The dragon bone whip is one of those paper crafts that looks impossibly intricate until you realize the whole thing is built from a handful of repeating folds. That is exactly why it became such a satisfying project to learn at a glance: you watch the pattern once, and your hands take over. Below you will find 21 paper craft projects and resources that share the same DNA as the dragon bone whip, ranging from segmented snake fidgets and articulated dragons to pleated whips, chain links, and modular origami. Each one is chosen because it is relaxing to fold, forgiving of small mistakes, and genuinely fun to play with once it is finished.
Table of Contents(Click to Toggle)
- Why Paper Crafts Like the Dragon Bone Whip Are Worth Your Evening
- 21 Paper Crafts to Fold After the Dragon Bone Whip
- 1. Paper Kawaii
- 2. Origami.me
- 3. Jo Nakashima
- 4. Origami Way
- 5. Paper Craft Central
- 6. Origami Resource Center
- 7. Red Ted Art
- 8. Krokotak
- 9. Easy Peasy and Fun
- 10. Origami-Fun
- 11. Instructables
- 12. WikiHow Crafts
- 13. The Spruce Crafts
- 14. Craftsy / Bluprint Archive
- 15. Origami Spirit
- 16. Go Origami
- 17. Papercraft Square
- 18. Creative Park by Canon
- 19. Brother Creative Center
- 20. Origami Plus
- 21. Tavin’s Origami
- Bonus Mentions
- Where to Start Folding Tonight
Why Paper Crafts Like the Dragon Bone Whip Are Worth Your Evening
The dragon bone whip works because of a simple trick: a series of identical folds stacked on top of each other until the paper becomes a flexible, segmented chain. Nothing about it requires artistic talent. It requires repetition, and repetition is exactly what makes a craft relaxing. Your hands find the rhythm, your attention narrows to the crease in front of you, and the noise of the day fades out.
That same principle runs through the projects below. Some are articulated paper dragons with dozens of hinged segments. Some are pleated snakes, paper chains, or modular units that lock together without glue. A few are printable templates that do the measuring for you. What they share is a low barrier to entry and a high reward at the end, which is why paper crafts remain one of the most accessible creative hobbies you can pick up with nothing more than a pack of paper and a flat surface.
If you already folded a dragon bone whip, you have the core skill set. The list below is organized so you can move from familiar territory into slightly more ambitious territory without ever feeling lost.
21 Paper Crafts to Fold After the Dragon Bone Whip
1. Paper Kawaii : Clean, calm video tutorials for modular and practical paper projects
What it is: A long-running origami blog and video channel focused on cute, functional, and modular paper designs.
Category: Tutorial library
Why it stands out:
- Every tutorial includes a difficulty rating and estimated time, so you know before you start whether it fits your evening.
- The modular boxes and geometric shapes use the same fold-and-tuck logic as a dragon bone whip, making them a natural next step.
- Written instructions accompany most videos, which helps when you want to pause and check a crease.
Best for: Folders who want a calm, well-organized library with no guesswork.
2. Origami.me : A huge diagram archive with beginner-friendly step photos
What it is: An origami diagram site with hundreds of models sorted by difficulty and animal type.
Category: Diagram archive
Why it stands out:
- The step photography is shot from the folder’s point of view, which removes the most common source of confusion.
- Its snake and dragon sections include several segmented models that behave like the dragon bone whip.
- Pages load fast and are easy to follow on a phone propped up on the table.
Best for: People who prefer still photos over video.
3. Jo Nakashima : Some of the clearest origami video instruction on the internet
What it is: A YouTube channel run by a professional origami artist known for complex dragons and modular designs.
Category: Video tutorials
Why it stands out:
- Slow, deliberate camera work means you can actually see each fold as it happens.
- His dragon series is the logical upgrade path once a simple bone whip feels easy.
- He often notes the exact paper size and weight he used, which matters more than beginners expect.
Best for: Anyone ready to level up from a beginner model to something display-worthy.
4. Origami Way : Quick diagrams for five-minute folds
What it is: A straightforward diagram site aimed at fast, simple models.
Category: Beginner diagrams
Why it stands out:
- Most models are rated easy, so it is a good warm-up before a longer project.
- The paper chain and pleated strip guides are close cousins of the dragon bone whip technique.
- Printable instructions are available if you like working from paper rather than a screen.
Best for: Short sessions and kids who want a finished object quickly.
