Heart in a Paper Square

Changing which side of the paper faces outward reverses the heart and background colors.

The paired display places two separate folded squares side by side.

Use this finished example to compare the shape and proportions of your model.

1. 1

   Fold the square in half horizontally and vertically, opening each time.

2. 2

   Divide both directions into four equal sections, then crease both diagonals and unfold.

3. 3

   Bring all four corners to the center and unfold to mark the smaller square shown.

4. 4

   Push the sides inward along the existing creases, gathering the extra paper into the corners.

5. 5

   Open and squash the first corner pocket into a small square. Repeat at the other three corners.

6. 6

   Flatten the four sections so their inner corners meet neatly at the middle.

7. 7

   Fold the indicated layers of the two upper squares diagonally downward. Fold the top section to the dotted guide.

8. 8

   Fold again to the new creases and tuck the little triangular flaps inside.

9. 9

   Open the left and right inner flaps in turn, following the arrows.

10. 10

    Fold the small triangles along their dotted guides, then spread the colored layers outward to form the two upper lobes.

11. 11

    Fold the two small central flaps behind along their creases and flatten the heart against its square background.

Use this finished example to compare the shape and proportions of your model.

Make a second square with the colors reversed for a matching pair.