The origami crane is a popular and classic origami model that is often associated with peace and good luck. It is a simple yet elegant design that can be made with just a single sheet of paper. If you’re looking for a fun and easy origami project to try, the crane is a great option.
In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to make an origami crane. We’ll also include some tips and tricks to help you create a beautiful and unique crane.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the origami crane, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions.
How to Do a Origami Crane
Learn the basic steps.
- Prepare square paper.
- Make preliminary folds.
- Fold the bird base.
- Shape the body.
- Form the wings.
- Create the head and beak.
- Add final touches.
- Enjoy your origami crane.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to fold an origami crane in no time.
Prepare Square Paper
The first step in making an origami crane is to prepare your square paper. You can use any type of paper, but origami paper is ideal because it is thin and easy to fold. If you don’t have origami paper, you can use a regular piece of paper and trim it into a square.
To trim a piece of paper into a square, follow these steps:
- Start with a rectangular piece of paper.
- Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
- Unfold the paper.
- Fold the paper in half widthwise.
- Unfold the paper.
- You should now have two crease lines running through the center of the paper.
- Fold the top right corner of the paper down to the bottom left corner, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the paper.
- Fold the top left corner of the paper down to the bottom right corner, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the paper.
- You should now have four crease lines running through the center of the paper.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally from top left to bottom right.
- Unfold the paper.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally from top right to bottom left.
- Unfold the paper.
- You should now have eight crease lines running through the center of the paper.
- Trim the excess paper along the diagonal crease lines to create a square.
Once you have a square piece of paper, you are ready to start folding your origami crane.
Tip: If you are using origami paper, the colored side of the paper will be the outside of your crane. If you are using regular paper, you can color one side of the paper before you start folding.
Make Preliminary Folds
The preliminary folds are the first folds you make in the origami crane. These folds create the basic structure of the crane and make it easier to fold the more complex steps later on.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally from top left to bottom right.
This fold creates a crease line that will run through the center of the crane.
- Unfold the paper.
The crease line you just made will help you align the next fold.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally from top right to bottom left.
This fold creates another crease line that will run through the center of the crane, perpendicular to the first crease line.
- Unfold the paper.
You should now have two crease lines running through the center of the paper.
Tip: If you are having trouble making the diagonal folds, you can use a ruler or a bone folder to help you crease the paper.
Fold the Bird Base
The bird base is the foundation of the origami crane. It is a simple fold that creates the basic shape of the crane’s body and wings.
- Fold the top edge of the paper down to the bottom edge.
This fold creates a crease line that will run through the center of the paper.
- Unfold the paper.
The crease line you just made will help you align the next fold.
- Fold the right edge of the paper to the left edge.
This fold creates another crease line that will run through the center of the paper, perpendicular to the first crease line.
- Unfold the paper.
You should now have two crease lines running through the center of the paper.
Tip: If you are having trouble making the folds, you can use a ruler or a bone folder to help you crease the paper.
Now that you have folded the bird base, you are ready to start shaping the crane’s body.
Shape the Body
To shape the body of the crane, follow these steps:
- Fold the bottom right corner of the paper up to the top left corner, aligning the edges.
- Fold the bottom left corner of the paper up to the top right corner, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last two folds.
- Fold the bottom edge of the paper up to the top edge, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- You should now have a diamond shape.
- Fold the top layer of the diamond down to the bottom layer, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- Fold the left and right edges of the diamond in towards the center, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last two folds.
- Fold the bottom layer of the diamond up to the top layer, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- You should now have a square.
The square you have just folded is the body of the crane.
Tip: If you are having trouble making the folds, you can use a ruler or a bone folder to help you crease the paper.
Now that you have shaped the body of the crane, you are ready to form the wings.
Form the Wings
To form the wings of the crane, follow these steps:
- Fold the top right corner of the square down to the bottom left corner, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- Fold the top left corner of the square down to the bottom right corner, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- You should now have two diagonal crease lines running through the square.
- Fold the right edge of the square to the left edge, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- Fold the left edge of the square to the right edge, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- You should now have two horizontal crease lines running through the square.
- Fold the top layer of the square down to the bottom layer, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- Fold the left and right edges of the square in towards the center, aligning the edges with the horizontal crease lines.
- Unfold the last two folds.
- Fold the bottom layer of the square up to the top layer, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- You should now have a diamond shape.
The diamond shape you have just folded is the wings of the crane.
Tip: If you are having trouble making the folds, you can use a ruler or a bone folder to help you crease the paper.
Now that you have formed the wings of the crane, you are ready to create the head and beak.
Create the Head and Beak
To create the head and beak of the crane, follow these steps:
- Fold the top layer of the diamond down to the bottom layer, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- Fold the left and right edges of the diamond in towards the center, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last two folds.
- Fold the bottom layer of the diamond up to the top layer, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- You should now have a square.
- Fold the top right corner of the square down to the bottom left corner, aligning the edges.
- Fold the top left corner of the square down to the bottom right corner, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last two folds.
- Fold the right edge of the square to the left edge, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- Fold the left edge of the square to the right edge, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- You should now have two diagonal crease lines running through the square.
