Fold Your Brain into Shape
Discover the mind-bending benefits of origami
When I was a wee lad, I saw a man make an animal tip out of a dollar bill when dinning at a Japanese restaurant, I thought it was the coolest thing to do; the piece of art was excitedly received by the server. I was impressed and thought that I should learn how to do origami…
Time has a way of slipping into the future… or something like that.
I wouldn’t get back into origami until almost 20 years later when I became the “manny” for a family I was staying with up in Pacific Grove, California. The boy, who was my main charge, on his 13th birthday received “The Buck Book”, with instructions on how to transform dollar bills into fun items. Inside they had several really cool folds, the elephant caught my eye and that was the first one I learned how to do.
Over the years I started finding other amazing folds, and I slowly started adding to my list. It never really became an obsession, however, looking back over the years I went through dozens of dollar bill folding books and articles to find my favorites, the best of the best so to speak.
At one point I decided that I needed to change up the American dollar bill and transform it into something more liberating and the HACKiBill was created.
A friend recommended that I create a colorful expression of the animal that would be revealed once the fold was completed, and CRANiOGAMi was born.
I hope you enjoy this extraordinary way to exercise your brain. Origami is one of those things that seems challenging but isn’t once you start the process of learning and the benefits are simply off the charts.
Yes, origami is extraordinary, annnnnddd… my greatest passion is Play and why it is our FUNdamental purpose. I put together a website that shares what I call the Path of Play and how I stay in a PlayFlowState. Discover how to awaken your inner-child and remember that our world is a Playground.
Welcome to the HACKiBillz Zoo
This simple, non-threatening exercise, can be practiced any place and at any time. The craniogami animals are mobile and can be carried anywhere.
Multidimensional learning on multiple levels building mathematical skills that encourages sequential learning and stimulates the imagination. Multicultural, origami connects with people at a fundamental level.
Gifting them to others is impressive & FUN!!!
Download. Fold. Play.
Grab your printable stencil and fold your way through a full collection of dollar bill animals—frogs, turtles, dolphins, and more! These playful, brain-boosting folds combine focus, creativity, and fun for all ages. Follow along with our step-by-step video tutorials and turn your spare bills into a moving menagerie of mindful origami.
Benefits of Origami
Anti-depression – The meditative process and creative outcome lift mood and encourage positivity.
Builds muscles and tactile senses – Folding engages the hands’ small muscles and heightens touch sensitivity.
Builds self-esteem – Completing models gives a tangible sense of accomplishment.
Creative thinking – Origami sparks imagination by turning simple paper into endless new forms.
Decreases anxiety – Folding soothes the nervous system and relieves stress.
Develops visualization skills – Folding sequences train the brain to see outcomes before they unfold.
Enhances behavior skills – Following steps builds discipline, patience, and cooperative learning.
Fine motor skills – Small, controlled folds refine dexterity and finger strength.
Geometry skills – Origami brings geometric principles, such as symmetry, angles, and fractions, to life.
Hand/Eye coordination – Matching precise hand movements with visual patterns sharpens motor accuracy.
Helps focus addicts away from harmful addictions – Redirects compulsive energy into a mindful, constructive habit.
Helps regain control of hand movements – Repetitive practice restores coordination after injury or weakness.
Beneficial for ADHD, autism, and related neurodiverse conditions – Structured, calming activities improve focus and provide therapeutic benefits.