Mini Money Origami

Published by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.
www.tuttlepublishing.com
Copyright © 2011 by Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander. These origami models may not be
used for commercial purposes without written permission from the authors.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and
retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
LaFosse, Michael G.
Mini money origami / by Michael G. LaFosse & Richard L. Alexander.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-0-8048-4230-3
ISBN 978-1-4629-1728-0 (ebook)
1. Origami. 2. Money in art. I. Alexander,
Richard L., 1953- II. Title.
TT870.L234245 2011
736’.982--dc22
2011004773
ISBN 978-0-8048-4230-3
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First edition
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Contents
Origami Symbols Key
Introduction
Three-Dollar Bird Base
Three-Dollar Japanese Crane
Four-Pointed Star
Heart Locket
Dolphin
Happy, Good-Fortune Bat
Dollar Bill Folding Tips

How to Download the Bonus Material of this Book.
1. You must have an internet connection.
2. Click the link below or copy paste the URL to your web browser.
http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/mini-money-origami-kit-downloadablecd-content
For support email us at info@tuttlepublishing.com.

Origami Symbols Key
Our diagrams use the standard origami notations that are shown here. If you
are new to origami notation, please be encouraged that the project diagrams
are complete and clear. However, your ability to easily interpret them will
take time, like learning to read any foreign language. Studying from both the
video lessons and the diagrams will help you to learn to read origami
instructions much more quickly.
Obverse (Front)
Reverse (Back)
Fold in Front
Fold and Unfold

Fold to the Back
Move or Push
Fan Fold
Repeat Here
Turn Over

Introduction
Money origami is more popular than ever, thanks to the panoply of designs
and the wonderful folding quality of the dollar bill. Many people like to give
cash gifts or tips in folded money. While the classic folds still fascinate,
money-fold enthusiasts are always looking for fresh ideas. Therefore, we’re
pleased to offer this unique collection, and we hope you will get a kick out of
these delightful new models. This kit also debuts our ingenious new Three-
Dollar Bird Base (page 6) that you may use as a launching pad for your own
financial fiddling.
Our first Money Origami kit was our response to a glut of books on the
market that were just too complicated. The folks at Tuttle Publishing allowed
us to include video lessons on a disc, enabling scores of beginners to find
folding success. Naturally, we have included video lessons with this kit, as
well. We recommend that you first watch the selected lesson all the way
through once or twice, without trying to fold along. When you are ready to
fold along with the video demonstration, use the pause button to stop the
lesson while you copy each fold. Repeat as needed in order to accomplish
any folding sequence that is difficult for you.
Enjoy this Mini Money Origami treat while we work up the next set of fun
folds, and remember: if you spend money without folding it first, you haven’t
gotten the full enjoyment from your hard-earned cash!
We hope you enjoy the original origami butterfly designs presented in this
kit!

—Origamido Studio,
Richard Alexander & Michael LaFosse

Designed by Richard L. Alexander
The classic Japanese “Bird Base” is folded from a single uncut
square. It’s a versatile design that is the basis of many models—
and not just birds. Adapting this base to money typically produces
a stubby model with limited potential for elegance. However, our
Three-Dollar Bird Base—integral to the following two designs—
produces impressive, elegant models. Try this base with other
familiar models.
1 For bill number one, begin with the reverse side facing right-side up.
Valley-fold the left and right short edges to the top edge.

2 Valley-fold the same two short edges down to meet the 45-degree folded
edges formed in step one.
3 Move the folded flaps down and turn the model over, left to right.
4 Your model should look like this. Fold in half, right to left.

5 Valley-fold the top, long edge to meet the 45-degree angled crease.
Unfold. You can make Step 6 easier if you flex this fold back and forth a few
times.
6 A) Push the top right corner in, using the creases formed in Step 5 as a
guide. B) Rotate the model so that the bottom right corner is at the top.

7 This completes the first unit, but you will need two of these, so fold a
second unit from bill number two.
8 For the third bill, begin with the obverse side of the bill facing right-side
up. Valley-fold in half, edge to edge both ways, unfolding after each fold.
Turn over, left to right.

