Origami, the art of paper folding, is an enjoyable activity that can lead to the creation of beautiful and unique pieces. Among the many origami designs, birds are a popular choice, as their intricate shapes and graceful forms can bring a touch of elegance and nature to any space.
This article provides a step-by-step guide for beginners to make an origami bird. Whether you are looking for a fun and creative way to spend your time or are interested in learning a new skill, this tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a beautiful origami bird. So, grab a square sheet of paper and let’s get started!
Before delving into the folding steps, let’s briefly discuss the materials you will need:
- 1 square sheet of paper (traditional origami paper or any colored paper of your choice)
- A flat and clean surface to work on
- Patience and a steady hand
Once you have gathered your materials, follow the steps outlined below to create your origami bird:
steps on how to make origami bird
Follow these steps to create an origami bird:
- Choose paper.
- Fold in half.
- Fold in half again.
- Unfold.
- Fold corners.
- Flatten folds.
- Fold top corners.
Continue folding and shaping the paper according to the tutorial to complete your origami bird.
Choose paper.
The choice of paper plays a significant role in the outcome of your origami bird. Here are a few points to consider:
- Paper quality:
Origami paper is specially designed for folding and holds creases well. If you don’t have origami paper, you can use any thin, crisp paper, such as printer paper or wrapping paper.
- Paper weight:
Choose paper that is not too thick or too thin. Thick paper can be difficult to fold, while thin paper may tear easily. A paper weight between 60gsm and 80gsm is ideal.
- Paper color:
The color of the paper is a matter of personal preference. You can choose a solid color, a patterned paper, or even a two-toned paper for a more unique look.
- Paper size:
For a traditional origami bird, you will need a square sheet of paper. The size of the paper will determine the size of your finished bird. A square sheet of paper with a side length of 15cm or 6 inches is a good starting point.
Once you have chosen the right paper, you are ready to start folding your origami bird.
Fold in half.
To begin folding your origami bird, follow these steps:
1. Place the square sheet of paper in front of you, with the colored side facing up (if using one-sided paper).
2. Fold the paper in half horizontally, bringing the top edge to the bottom edge and pressing along the crease to flatten it.
3. Unfold the paper.
4. Fold the paper in half vertically, bringing the right edge to the left edge and pressing along the crease to flatten it.
5. Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square sheet of paper with two intersecting creases, dividing it into four equal sections.
These two creases are the foundation for the rest of the origami bird folds. In the next steps, you will be folding along these creases to create the bird’s shape.
Fold in half again.
To continue folding your origami bird:
1. Take the square sheet of paper with the two intersecting creases.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally, bringing the top right corner to the bottom left corner and pressing along the crease to flatten it.
3. Unfold the paper.
4. Fold the paper in half diagonally again, bringing the top left corner to the bottom right corner and pressing along the crease to flatten it.
5. Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square sheet of paper with four intersecting creases, dividing it into eight equal sections.
These four creases will help you create the bird’s wings and tail in the following steps.
Unfold.
In origami, unfolding is an important step that allows you to create crisp creases and defined folds. When you unfold a crease, you are essentially reversing the previous fold, returning the paper to its original flat state.
- Unfolding after a preliminary fold:
After making a preliminary fold, such as folding the paper in half or in thirds, it is often necessary to unfold the paper to create a new crease or to prepare for a subsequent fold.
- Unfolding to create a crease:
In some cases, you may need to unfold a fold in order to create a new crease in a different direction. For example, to create a diagonal crease, you might first fold the paper in half horizontally, unfold it, and then fold it in half diagonally.
- Unfolding to correct a mistake:
If you make a mistake while folding, you can unfold the paper and start again from the previous step. Unfolding allows you to correct errors and ensure that your origami model turns out correctly.
- Unfolding to flatten the paper:
After completing a series of folds, you may need to unfold the paper and flatten it in order to prepare for the next step. This helps to ensure that the creases are sharp and the paper is flat, making it easier to continue folding.
Unfolding is an essential part of the origami process, allowing you to create precise folds, correct mistakes, and prepare the paper for subsequent folds. By understanding when and how to unfold the paper, you can improve your origami skills and create beautiful and intricate origami models.
Fold corners.
To fold the corners of the origami bird:
1. Take the square sheet of paper with the four intersecting creases.
2. Fold the top right corner down to the bottom edge of the square.
3. Unfold the paper.
4. Fold the top left corner down to the bottom edge of the square.
5. Unfold the paper.
6. Fold the bottom right corner up to the top edge of the square.
7. Unfold the paper.
8. Fold the bottom left corner up to the top edge of the square.
9. Unfold the paper.
You should now have a square sheet of paper with eight creases radiating from the center.
