Stingrays are those quietly magical creatures that glide along the seafloor like living kites — and with a single square of paper you can capture that smooth, flowing shape right on your table.

In this tutorial we'll fold a charming little stingray with a long, wavy tail and a body that puffs into a rounded 3D form. It's a playful project kids love, and with a pair of googly eyes it turns into an instant desk companion.

How to Fold a Stingray

STEP 1: Fold the paper in half.

STEP 2: Fold it in half again.

STEP 3: Open the triangle out to the left and right. Do the same on the other side.

STEP 4: Make a crease along the dotted line.

STEP 5: Fold it down.

STEP 6: Open the top flap downward.

STEP 7: Fold along the dotted line.

STEP 8: Fold the top half down.

STEP 9: Fold along the dotted line.

STEP 10: Make a crease along the dotted line.

STEP 11: Slip your finger into the small pocket and spread it open.

STEP 12: Fold along the dotted line.

STEP 13: Fold it in half.

STEP 14: Shape the tail into a wavy curve.

STEP 15: It should look like this.

STEP 16: Your stingray is complete!

Folding Tips

Step 11 can be a little tricky to fold — try inserting the tip of a pencil into the pocket to help it open out smoothly.

Add a pair of googly eyes and your stingray becomes utterly charming. Too cute to dislike!

Among the kids, a version with slightly spooky eyes tends to be the most popular.

Fold one and you just might hear someone say, "Cool!"