9 Valley-fold diagonal 45-degree creases, crossing at the center, unfolding
after each.
10 Study the lettermarked creases and look ahead at the next step for the
shape. Use the existing creases to mountain and valley-fold the bill and
collapse it into shape.
11 Valley-fold the indicated ends of the bill to meet at the middle.

12 Unfold. You can make Step 13 easier if you flex these folds back and
forth.
13 Use the existing creases to push the ends into the bill.
14 Begin assembly by inserting one of the two first bills into the third bill
as shown. Complete assembly by adding the second copy of your first two
bills on the other side and in the same manner.

15 Fold the front flap all the way up. Repeat with the other flap, behind.
Take care as you co-fold the bills. The more you fold them, the more they
lock together.
16 The completed Three-Dollar Bird Base. You can now fold many
origami classics from this three-dollarbill version of the Bird Base. This kit
demonstrates the Japanese Crane and the Four-Pointed Star. Enjoy!

Base designed by Richard L. Alexander Crane, Traditional Japanese
This classic origami model is usually folded from a single, uncut
square. It is one of the most impressive and beloved of all
traditional origami, and has become an international symbol of
peace. The crane has been folded from a single dollar bill; but the
resulting model is small, and the bill’s thickness hinders crisp,
clean folding. This crane, from Richard’s Three-Dollar Bird Base,
is large and elegant.

1 Begin with a Three- Dollar Bird Base (see page 6). Be sure that the split
end is at the bottom. Valley-fold the bottom left and right edges of the front
layers to meet at the split. Turn over and repeat behind.

2 Your model should look like this. Move the right-side top layer to the
left. Repeat behind to make the layering even again.

3 Your model should look like this. Valley-fold the pointed, narrow bottom
flap up to the top. Repeat behind.

4 Move the left-side top layer to the right. Repeat behind to make the
layering even again.

5 Valley-fold the front flap down as far as it will go, flat. Repeat behind.
6 Swivel each of the two middle points outward. Bring the bottom flaps up
level for the wings.

7 Inside-reverse fold the top portion of one of the middle points, forming
the bill.

8 The Japanese Crane.

Base designed by Richard L. Alexander Star, Traditional
This classic star is a showy and festive way to present a gift of cash
during the holiday season. Despite its appearance, only three bills
are required to complete this model. Now that you know how many
bills it takes to make one, show this star to someone and ask them
to guess. Many will say, “four!” Here is your chance to suggest an
“even” trade!

1 Begin with a Three-Dollar Bird Base (see page 6). Move the rightside top
layer to the left. Repeat behind to make the layering even again.

2 Your model should look like this. Valley-fold the pointed bottom flap up
to the top. Repeat behind.
3 Valley-fold the bottom left and right front corners to meet edgewise in
the middle, forming triangular flaps. Repeat behind.

4 Begin to open the star by grasping the large front flap while holding the
bottom triangular flaps tightly in place, and then pull down. Do this while
using your other hand to simultaneously move the same flaps at the back.
5 Once the star is partially open, you can move the other two points
downward. Flatten the center area to complete the star.

6 The Four-Pointed Star.

Designed by Michael G. LaFosse
There are numerous paper money hearts, thanks to its relatively
easy shape, and our fondness for expressing love in so many ways.
This design locks closed, and can be fitted with a small, flat
keepsake, such as a picture, note, commemorative coin or postage
stamp. The reverse side of the heart presents George Washington
wearing a hat!
1 Begin with the obverse side facing up. Valley-fold in half, short edge to
short edge. Unfold.

2 Valley-fold the left and right short edges to meet at the center crease.
3 Unfold and turn over, left to right.
4 Valley-fold to move the two outermost creases to meet at the center
crease.