These creases will be used to create the bird’s head, wings, and tail in the following steps.
Flatten folds.
Flattening folds is an important step in origami that ensures crisp and defined creases. When you flatten a fold, you are pressing down on the crease to make it sharp and smooth. This helps the origami model to hold its shape and look its best.
- Flatten folds after making them:
After making a fold, use your fingers or a bone folder to press down along the crease. This will help to flatten the fold and make it more defined.
- Flatten folds before making subsequent folds:
Before making a subsequent fold, make sure to flatten the previous folds. This will help to ensure that the new fold is made accurately and that the origami model retains its shape.
- Flatten folds to correct mistakes:
If you make a mistake while folding, you can unfold the paper and flatten the folds. This will allow you to start again from the previous step and correct the mistake.
- Flatten folds to complete the model:
Once you have completed all the folds, flatten the remaining folds to give the origami model its final shape. This will help the model to stand upright and look its best.
By flattening folds properly, you can improve the appearance and stability of your origami models. With practice, you will be able to flatten folds quickly and easily, creating beautiful and intricate origami creations.
Fold top corners.
To fold the top corners of the origami bird:
- Fold the top left corner down to the bottom edge of the square.
Align the top and bottom edges of the paper.
- Fold the top right corner down to the bottom edge of the square.
Align the top and bottom edges of the paper.
- Unfold both corners.
- Fold the top left corner to the center crease.
Align the left edge of the paper with the center crease.
- Fold the top right corner to the center crease.
Align the right edge of the paper with the center crease.
You should now have a square sheet of paper with two vertical creases dividing it into thirds.
FAQ
Have questions about origami? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: Origami is the art of paper folding, which originated in Japan. It involves creating various shapes and figures by folding a single sheet of paper without using scissors or glue.
Question 2: What type of paper is best for origami?
Answer: Traditional origami paper is called “washi” and is made from natural fibers, such as mulberry or bamboo. However, you can use any thin and crisp paper, such as printer paper, wrapping paper, or origami paper specifically designed for folding.
Question 3: How do I start learning origami?
Answer: There are many resources available to help you learn origami, including books, online tutorials, and classes. You can start with simple folds and gradually move on to more complex models as you gain experience.
Question 4: What are some popular origami models?
Answer: Some popular origami models include the crane, the butterfly, the rose, the boat, and the airplane. These models are often used for decoration, gifts, or as a fun activity.
Question 5: Is origami difficult to learn?
Answer: Origami can be challenging at first, especially for complex models. However, with practice and patience, you can master the techniques and create beautiful origami pieces.
Question 6: What are some tips for making origami easier?
Answer: Here are a few tips to make origami easier:
- Start with simple models and gradually move on to more complex ones.
- Use good quality paper that is easy to fold.
- Follow the instructions carefully and take your time.
- Practice regularly to improve your skills.
Remember, origami is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
Now that you have a better understanding of origami, let’s explore some additional tips to help you create amazing origami pieces:
Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you create amazing origami pieces:
Tip 1: Choose the right paper.
The type of paper you use can greatly affect the outcome of your origami. Choose paper that is thin and crisp, such as origami paper or printer paper. Avoid using thick or textured paper, as it can be difficult to fold.
Tip 2: Start with simple folds.
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to start with simple folds. This will help you get a feel for the basics of origami and build your confidence. As you become more comfortable with the basics, you can move on to more complex folds.
Tip 3: Follow the instructions carefully.
When following origami instructions, it’s important to pay close attention to the details. Make sure you’re folding the paper in the correct direction and that you’re making the creases sharp. If you’re unsure about a step, refer to the instructions again or look for a video tutorial.
Tip 4: Practice regularly.
The more you practice origami, the better you’ll become at it. Set aside some time each week to practice folding different models. You can also join an origami class or group to learn from others and improve your skills.
With patience, practice, and these tips, you’ll be able to create beautiful and intricate origami pieces that will impress your friends and family.
Origami is a rewarding hobby that can bring joy to people of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a fun and creative activity or a way to relax and de-stress, origami is a great option.
Conclusion
Origami is a fascinating art form that combines creativity, precision, and patience. It offers a unique way to express yourself and create beautiful and intricate pieces of art using just a single sheet of paper.
In this article, we explored the steps involved in making an origami bird, from choosing the right paper to folding the top corners. We also discussed some important points to keep in mind, such as flattening folds and folding corners precisely.
Remember, origami is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing and experimenting, and you’ll eventually be able to create amazing origami pieces that will impress your friends and family.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced folder, origami is a rewarding hobby that can bring joy and relaxation to your life. So grab a sheet of paper and start folding! Who knows what beautiful creations you’ll be able to make.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
