Folding can bring peace. John Smith created this elegant angel. Its wings and skirt create a beautiful, pure silhouette. Folding it brought me a sense of calm during my busy workday.
We suggest avoiding thick paper, because sharp creases become hard to fold. Thin sheets give you crisp edges and better shaping. If you patiently sculpt the wings, this model will look delicate and light.
Angels and unicorns share a holy spirit. After finishing this model, try my origami unicorn tutorial. Folding these pure creatures creates a relaxing afternoon.
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: 30 minutes
- Paper: 15×15 cm
- Total steps: 21
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Designer: John Smith
Material
- We used a 15 cm × 15 cm square of paper to make an origami angel about 7.5 cm high and 10.5 cm wide.
- You will also need to prepare a ruler, as you will need to divide the edge equally during the process.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Start by placing your paper with the desired display side down. Fold the top corner all the way down to the bottom, creating a triangle. Then, fold the left corner to the right corner (Pics 1-2).
On the top triangle layer, fold the top right corner diagonally down to meet the bottom corner (Pic 3). Turn over from left to right (Pic 4), fold the top left corner diagonally to the bottom corner (Pic 5).
Step 2
Divide your bottom left edge into five equal spots. Fold that bottom corner of the top layer up at the first mark from the top (Pic 1). Flip your paper over now (Pic 2).
Match this top layer to the fold behind it (Pic 3). Fold the remaining layer up to match as well, then unfold it (Pics 4-6).
Step 3
Fold the left edge toward the right side. Align it with the right triangle’s left edge (Pics 1-2). Press down for a sharp crease, then unfold (Pic 3).
Step 4
Gently pull that top triangle layer toward the right side until the whole expands (Pic 1). Flip your model over (Pic 2). Repeat by pulling the top layer leftward (Pics 3-4).
Step 5
Fold your top layer right (Pic 1). Fold the bottom-right edge left along the dashed line, aligning red dots (Pic 2). Crease and unfold (Pic 3). Mirror this step for your bottom-left edge, crease, and unfold (Pics 4-6).
Step 6
Fold right corner to left along the crease indicated by the black dashed line, then fold back to right along vertical crease (Pics 1-2). Mirror these folds on the left side (Pics 3-4), ensuring edges align perfectly. Symmetrical triangular base results.
Step 7
Press that top section completely down to flatten it (Pics 1-2). Turn the entire model over (Pic 3). Told the top point down just a little bit, using the black dashed line connecting the red dots as your guide (Pic 4). Finally, flip the model over (Pics 5-6).
Step 8
Lift the top layer slightly (Pic 1). Fold the right corner left, then pleat it back to the right (Pics 2-3). Fold the left corner right, then pleat back (Pics 4-6).
Step 9
Expand the right layer by pulling its corner outward (Pic 1). Fold this corner left along the dashed line (Pic 2). Convert the red-lined crease to a mountain fold, then flatten (Pics 3-4). Fold the top layer, including the small tucked corner, left along the vertical centerline (Pic 5).
Step 10
Mirror the process from the previous step on the left-hand side.
Step 11
Fold the right wing’s edge left along the black dashed line and unfold (Pics 1-2). Next, crease the small top-right triangle, bringing its outer edge to the centerline and unfold (Pics 3-4).
Now, perform a specific squash fold: as you fold the triangle edge inwards again, gently push down on the inner pocket, flattening the entire layer to the right (Pics 5-7).
Step 12
Mirror the process from the previous step for the left side.
Step 13
Flip the model over (Pic 1). Narrow the bottom part by folding the left and right outer edges inward along black dashed lines (Pic 2).
Step 14
Gently pinch the top edge, molding it into a soft, rounded hood. Fold side edges inward, shaping the veil. You should also pinch the central crease to puff out the face, adding 3D volume.
Step 15
Fold the bottom corner of both layers up to establish a crease, then unfold (Pics 1-2). Tuck the front layer’s bottom corner backward along that crease, and fold the back layer’s bottom tip upward along that crease (Pics 3-6).
Step 16
Make mountain fold along these white dash-dot lines. Creating these folds puffs out the body to provide 3D volume, preparing the base structure for the subsequent skirt shaping.
Step 17
Mountain fold the central vertical crease (Pic 1). Create valley folds between this center line and the side mountain folds to establish a zigzag pleated effect, forming the skirt structure (Pics 2-5).
Step 18
Rotate the model and shape the right wing. Gently shape it by creating soft, organic curves along the indicated dashed line to add realism.
Step 19
Add feather-like texture by forming small wing pleats. Create adjacent valley and mountain folds as shown to form three pleated patterns. Shaping ensures wings achieve a defined, feathered look.
Step 20
Rotate your model 90 degrees to access the left wing.
Step 21
Shape curves along the indicated dashed line. Form small wing pleats by folding along the guidelines to match the right side’s feathered texture, completing your angel.
What’s Next
Congratulations! You created a beautiful angel. Next, try folding my other ancient & anime animal designs like the magical witch, or cool Godzilla. Explore my collection to discover more paper-folding adventures waiting just for you.
Other Origami Ancient & Anime Animals Ideas
You have beautiful way of making complex emotions feel normal and valid
Thank you so much! That means a lot to hear. I’m so glad the project brought that kind of comfort and resonance. Happy folding!