Transform a dollar bill into a stylish three-dimensional pyramid with just a few simple folds! The distinctive patterns contribute to the pyramid’s unique appearance. This project is perfect for beginners, no special tools or experience are required. Whether you want to use it as a gift, a decoration, or as a fun craft activity during your break, this project turns everyday bills into art.
If you are new to origami, start here from our beginner guide to know the basics and how to read the step-by-step instructions.
- Folding time: 5 minutes
- Paper: Dollar Bill
- Difficulty: Easy
Material
Prepare a one-dollar bill to fold an origami pyramid. The slightly new bill would make the folding process smoother.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Fold the bill in half vertically from right to left.
Step 2
Fold the bill in half horizontally, leaving a crease, and unfold it.
Step 3
Fold the top and bottom right corners diagonally along the dotted lines, leaving two creases, and unfold them.
Step 4
Bring up the bottom edge of the top layer along the horizontal crease, then open and squash the bottom right corner along the creases you made in the previous step.
Step 5
Fold down the top trapezoid along the horizontal crease.
Step 6
Bring up the top edge, then open and squash the top right corner along the creases you made in step 3.
Step 7
Fold the bottom edge of the top layer to align with the top edge along the horizontal crease.
Step 8
Fold the top edge to align with the top right edge along the dotted line, then unfold the top layer.
Step 9
Slightly expand the bill to open the pocket, then fold the top left corner to meet the center intersection point along the crease indicated by the dotted line. Note that tuck the center two corners between the layers, as you can see in the third picture. Flatten the fold.
Step 10
Fold the top layer back to the left side, then flip the bill from left to right.
Step 11
Similarly, fold the top right corner to meet the center point along the crease indicated by the dotted line. Flatten the fold.
Step 12
Open the pocket, press down the top corner, and flatten the fold.
Step 13
Fold the bottom two flaps upward along the bottom edges of the top quadrilateral. Then, tuck the triangle of the right flap between the pocket of the left flap, as the third picture shows.
Step 14
Lift the top layer and press down the bottom flap. Use both your hands, take the top and bottom corners, and pull them to the sides to slightly expand the bottom opening.
Step 15
This is the final shape of an origami money pyramid.
What’s Next
Use a piece of square paper to create an origami triangle pyramid that features a square base and four faces as well. It is very easy to make and takes up to 5 minutes. The difference is you need to prepare glue.
How about making an Origami Pyramid Box? This project combines the creativity of the pyramid and the practicality of the box. It is locked by a lovey heart and thus is perfect as a gift box.
Origami Triangle Pyramid
Origami Pyramid Box
