Today’s video features my favorite mythological creature… the origami dragon.

I’ve folded a number of different dragon models over the years, many of them designed by origami artists like Jo Nakashima and Robert Lang. I’m not sure who originally designed this particular model though. If you know, let me know so I can give the designer proper credit!

I really love the live use of origami and paper sculptures. That’s one of the reasons I chose this dragon. It’s interactive, and who doesn’t love a dragon that can flap its wings? While it’s a bit easier than some of the dragon models I’ve folded in the past, I still love the folded winged detail and the sense of ariel movement it has. I thought the flapping sounds would make for a fun and relaxing ASMR short.

This video is much faster paced than my usual folding videos. I wanted to focus on crisp paper sounds paired with quick cuts to leave room for a simple story and a touch of animation. It’s meant to be more of a visual and auditory experience than a tutorial, but if you’d be interested in a full step by step version, let me know! I can always do a longer tutorial in the future.

For anyone curious about the folding process, this model starts with a bird base and uses petal folds, squash folds, closed sink folds, and inside and outside reverse folds. I’d consider it an intermediate level model. If you’re already comfortable with those techniques, it should take about 5 to 7 minutes to complete. If you’re a full on beginner, it might take you a while. The closed sink fold can be a bit tricky to do, so take your time with it. It’s a very relaxing and rewarding dragon to fold.

In Korean culture, dragons are often associated with good fortune, protection, wisdom, strength, and supreme authority. Historically, they were symbols connected to royalty and were viewed as benevolent guardians rather than fearsome monsters. I’ve always loved how dragons can represent both power and elegance, which makes them one of my favorite subjects to fold.

I hope you enjoy this little ASMR short as much as I enjoyed creating it!

For more origami tutorials, origami jewelry, ASMR folding videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my creative process, you can follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Curious about the artist behind the paper? You can learn more about my journey as an origami and mixed media artist on my About Me page.

And if you’d like to support my work and help keep these tiny paper adventures going, you can buy me chiyogami paper here.

Until next time,

Happy folding!

Toya Pham
Origami & Mixed Media Artist