Cartoon-Inspired Origami Planes

Hi, there!

This is an easy, fun little project.

I learned to make these paper airplanes when I was a little girl living in South Korea. At that time, this cartoon movie, Mazinga-Z (Z is pronounced jet) was very popular. It saved people and the Earth from evil scientists and aliens (I think...). This is a take on the planes that flew together and separated to make the top of the robot's head.

The plane itself can separate into three pieces, and each of them can fly on its own (each with its pilot, etc.).

Oh, one last thing. These planes won't fly. They are too heavy, but they sure are neat!

• Three pieces of square paper.

• Fold corner to corner, creating a triangle.
• Fold the triangle in half.
• Do the same for other two pieces of square paper.

• Open up the folded square.
• Tuck in the opposite sides and fold it down.

• Fold the first layer of paper down toward the middle.
• Fold the second layer of paper down toward the middle.

• Fold the first layer of paper down toward the middle.
• Tuck in the pieces of paper hanging over between the two layers.
• Fold toward the center at the tucked-in layer. Do this from both sides.
• When the ends overlap, fold to make them stand straight.

• Fold the first layer of paper down toward the middle.
• Tuck in the pieces of paper hanging over between the two layers.

• Tuck and slide in completely the inner layer of the top piece between the layers of the bottom piece.
• Tuck and slide in completely the outer layer of the top piece between the layers of the middle piece.

Ta-da!

I know. They can't fly. They're too heavy. But it's so easy and fun to make these planes! I made two sets of planes and decided to mix and match them. As you can see, more sets you make, more possibilities you have.

My brothers and I played for hours with these planes, with hand-drawn pilots, weapons, other accessories, etc. Making these brought back fond memories, and it was really fun for me.

I hope you'll have fun making your own set.