How to Fold an Origami Shelf

Medium level, 11 steps. From Paper and Scissors in the Schoolroom (Weaver), 1893. Public domain.

The animated version shows each fold moving, one step per screen. This page shows every step at once.

All 11 steps

Step 1. Start white side up. Fold in half from left to right, then unfold.
Step 2. Fold the left edge to the center crease, then unfold.
Step 3. Fold the right edge to the center crease, then unfold.
Step 4. Fold in half from top to bottom, then unfold.
Step 5. Fold the top edge to the center crease, then unfold.
Step 6. Fold the bottom edge to the center crease, then unfold. The creases make sixteen squares.
Step 7. Crease the diagonals of the two right-hand squares next to the middle crease, so they meet at the middle crease.
Step 8. Crease the matching diagonals on the left.
Step 9. Fold the top half behind.
Step 10. Push both top corners down inside along the diagonal creases.
Step 11. Bend the lower half out until it stands straight. This is the shelf; the upper half hangs against the wall.
Done. The shelf (Weaver, Paper and Scissors in the Schoolroom, 1893).