Origami: Jumping Frog

Start with a rectangular sheet of paper (an index card or a rectangle cut from a square works well) held tall. Fold it in half lengthwise, then unfold — this center crease is just a guide.

Fold the top two corners down to meet the center crease, so the top of the paper comes to a point like a little roof, leaving two long strips hanging below.

Fold the two long side strips in over the roof shape so their edges meet the center crease, narrowing the whole shape.

Fold the two bottom corners out to the sides to form the frog’s small triangular back legs.

Fold the bottom section up so its edge meets just below the roof fold, then fold that same section in half again downward — this accordion "Z" pleat is the spring.

To make it jump: press down gently on the back of the folded pleat and let go quickly. The spring releases and launches the frog forward!