There's a reason the paper heart is everyone's first love in origami—it's quick, it's cute, and it actually looks like what it's supposed to be. In just eight folds you can turn a humble triangle into a tidy little heart that's perfect for slipping into a card or perking up a gift.

No special paper, no tricky techniques, no frustration—just a few minutes and a scrap of paper. Let's fold one and see how satisfying a tiny heart can be.

STEP 1.

Start with a triangular sheet of paper (half of a square). Fold it in half side to side to mark a crease, then unfold.

STEP 2.

Fold the two side corners inward so they meet along the center line.

STEP 3.

Turn the model over.

STEP 4.

Fold the upper layer of the top corner downward.

STEP 5.

Fold the top section down in half along the middle.

STEP 6.

Fold the four corners inward to shape the pointed edges.

STEP 7.

Turn the model over.

STEP 8.

Your paper heart is complete!