5 Your bill should look like this. Turn over, left to right.
6 Valley-fold the indicated right edge to the left.

7 A) Valley-fold the bottom right corner to the crease, forming a large
triangular flap. B) Valley-fold the smaller left corner to the same crease. C)
Valleyfold the top right corner over to form a small triangular flap, somewhat
smaller than flap B.
8 Your bill should look like this. Return the indicated center flap to the
right. Repeat Steps 6–8 on the other side.

9 Valley-fold the top front edge down, along with the left and right layers
immediately behind. The fold should be made at the level of the bottom
edges of the two little triangular flaps at the outer top corners of the heart.
Look ahead to the next step for the shape.
10 Here we see Step 9 in progress. Carefully notice which layers have
been moved down. Squash the indicated pockets flat, forming two triangles
that meet in the middle.

11 Mountain-fold the indicated corners tightly behind the portrait of
George Washington, locking the heart.
12 This view is of a heart, with George Washington wearing a hat with
large mouse ears! You can fold the triangular flaps at the top to the other side
to make this side the preferred display side. Leave the triangular flaps on this
side and turn it over to see a classic heart.

13 You can unlock the heart by unfolding the triangular flaps from the
bottom of the heart.
14 Pull open.

15 The open Heart Locket. Place a small, flat item inside and lock it back
up! This makes a great little keepsake.

Designed by Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander
Who doesn’t love dolphins’ playful intelligence, gentle demeanor,
and smiling faces? There are many origami dollar-bill sea
creatures, and many are difficult to fold, but Michael’s clever
design produced a wonderfully interesting tail, as well as a shapely
front, complete with pectoral flippers. Make a splash by folding a
whole pod of these to delight your next group of joyful partygoers.
Before you begin, find out about wet-folding at the end of the
booklet!

1 Begin with a single dollar, obverse side, right side up. A) Valley-fold in
half, short edge to short edge. Unfold. B) Valleyfold the left and right halves
of the top edge to meet at the center crease.
2 Unfold. Turn over, left to right.
3 Valley-fold the left and right halves of the bottom edge to meet at the
center crease. Turn over, left to right.

4 Valley-fold the left and right folded edges to meet at the center crease.
Allow the layers from the back to move to the front.
5 Your paper should look like this. Turn over, bottom to top.
6 Valley-fold the left and right bottom edges of the kite-shaped area to
meet at the center. Unfold.

7 Use the existing creases to fold the free, horizontal edge into a pointed
flap. The bottom edges of the kite will meet at the center again.
8 One at a time, valley-fold and unfold the left and right edges of the
pointed flap. The edges should be aligned to be horizontal.

9 Form the dorsal fin by folding the pointed flap in half, while folding the
entire model in half. Use the creases that you installed in Step 8 to make the
fin stand vertically above the dolphin’s back.
10 Valley-fold the indicated flaps up on each side of the model. Follow
the thicker, folded edge at the back with your creases.

11 Valley-fold the indicated corner of the flap down, making a crease that
spans the back corner and the large bottom corner. Unfold. Repeat behind.
12 Make the flaps trim: A) Valleyfold the top edge to the crease formed in
Step 11. B) Fold the flap down using the existing crease from Step 11. Repeat
behind.

13 Mountain-fold the bottom corners in to slim the belly. Valley-fold the
tail flukes down on each side.
14 Lift the flukes up, level, forming the tail. Valley-fold the middle of the
head corner down. Mountain and valley-fold the large bottom corners to form
a crimp on each side of the model. Look ahead at the next step for the shape.
15 Your model should look like this. Valley-fold up the pectoral flippers,
bringing with it the bottom edge leading to the end of the head. Repeat on the
other side.

16 Head detail: Valley-fold the top edge of the head down, narrowing the
rostrum (beak). Mountain-fold the edges under the rostrum to further narrow
the paper. Valley-fold the fin down at a forward angle.
17 Notice in this diagram that an eye has been suggested with a small
deflection of the paper, where the back of the rostrum meets the front of the
head.

18 The completed Dolphin. You can further enhance the form by gently
curving the edges of the flippers, flukes, body and rostrum.

