If you want a taste of the ocean without committing to an hour-long fold, this little squid is your model. It starts with just half a sheet of paper and reaches the finish line in about a dozen steps — including one satisfying snip of the scissors that turns a folded point into a spray of tentacles.

It’s the kind of quick project that’s perfect for a first attempt at sea creatures, or for making a whole shoal to scatter across a table.

STEP 1.

Cut the sheet in half.

Use only one half.

STEP 2.

Fold it in half and make a crease.

STEP 3.

Fold it at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 4.

Turn it over.

STEP 5.

Fold it as shown in the picture.

STEP 6.

Fold it up at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 7.

Fold it down at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 8.

Make a crease at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 9.

Open and fold as shown in the picture.

STEP 10.

Turn it over.

STEP 11.

Cut with scissors.

All done! Your origami squid is complete.