There is a reason the folded heart is the first thing most people learn to make from paper: it is fast, it needs nothing but a square, and it means something the moment it is done. This version gets straight to the point with sixteen photos and almost no words, so you can follow it at a glance.

The trick is in the early creases. The first few folds set up the lines that the rest of the heart hangs on, so take a second to press them flat and square. After that the model closes up on itself, and the two bumps at the top and the point at the bottom appear almost by themselves. Make one for a card, or make a dozen and turn them into a garland.

STEP 1.

STEP 2.

STEP 3.

STEP 4.

STEP 5.

STEP 6.

STEP 7.

STEP 8.

STEP 9.

STEP 10.

STEP 11.

STEP 12.

STEP 13.

STEP 14.

STEP 15.

STEP 16.