There is something special about a gift finished with a handmade touch, and this little leaf-shaped origami ribbon delivers exactly that. With nothing more than a single strip of paper — half of a standard square, cut down the middle — you can fold a crisp, tidy bow that looks far more impressive than the few minutes it takes. It's the kind of detail that elevates a plain present, dresses up a greeting card, or adds charm to a scrapbook page. The folding itself is a relaxing sequence of creases and gentle pleats, and once you've made one you'll want a whole jar of them in different colors. Let's fold a ribbon or two and give your next gift a personal finish.

Easy and Cute! How to Fold a Leaf-Shaped Ribbon

1 sheet of 15 x 7.5 cm origami * The size of normal 15 x 15 cm origami cut in half.

[ 1 ] Fold it in half and make a crease in the middle.

[ 2 ] Fold the four corners in along the center line.

[ 3 ] Fold the top and bottom edges to meet at the center line.

[ 4 ] Fold it in half in the middle.

[ 5 ] Make mountain and valley folds along the dotted line.

It should look like this.

[ 6 ] Fold the upper half down.

[ 7 ] Fold the opposite side in the same way as steps [ 5 ] and [ 6 ].

[ 8 ] Make a valley fold along the dotted line.

[ 9 ] Fold the back side in the same way.

[ 10 ] Make a valley fold along the dotted line.

[ 11 ] Fold the back side in the same way.

[ 12 ] Open both ends.

Gently open the knot in the middle and shape it.

It is complete.

Did you fold it nicely?

I also tried folding one from a 7.5 x 3.75 cm piece — half of a quarter of standard origami paper!

The one in the lower right is small and cute.