5. Paper Craft Central : A broad hub for paper models beyond origami
What it is: A general paper craft site covering origami, quilling, and printable models.
Category: Craft hub
Why it stands out:
- It mixes folding with cutting and gluing, which is useful if you want to build a segmented creature with stronger joints.
- Beginner guides explain paper weight and grain direction in plain language.
- Project categories make it easy to jump straight to animals and articulated figures.
Best for: Crafters who like combining techniques rather than sticking to one.
6. Origami Resource Center : An old-school reference with serious depth
What it is: A long-standing reference site with diagrams, history, and technique explainers.
Category: Reference and diagrams
Why it stands out:
- Its technique pages explain why certain folds hold their shape, which directly improves your whip and chain models.
- The site covers traditional models that have been folded for generations, so nothing feels trendy or disposable.
- It is text-heavy and ad-light, which makes it pleasant to read for long stretches.
Best for: Folders who want to understand the craft, not just copy it.
7. Red Ted Art : Family-friendly paper crafts with printable templates
What it is: A craft blog known for accessible projects aimed at parents and teachers.
Category: Family craft blog
Why it stands out:
- Many projects include free printable templates, so you skip the measuring stage entirely.
- Its paper snake and accordion fold crafts use the same pleating that gives the dragon bone whip its flex.
- Instructions are written for mixed-age groups, so nobody gets left behind.
Best for: Crafting with children or in a classroom setting.
8. Krokotak : Playful paper projects with a charming handmade feel
What it is: A craft site full of paper toys, puppets, and simple folding projects.
Category: Kids and paper toys
Why it stands out:
- Its articulated paper toys bend and wiggle in the hand, which is the same appeal as a finished bone whip.
- Projects often use recycled paper and basic supplies you already own.
- Step photos are large and easy to follow without reading much text.
Best for: Making playful, movable paper toys on a rainy afternoon.
9. Easy Peasy and Fun : Simple folds with printable step cards
What it is: A craft blog with a large collection of easy origami and paper craft tutorials.
Category: Beginner tutorials
Why it stands out:
- Printable instruction cards let you fold without balancing a laptop on your knee.
- The site groups projects by season and theme, which helps when you want a quick idea.
- Corner bookmarks and paper chains are excellent practice for the repetitive folding rhythm.
Best for: Beginners who want printable, screen-free instructions.
10. Origami-Fun : Diagrams plus printable paper you can cut yourself
What it is: A diagram site that also offers printable origami paper patterns.
Category: Diagrams and paper
Why it stands out:
- The printable paper patterns are genuinely useful when you want a patterned whip or snake without buying a pack.
- Diagrams are drawn in a consistent style, so you are not relearning symbols with each model.
- Difficulty is labeled clearly, with a solid beginner tier.
Best for: Folders who want to print their own patterned paper.
11. Instructables : Community-built projects with photos of every step
What it is: A large DIY community where makers publish step-by-step project guides.
Category: Community project site
Why it stands out:
- Search results for paper snakes, articulated dragons, and chain fidgets return dozens of independent approaches.
- Comments often contain fixes for the exact step where other folders got stuck.
- Many projects include downloadable templates and PDF patterns.
Best for: Makers who like comparing several versions of the same project.
12. WikiHow Crafts : Illustrated guides with a consistent visual style
What it is: A how-to platform with a large origami and paper craft category.
Category: How-to guides
Why it stands out:
- Illustrations use a consistent color scheme, which makes it easy to track which flap is which.
- Articles often include a short video alongside the written steps.
- Its paper chain and flexagon guides are good practice for segmented folding.
Best for: Readers who want a quick written reference with clear art.
13. The Spruce Crafts : Well-edited tutorials with real editorial standards
What it is: A general craft publication with a substantial paper craft section.
Category: Craft publication
Why it stands out:
- Articles are edited and fact-checked, so instructions tend to be accurate and complete.
- It explains paper selection and folding tools in a way that helps you avoid common mistakes.
- Its roundups of origami projects are a fast way to find your next fold.
Best for: Readers who value polished, reliable writing over raw video.
14. Craftsy / Bluprint Archive : Structured classes for people who want a curriculum
What it is: An online learning platform with craft classes, including paper and origami topics.
Category: Online classes
Why it stands out:
- Lessons are organized into progressive units rather than one-off videos.
- Instructors explain the reasoning behind folds, which transfers to any model you attempt later.
- Class materials often include downloadable pattern sheets.
