Text-Only Instructions copyright 2026 by Lindy van der Merwe
accessorigami.com
Various sites show how to create this traditional fold.
For instructions with pictures, see, for example
instructables.com
Paper to be used: A 2:3 Rectangle or one that is about one-and-a-half times longer than it is wide (For example: 4 by 6 inches).
To get the correct measurement, you can also use any square, divide it into thirds and cut or tear off one third. The remaining "two-thirds" rectangle will be perfect for this model.
The easiest method I have found to do this is to pick up your paper and gently fold the top and bottom sides over to their opposite edges, into an S or a Z fold. Adjust your folds on both sides before making small creases right at the edges of the paper to mark where you will fold.
Don't worry if this is difficult at first. It will become easier with practice.
Unfold all the way again. Using the small marks you have made, fold the top edge of the square down a third of the way and then over once more, like you would a letter going into an envelope.
Crease well and unfold so you have a square with two lines across it.
Cut or tear off the bottom third of the paper. You will only need the top part.
Folding level: Easy/Beginner
Steps: 11
Description: This model is a corner bookmark with a pocket at the back and a representation of a butterfly on the front. The butterfly is not very detailed, yet it is easily recognized and quite pretty for a two-dimensional model. The pocket at the back of the bookmark is placed over the top corner of a page, with the butterfly figure facing up. Thus, it is not reversible.
Remarks:
Fold as many as you like and use them as bookmarks wherever and whenever needed.
This model is also an easy project for young kids to fold, decorate and use.
Give as a gift with money, a little note or sweet tucked inside.
If you are giving a book as a gift, this is the perfect way to lend it a personal touch.
This bookmark does not slip off pages easily and can also be used by visually impaired people to help orientate print pages by placing them, for instance, at the left, top corner of a page.
If using two-sided origami paper, lay your paper with the patterned or colored side down before starting to fold.
Step 1
Place a rectangular sheet down with the short edges at the left and right, or in the landscape orientation.
Step 2
Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease and leave folded.
Step 3
If preferred, you can first fold the long rectangle from left to right and then unfold to make a crease mark at the center of the strip.
Now, take both the top left and right corners and bring them down to meet each other along the center vertical line of the model.
Crease well on both sides and unfold.
Step 4
Flip the model over, like turning the page of a book, and repeat the previous step, folding the corners along the same diagonal lines you have already created.
Crease and unfold.
Step 5
Using the diagonal creases, push the left corner inwards so it disappears between the top and bottom layers of the paper.
Step 6
Repeat the same fold on the right corner of the model.
You will now have a multi-layered triangle at the top with what will look like two separate legs or rectangles poking out from the bottom of the triangle.
Step 7
Focus on the inside points of the two bottom rectangles.
Fold them up diagonally as far as they will go. They will slightly overlap with the straight edge above them.
There is no exact guide here. Just try to make a nice diagonal crease.
Unfold.
Step 8
Then, as you did before, gently push in these folds to create two little triangular flaps between the front and back layers of paper.
Step 9
Rotate the model 180 degrees so the point is facing down.
Step 10
Now gently fold or pull one of the top flaps down towards the center until the small middle triangular flap is pulled flat. Do the same on the other side.
Step 11
Turn the model over to find the corner pocket that will allow you to use the butterfly figure as a bookmark.
With the butterfly figure facing up, slip the pocket over the corner of a page.
It will sit at an angle, seeming to want to fly off your page.
Making origami accessible through text instructions.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, January 2026
This text copyright 2026 by accessorigami.com and the author.
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