A classic childhood craft the world over, a folded paper boat is a versatile craft that also makes great decor for a summer dinner or a Greek staycation (the paper boat is a popular symbol there). They’re also a lot of fun for kids to fold, decorate—and then play with! They can fold them with any color paper—or print out our stripe, star, and dot templates as shown here—or use white paper and color them in. Once your boat is ready you can:
–Write names on them and float or race them in a boat, pond, pool, sink or bathtub
–Use them as place cards or table decor
–Make them cake toppers on a cake or cupcakes or even a bowl or cups of sea-blue jell-o
–Fold a few and hang them as a mobile or string them as a garland
–Write a note before folding and use them as a card for a birthday, Father’s Day, bon voyage, or any occasion
What you need:
- Darcy Miller Designs Boat Pattern templates (stripe, star, and dot)
- 8.5 X 11 white or colored paper
- markers, crayons, or mini flags to decorate (optional)
Step 1: Download Boat Pattern Templates and print out.
Step 2: You can work with a whole sheet of paper or cut it in half to make smaller boats.
Step 3: Take your piece of paper and fold against a hard surface, following the nine steps in the diagram below:
Fold paper in half lengthwise, then unfold.
Fold paper in half widthwise.
Fold corners inward to center seam, creating an arrowhead shape.
Fold bottom flaps of paper up on each side, to overlap the triangle, as shown above.
Insert your thumbs into the bottom and pull out sides, pulling the paper into a diamond shape as shown above.
Insert your thumbs into the bottom and pull out sides, pulling the paper into a diamond shape as shown above.
Put your fingers inside the bottom of the triangle and pull it open to form the diamond shape above.
Tada! You have your boat shape
Step 4: If desired, decorate your boat, coloring or painting the ship or taping a cocktail flag to the sail. Don’t forget to write a name across the bow!
Now find a pond, pool, sink, or bathtub, and you’re off to the races!