Designed by Michael G. LaFosse
Michael’s Happy, Good-Luck Bat has become one of the most
cherished gifts from the Origamido Studio, whether framed sets of
five red bats, or as earrings or pins. This Good-Fortune version,
adapted to the dollar bill, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser as well. The
sculpted body and wings look best when folded from great paper,
and the dollar bill contains some of the best fiber used today. If you
haven’t already looked ahead, check out the last page of the
booklet for information on wet-folding!

1 Begin with a single dollar, obverse side, right side up. A) Valley-fold in
half, short edge to short edge. Unfold. B) Valley-fold the left and right halves
of the top edge to meet at the center crease.
2 Turn over, left to right.
3 A) Valley-fold the bottom corners up, making the edges meet the edge of
the large triangle above. B) Valleyfold the bottom left and right edges up,
flush with the bottom edge of the large triangle.

4 Valley-fold the bottom center corners down.
5 Tuck the bottom edges inside the large triangle.
6 Valley-fold each of the three corners to meet at the middle of the bottom
edge of the triangle. Unfold.

7 Valley-fold up the exposed triangle flaps. These will become the feet.
8 A) Valley-fold the long edges of the triangle flaps down to the bottom
edge. Unfold. B) Valley-fold the short edges of the triangle flaps down to the
bottom edge. Unfold.
9 Use the valley creases to fold both long and short edges to the bottom,

folding the free corner of each triangle in half, pointed away from the vertical
center.
10 Valley-fold in half, left corner to right.
11 Notice the intersection of two creases, marked with the “X” arrow.
Fold the front flap to the left, placing the indicated intersection upon the left
edge. Be sure to make the fold end at the bottom left corner.

12 Valley-fold the flap to the right, folding along the vertical left edge.
13 A) The triangle flap will have a 45-degree angled crease across its
middle. Move this crease to meet the left edge and valley-fold. B) Move the
right edge of the triangle flap to the left edge with a valley-fold.

14 Valley-fold the longest edge of the triangle flap to its opposite edge.
Repeat Steps 11–14 on the other side to pleat the other wing.
15 Pull the paper open.
16 Your paper should look like this. Notice the feet are in the front.
Valley-fold the top corner down to the middle of the bottom edge, between
the feet.

17 Valley-fold the same corner up above the top edge. Notice the crease
ends, marked in red. Place them upon the top edge to get the correct level for
this fold.
18 Close-up: Mountain-fold the indicated left and right short edges
behind, forming the forearms. Valleyfold the top corner to a point just below
the horizon line of the folded edge behind.
19 Valley and mountain-fold a small amount of paper from the corner of
the triangle flap, forming the upper lip and nose.

20 Push the bottom ends of the indicated pleats to mountain and
valleyfold a scalloped edge at the bottom of the wing. Repeat with the other
wing.
21 Use the existing creases to fanfold the wings closed.
22 Mountain-fold from the upper wing corner down to the body crease,
highlighted in red. Valley-fold the upper wing corner to touch the ear corner.
Do this to both sides to make the body three-dimensional.

23 Your model should look like this.
24 Close-up of the head: Mountain-fold along the ear-lines, down to the
mouth corners and across the lip line. Valley-fold the ear corners flat over the
top of the head. This will make the head 3-D and make flaps for the ears.
25 Twist the ears, back edges toward the front, to shape them to face
forward. Insert a toothpick or other narrow tool into the mouth to open it. Use
a scooping, left to right motion to form the lower lip, with the mouth open in
a smile.

26 Curl the top corners of the wings inward for the bat’s thumbs. Pull
open the wings and add graceful curves along the edges.
27 The Happy, Good-Fortune Bat.

Dollar Bill Folding Tips
Use crisp new bills for best results, and try “wet-folding” your money! Wetfolding
will make it easier to fold dollar bills, which are rather thick and stiff.
Once the bill dries, the finished model will keep its shape much better than
bills that were folded dry. Only add the slightest amount of water. Use a
lightly moistened paper towel to gently wipe both sides of the bill. Wetfolding
the dolphin and the bat will give you wonderful and lasting results.