- Fold the top layer of the square down to the bottom layer, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- Fold the left and right edges of the square in towards the center, aligning the edges with the diagonal crease lines.
- Unfold the last two folds.
- Fold the bottom layer of the square up to the top layer, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- You should now have a diamond shape.
- Fold the bottom point of the diamond up to the top point, aligning the edges.
- Unfold the last fold.
- Fold the left and right edges of the diamond in towards the center, aligning the edges.
The folded shape you have now is the head and beak of the crane.
Tip: If you are having trouble making the folds, you can use a ruler or a bone folder to help you crease the paper.
Now that you have created the head and beak of the crane, you are ready to add the final touches.
Add Final Touches
To add the final touches to your origami crane, follow these steps:
- Gently pull on the head and beak of the crane to extend them.
This will give the crane a more realistic appearance.
- Gently spread the wings of the crane.
The wings should be spread out evenly on either side of the body.
- Gently curl the tips of the wings upward.
This will add a touch of elegance to the crane.
- If desired, you can add a small dot of glue to the back of the crane’s head to keep it in place.
This is optional, but it will help to prevent the head from drooping.
Your origami crane is now complete! You can display it in your home or give it as a gift to a friend or family member.
Enjoy Your Origami Crane
Now that you have completed your origami crane, there are many ways to enjoy it:
- Display it in your home.
Origami cranes are beautiful and can add a touch of elegance to any room. You can display your crane on a shelf, in a window, or anywhere else you like.
- Give it as a gift.
Origami cranes make wonderful gifts for friends and family members. They are a thoughtful and unique way to show someone you care.
- Use it as a decoration.
Origami cranes can be used to decorate for parties, weddings, and other special occasions. You can hang them from the ceiling, use them as centerpieces, or even incorporate them into your floral arrangements.
- Play with it.
Origami cranes are fun to play with, especially for children. You can toss them in the air, race them across the floor, or even use them to create your own origami stories.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your origami crane, we hope that it brings you joy and happiness.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about origami:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer 1: Origami is the art of paper folding, which is often used to create beautiful and intricate sculptures. Origami is a fun and challenging hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Question 2: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer 2: Origami paper is specially designed for folding, and it is typically thin and strong. You can also use regular printer paper, but it may be more difficult to fold.
Question 3: What are some basic origami folds?
Answer 3: There are many basic origami folds, such as the square fold, the triangle fold, and the bird base fold. Once you have mastered these basic folds, you can start to create more complex origami models.
Question 4: Where can I learn how to fold origami?
Answer 4: There are many resources available to help you learn how to fold origami, such as books, websites, and YouTube videos. You can also find origami classes at your local library or community center.
Question 5: What are some popular origami models?
Answer 5: Some popular origami models include the crane, the boat, the airplane, and the rose. These models are relatively easy to fold, and they are a great way to practice your origami skills.
Question 6: Can I sell origami models that I make?
Answer 6: Yes, you can sell origami models that you make, but you must be aware of any copyright laws that may apply. If you are selling origami models that are based on someone else’s design, you must obtain their permission before selling them.
Question 7: How can I improve my origami skills?
Answer 7: The best way to improve your origami skills is to practice regularly. You can also try folding more complex origami models, or you can experiment with different folding techniques.
Question 8: What are some tips for folding origami?
Answer 8: Here are a few tips for folding origami:
- Use sharp creases.
- Fold slowly and carefully.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment.
- Have fun!
Now that you know a little bit more about origami, you can start folding your own paper creations.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you fold origami like a pro:
Tip 1: Use sharp creases.
One of the most important things in origami is to make sharp creases. This will help your folds to hold their shape and make your origami model look neat and tidy. To make a sharp crease, use a bone folder or a hard edge, such as a ruler, to score the paper along the fold line. Then, fold the paper along the score line and press firmly.
Tip 2: Fold slowly and carefully.
Origami is not a race. Take your time and fold each step carefully. If you rush, you are more likely to make mistakes. So, slow down, relax, and enjoy the process of folding.
Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Origami is a great way to be creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different folding techniques and to try new things. You might be surprised at what you can create.
Tip 4: Have fun!
Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby. So, relax, have fun, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful with your own hands.
Tip 5: Join an origami club or group.
Origami clubs and groups are a great way to meet other origami enthusiasts, learn new folding techniques, and share your origami creations. You can find origami clubs and groups in most major cities.
With a little practice and patience, you can learn to fold all sorts of amazing origami models. So, what are you waiting for? Start folding today!
Conclusion
Origami is a fun, challenging, and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to be creative, to relax, and to learn something new.
In this article, we have provided you with a step-by-step guide on how to fold an origami crane, as well as some tips and tricks to help you create a beautiful and unique crane. We have also answered some frequently asked questions about origami and provided you with some additional tips to help you improve your origami skills.
We hope that this article has inspired you to try origami for yourself. With a little practice and patience, you can learn to fold all sorts of amazing origami models. So, what are you waiting for? Start folding today!
Origami is not just about folding paper. It is about creating something beautiful and unique with your own hands. It is about patience, creativity, and attention to detail. It is about taking a simple piece of paper and transforming it into something extraordinary.
So, next time you have a spare moment, why not try folding an origami crane? Or a boat? Or a flower? The possibilities are endless.
