Easter and Spring Crafts

How to Make a Jumping Origami Bunny

Read all of the steps before starting.

Step 1: Project Preparation

Select paper or cardstock colors and precut blanks. The blanks for the bunnies need to be approximately 3" by 5" (76 mm by 127 mm). For best results, the blanks need to have straight sides and square corners. The blank sizes can vary if you want larger or smaller bunnies—just keep similar proportions. Scraps of paper or cardstock in the same color are needed for the ears. Strips about ½" by 1½" (1.25 cm by 4 cm) work well for the ears.

Tip: For a larger jumping bunny, start with a folded letter-size sheet of paper (4¼ x 5½")  and then follow the folding instructions.

Step 2: Fold Bunnies

Follow the folding instructions carefully, referring to the illustration. Take your time and make neat, sharp creases.

1. Place the card so the long edge is vertical to you.
2. Take one top corner and fold it down until the top edge meets the side edge. Open flat. Repeat for the other corner.
3. At this point, you should have two folds that form an "X" at the top of the card. Fold the card top over so that a horizontal fold runs through the middle of the "X".
4. Push the top corners in on the fold lines to form a point.
5. Fold the bottom corners of the triangle up to meet the top corner. (These will be the legs.)
6. Fold the sides to the middle.
7. Fold the bottom edge to the top point, then fold the top back to meet the fold just made.
8. Turn the bunny over and pull the legs into position.

Tip: Younger children will need help with the folding.

Step 3: Finish Bunny

Cut two bunny ears from another piece of the same paper or cardstock and glue or tape them to the bunny’s head.

Draw eyes and a nose on the bunny.

Tip: Leave off the ears to make the traditional leaping frog. Decorate the folded card in other ways to make different leaping animals—cats, lizards, beetles, etc.

Step 4: Make the Bunny Hop

The back of the bunny forms a Z-shape that acts as a spring. Tap the back of the bunny and the bunny will jump! Have a contest with your friends to see which bunny jumps the highest or the farthest.

Tip: It takes a little practice to get the bunny to jump or hop straight without flipping over. Try to give a gentle tap in the center of the back edge and adjust the legs to see what works best. You might also try pressing on the back two corners.

That's it! How far does your bunny jump?

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