How to Make an Origami Jumping Frog from an Index Card

Co-authored by Robert Homayoon

Last Updated: September 4, 2024

Origami can be a fun activity for people of all ages.^{[1]
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Robert Homayoon
Origami Expert

Expert Interview} This easy-to-make jumping frog can be made in about three minutes and can provide hours of entertainment. The sturdiness of the index card makes the frog jump higher and last longer than if you make an origami jumping frog from regular paper. With a few friends and a few more frogs, you can play games like seeing whose frog can jump the farthest or race frogs seeing who can reach the finish line first.

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Using a 3" by 5" index card fold the top-right corner of the card diagonally (down and left) until the top of the card meets the left side. Unfold the card.
Then unfold the card. This will result in an X-shape on the upper portion of the card as shown in the figure.

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Keep the top portion flat while bending the two sides. As the top portion of the card folds inward, press it the rest of the way down. The card should resemble a house (see figure).
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Expert Source

Robert Homayoon
Origami Expert

Expert Interview}

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What origami can you make with index cards?

Jun Draper
Candle Maker & Origami Artist

As index cards are thicker and sturdier than usual paper, they are great for making 3D origami, like large birds, teddy bears, and other large items that require stiff, small folds. They also work for smaller origami projects, like hearts, planes, and boats.

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What advice do you have for someone who's trying to get started doing origami as a beginner?

Robert Homayoon
Origami Expert
Robert Homayoon is an Origami Expert known for his engaging YouTube videos and accessible instructions. He has been teaching origami on YouTube since 2009. His channel has a following of over 676,000 subscribers, and his videos have garnered over 211 million views. Robert uses his channel to highlight his passion for teaching people origami, crafts, and how to solve puzzles. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 2007 and earned his D.M.D degree from Temple University Dental School in 2013.

Robert Homayoon

Origami Expert

Expert Answer

Get a couple of simple books. They teach you the basic folds, valley folds, mountain folds, working on your hand coordination skills, and being precise. Take your time and try to be as accurate as possible with the instructions. It does require a certain precision, an artistic touch, and a lot of practice.

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What causes this to jump?

MattTheWaffleCat

Community Answer

Have you ever folded a stiff piece of paper and then watched as it straightened itself out slowly? It's kind of like that, but the paper unfolds quickly enough that it propels the frog off the ground.

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What should I do if my origami frog doesn't jump properly?

MattTheWaffleCat

Community Answer

You might need to try using a stiffer index card. Something maybe a little thicker. It will jump better that way.

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Tips

If you fold the "legs" upside down, you will have a bunny instead.

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Larger cardstock can be used to make a larger frog. However, if the proportions are not 3:5 trim it down using scissors or a paper cutter.

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Green cardstock will make a more realistic-looking frog.

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Warnings

If you are using scissors and/or paper cutters, keep fingers and clothing away from cutting parts, and keep an eye on children using them.

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Be careful with the corners of the index card. They are sharp.

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