How to make an origami fox puppet
Origami Fox Puppet: try all 16 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
The traditional House-derived fox mask, recorded in Japan in 1905, with pointed ears and a movable mouth band.
- You need
- One square of thin origami paper and a pen for the face. No glue or scissors.
- Start
- Start white side up, with an edge at the top. The mouth shows the colored reverse and the ears show the white side. A larger square makes room for your fingers.
- Tips
- Open each roof pocket gently before pressing it flat.
- Use a large square if you want to fit your hand inside the puppet.
Your model is ready
Both ears and both sides of the mouth band are folded. To use the puppet, slip your fingers into the mouth pockets, part the mouth and spread the ears, then draw eyes and whiskers on the face. The finished fox puppet, with its folded ear panels and mouth band.
Step-by-step diagrams
Steps 1–6
- 1
Mark the middle
Fold the right edge to the left edge, press, and open.
- 2
Fold in half
Fold the top edge down to the bottom edge.
- 3
Fold the right edge in
Fold the right edge to the middle crease, taking both layers with it.
- 4
Fold the left edge in
Fold the left edge in to meet it.
- 5
Open the left roof pocket
Open the front left pocket from the center seam. Pull its outer skin out to the left and press its folded top edge flat along the side hinge, making a sloping roof and a wide wall below.
- 6
Open the right roof pocket
Open the front right pocket from the center seam. Pull its outer skin out to the right and press its folded top edge flat along the side hinge, making a sloping roof and a wide wall below.
Steps 7–12
- 7
Turn over
Turn the House over so its smooth wall faces you.
- 8
Bring the left wall in
Fold the left edge to the center, taking the roof corner with it.
- 9
Bring the right wall in
Fold the right edge in to meet it, making a narrow band.
- 10
Shape the first ear tip
Fold the free bottom corner of the front right flap diagonally up to the outer side of the band.
- 11
Raise the first ear panel
Lift the whole front lower panel along the diagonal from its lower left corner to its upper right corner. Take the left leaf and the small folded tip with it.
- 12
Close the first side of the band
Fold the remaining front point up across the bottom of the colored band. Bring its small tip packet up with it.
Steps 13–16
- 13
Turn over
Turn the packet over to reach the other white lower panel.
- 14
Shape the second ear tip
Fold the free bottom corner of the front left flap diagonally up to the left side of the band.
- 15
Raise the second ear panel
Lift this whole lower panel along the matching diagonal, carrying the other leaf and its folded tip together.
- 16
Close the second side of the band
Fold the last front point up across the bottom of the colored band, taking the small tip packet with it.
- ✓
Finish
Both ears and both sides of the mouth band are folded. To use the puppet, slip your fingers into the mouth pockets, part the mouth and spread the ears, then draw eyes and whiskers on the face. The finished fox puppet, with its folded ear panels and mouth band.
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