Every December the same thing happens: you want something seasonal on the mantelpiece, and every option either costs money or takes an afternoon. This little sled is the answer to both. Eleven folds, one sheet of paper, and suddenly there is a usable prop for whatever scene you are building.

What I like most is how few decisions it asks you to make. There is no tricky base to memorise and no moment where everything collapses in your hands — you crease, you turn the paper over, you judge where the edge should land by eye, and the sled appears. Make one in red paper and you have a decoration; make a dozen small ones and you have a gift.

This origami sled folds flat from a single sheet of paper and makes a charming addition to a Christmas scene, a greetings card or a gift tag. Work through the steps slowly and judge each fold against the photos — most of them are simply a matter of getting the position of the edge right.

STEP 1. Fold the paper in half and press a firm crease into it.

STEP 2. Fold at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 3. Turn the paper over.

STEP 4. Fold at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 5. Open the paper out and fold it as shown in the photos.

STEP 6. Turn the paper over.

STEP 7. Fold at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 8. Turn the paper over.

STEP 9. Fold at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 10. Fold the paper over as shown.

STEP 11. Turn the paper over and the sled is finished.

All done — your origami sled is ready to slide into a Christmas scene!