fold it in half.

STEP 16. Fold it so that the corners slide down.

STEP 17. Fold the corners inward. (Same for the other side)

STEP 18. Fold it inward along the dotted line. (Folded in the middle)

STEP 19. Fold the corners inward.

Same for the other side.

STEP 20. Fold it over.

STEP 21. Fold the inner edge. (Same for the other side)

STEP 22. Fold the bottom edge inward. (Same for the other side)

STEP 23. Make a crease along the dotted line.

STEP 24. Fold it along the creases.

The inside looks like this.

STEP 25. Fold the corners inward.

STEP 26. Fold this corner so that it looks like your forefoot.

STEP 27. Fold the corners.

STEP 28. Fold the corners inward.

STEP 29. Pinch the corners and fold them to make them thinner.

STEP 30. Curl the fangs and shape them to complete the mammoth.