There is something irresistible about origami that looks like it belongs on a beach, and this clam shell is a perfect example - a handful of creases and suddenly you are holding a little ridged shell that could have washed up on the sand. It is the kind of model that makes people ask how you did it.

The secret here is the paper. Fold it from plain origami paper and it is charming; fold it from white pearlescent stock and the ridges catch the light in a way that really does look like a shell. Make a handful of them, scatter them across a table for a seaside-themed dinner, or slip a small note inside for a gift that opens with a surprise.

We really like the look of this origami clam shell. It looks amazing when folded from a sheet of white pearlescent origami paper!

STEP 1.

Start with a 6 x 6 inch (15 x 15 cm) square of origami paper, colored side down. Fold it in half along both diagonals, crease well and unfold.

STEP 2.

Fold both the top and bottom tips in to meet at the center.

STEP 3.

Flip the paper over. Fold both sides in to the center, crease well and unfold.

STEP 4.

Flip the paper over again and fold in the right and left tips where indicated.

STEP 5.

Fold the bottom part up where indicated and crease well.

STEP 6.

Now fold it back down and crease well.

STEP 7.

Repeat steps 5 and 6 on the top half, so both sides are symmetrical.

STEP 8.

Fold the paper in half, bringing the right side over to the left, and crease well.

And your origami clam shell is complete!