Best for: Learners who prefer a structured course over scattered tutorials.
15. Origami Spirit : Thoughtful tutorials with a focus on technique
What it is: A tutorial site by an experienced origami teacher, covering both simple and complex models.
Category: Technique tutorials
Why it stands out:
- Posts often zoom in on a single tricky fold, which is exactly what you need when a model collapses.
- Its modular and geometric projects share the interlocking logic of a segmented whip.
- Written commentary adds context that a silent video cannot.
Best for: Folders who want to fix a specific recurring mistake.
16. Go Origami : A tidy, well-photographed diagram collection
What it is: A curated origami diagram site with a clean, modern presentation.
Category: Diagram collection
Why it stands out:
- Diagrams are photographed against a plain background, so folds are easy to read.
- The collection is small but selective, which reduces decision fatigue.
- Models are labeled by difficulty, and the easy tier is genuinely easy.
Best for: Folders who want a short, high-quality list instead of an endless archive.
17. Papercraft Square : Printable paper models with a construction-kit feel
What it is: A source of printable paper craft templates, including animals and geometric shapes.
Category: Printable templates
Why it stands out:
- Templates are ready to print and cut, which suits anyone who dislikes measuring.
- Its segmented animal models produce the same satisfying bend as a bone whip.
- Projects scale up well on heavier card stock for a sturdier result.
Best for: Crafters who prefer cutting and assembling to pure folding.
18. Creative Park by Canon : Free, professionally designed printable paper craft kits
What it is: A free library of printable paper craft templates published by Canon.
Category: Printable kits
Why it stands out:
- The templates are designed by professionals, so parts fit together cleanly.
- It includes articulated animals and moving paper toys that echo the whip’s flexibility.
- Everything is free to download and print at home.
Best for: Anyone who wants a polished result without designing anything.
19. Brother Creative Center : Free templates, including paper toys and decorations
What it is: A free template hub from Brother with a paper craft category.
Category: Printable templates
Why it stands out:
- Templates are organized by occasion and type, so browsing is quick.
- Its paper toy section includes movable joints that behave like a segmented whip.
- Files are sized for standard home printers, so no resizing is needed.
Best for: Last-minute projects when you want a template immediately.
20. Origami Plus : Short, focused video tutorials for practical models
What it is: A video channel dedicated to approachable origami with clear narration.
Category: Video tutorials
Why it stands out:
- Videos are short and tightly edited, which suits a quick evening project.
- The channel covers modular and action models that move when you handle them.
- Narration explains each fold as it happens, which helps beginners follow along.
Best for: Folders who want a fast, well-narrated walkthrough.
21. Tavin’s Origami : Enthusiastic tutorials with a strong beginner focus
What it is: A YouTube channel with a large catalog of origami tutorials for all levels.
Category: Video tutorials
Why it stands out:
- The host folds at a genuinely followable pace and repeats tricky steps.
- Playlists group models by theme, so you can work through a series of related projects.
- Its action models and paper toys share the playful, movable quality of a bone whip.
Best for: Beginners who want a friendly, encouraging guide.
Bonus Mentions
Origami Instructions : A no-frills diagram site that loads instantly
A minimal site with clear line diagrams and almost no clutter. Useful when you want instructions without videos, pop-ups, or long introductions.
Papercrafton : Printable paper craft models for patient builders
Offers downloadable paper models that reward careful cutting and scoring. A good change of pace if you want a project that takes a full weekend.
Origami Around : A small blog with creative, less common models
Focuses on designs you will not see everywhere, including kinetic and modular pieces. Worth browsing when the standard animal models start to feel repetitive.
Papercrafty : Simple projects for quick creative breaks
Short, approachable paper projects that fit into a lunch break. Handy for building the folding habit without committing to a long build.
Where to Start Folding Tonight
The dragon bone whip is not really about the whip. It is about discovering that a stack of identical folds can turn a flat sheet into something that moves, bends, and holds its shape. Every project above builds on that same idea, whether it is a modular box, an articulated dragon, or a printable paper toy with hinged joints.
If you are new to folding, start with a diagram site and a simple pleated strip. If you already know the rhythm, jump straight to a segmented dragon or a modular build. Keep your paper weight consistent, fold on a hard flat surface, and do not rush the creases. Most of these projects take between ten minutes and an hour, and the finished piece is usually worth keeping on a shelf.
Which paper craft from this list are you folding first, and do you have a favorite tutorial source that should have made the cut?
