A crab is one of the most satisfying "first real model" folds around, because almost everything it needs you already know how to do. Two half folds, a couple of squash folds, and suddenly a flat square has a shell that stands up and legs that stick out sideways. The squash fold in the middle is the one step worth taking slowly — press it gently and let the paper tell you where it wants to go, and you will find the same move again in fish, birds and countless other models. Red or orange paper makes the finished crab look the part, and once you fold one, it is hard to stop at just one: a handful of them scattered across a table makes a surprisingly cheerful little rock pool.

STEP 1

Fold the paper in half.

STEP 2

Fold the paper in half again.

STEP 3

Open up the top flap of paper over to the right.

STEP 4

Squash fold this flap flat.

STEP 5

Turn the paper over.

STEP 6

Open up the top flap of paper over to the left and squash fold it flat.

STEP 7

Fold the top two flaps of paper behind along the dotted lines.

STEP 8

Turn the paper over.

STEP 9

Fold the bottom part of the paper up along the dotted line.

STEP 10

Fold the side flaps of paper down along the dotted lines.

STEP 11

Turn the paper over.

All done!

Your simple origami crab is finished. Draw on a pair of eyes and it is ready to scuttle across the table.