How to Make Jizo Origami:

Preparing paper squares

1. Fold a sheet of paper in thirds with the folds running the long way.
2. Cut on the folds to make three long strips, each about 2- 3/4” x 11”.
3. Fold the end of a strip up to be flush with the top edge, to make a square as shown. Cut off the square. Repeat to make more squares—four per strip of paper.

Folding the Basic Jizo

1. Begin with a square piece of paper about 2 to 3 inches.  Fold on the diagonal, and place with the folded edge down, open tips up.
2. Fold the front tip (A) down toward you to touch the bottom fold (this will make the bib).
3. Fold the back tip (B) about 1/3 rd of the way toward you, (this makes the head).
4. Turn the model over. Look to see where the midline is – or mark it with a fold.
5. Fold each side flap to the middle line, so that line (GC) meets line (HD).
6. You'll have some extra "legs" on the bottom. Fold the extra flaps toward you along the bottom line. Then reverse-fold the flaps away from you and open up the model a little so you can tuck these "leg" flaps up inside the back of the Jizo.
7. Turn the model over. Use a black pen to make a face.  If the bib needs to be colored, use a red marker or crayon to color it.
8. String the origami Jizos in groups of 100 or 1000.  (See diagram.)  Write your name and the total number of Jizos on the back of the bottom Jizo of the last Jizo in the string.

Origami Jizo Instructions in PDF