How To Make An Origami Waterbomb Base

Origami. It’s either a relaxing hobby or a guaranteed source of paper-related frustration. There is no in-between.

Let's dive into the Waterbomb Base. Yes, a name that promises explosions of fun...or soggy disappointment. I'm leaning towards the latter, but let’s give it a shot, shall we?

Folding the Fun...or is it?

First, grab a square piece of paper. Any paper will do, really. Though, I’d recommend avoiding that precious handmade paper. Just in case.

Step 1: The Basic Folds

Fold the paper in half diagonally. Then unfold it. Now do the same on the other diagonal. We’re making an “X”, people! Channel your inner pirate.

Next, fold the paper in half lengthwise. Unfold. Then fold it in half widthwise. You should now have a "+" sign underneath your "X". Good job!.

Step 2: The Squishing Begins

Here's where things get… interesting. This is where a lot of tutorials use fancy words, but really, you're just squishing. And hoping.

Bring the top point down to the bottom point. At the same time, the sides will naturally fold inwards. This is supposed to happen, trust me.

You should end up with a triangle. Congratulations! You’ve officially entered the squishing zone. Embrace the chaos.

Step 3: Flattening the Triangle

Now, flatten that triangle! Make sure the edges line up nicely. Or, don't. Honestly, who’s judging? (Besides me, silently.)

You’ve now completed the first stage of the Waterbomb Base. Only one more side to go! Repeat on the other side of the triangle.

Yes, that’s right, more squishing. You are getting the hang of this!

Step 4: The Reveal... or the Re-Fold?

Tada! You *should* now have a smaller square made of triangles. But let’s be real. It probably looks a little wonky.

Don’t worry. That’s normal. We all have our wonky-square moments. Just try to smooth it out, okay?

Seriously, spend some time on it. Your future origami creations depend on this. Or not, it's really up to you.

My Unpopular Opinion

Okay, full disclosure. I find the Waterbomb Base unnecessarily complicated.

There, I said it. All that folding and squishing. For what? A base for... a waterbomb? I'd rather just throw a water balloon.

Maybe it's just me. But I think origami should be about enjoying the process, not wrestling with paper into submission. Let’s all agree that the Waterbomb Base is not that enjoyable.