
Introduction:
There are many ways to make a paper sculpture of a crab. One way is by forming the crab’s body by making a waterbomb base from a piece of paper. A waterbomb base is a type of paper fold that is commonly used to make various origami crafts. If you’re not familiar with the square base fold, then that’s okay. This origami frog instruction will teach you how to make a square base fold.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
You will be needing a square piece of origami paper to make this paper crab. It’s better to use paper that has color on one side. That way, it is clear to understand the instructions. Face the colored side upwards, then fold the paper crosswise and lengthwise in half. Crease the paper well and unfold the paper.
The paper should now have crease marks like the illustration above. The next step is to turn the paper to the other side.
Diagonally fold the origami paper along the dashed lines. Crease the paper well and unfold.
These crease marks will help you form the waterbomb base. Start pushing the paper from both sides as shown by the arrows. See the next step for guidance.
As you push the sides in, the background triangle should form. Hold it down as you continue to bring both sides together. Follow the arrows for guidance.
The paper should now look like this triangle. Squash the paper down to flatten.
Your waterbomb base is done. The next part is to form the shape of the crab through this base. Rotate the paper by turning it 180 degrees counterclockwise or clockwise.
Make 2 mountain folds along the dashed lines. Make sure to fold to the inside of the top layer only and that both sides should meet at the center.
Turn the paper to the other side.
Bring the bottom corner upward. Fold it along the dashed line as shown.
Fold the right and left corner down. The edges should be parallel to the center of the paper.
Almost done! Turn the paper to the other side.