Peacock

There's something irresistible about a peacock—all that drama in the tail. This origami version distills that showiness into a surprisingly simple fold: one square of paper, seven quick steps, and a fanned-out tail that reads as pure peacock. The moves repeat a handful of familiar folds, so once you've done the first couple you're basically on cruise control. Grab a sheet with a colorful or patterned side if you have one—it'll do a lot of the work of suggesting those famous feathers—and fold along. In a few minutes you'll have a bird worth showing off.

The peacock is a showy origami bird with a sweeping tail, and this version folds from a single square of paper in just seven quick steps. Each move is shown in clear photos, so you can follow along at your own pace.

STEP 1. Fold the paper in half and make a crease.

STEP 2. Fold at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 3. Fold at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 4. Fold the paper in half.

STEP 5. Fold inward at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 6. Fold inward at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 7. Fold inward at the position shown in the photo.

Done! Your peacock is complete.