Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. One of the most popular origami figures is the crane, a symbol of peace and good luck. Making an origami crane is a great way to learn the basics of origami and to create a beautiful piece of art.
This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make an origami crane out of printer paper. The instructions are easy to follow and only require a few simple materials. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make origami cranes like a pro!
To make an origami crane, you will need the following materials:
How to Make an Origami Crane Out of Printer Paper
Follow these steps to create a beautiful origami crane.
- Choose paper
- Make square base
- Fold bird base
- Shape head & tail
- Form wings
- Fold crane neck
- Open wings & body
- Finishing touches
- Enjoy your crane!
With a little practice, you’ll be able to make origami cranes quickly and easily.
Choose Paper
The type of paper you choose will affect the final look of your origami crane. For best results, use thin, lightweight paper that is easy to fold. Origami paper is ideal, but you can also use printer paper, tracing paper, or even tissue paper.
If you are using printer paper, choose a light color that will allow the folds to show through. You can also use colored printer paper to create a more vibrant crane.
If you are new to origami, it is a good idea to start with a larger square of paper. This will make the folds easier to see and execute. Once you are more comfortable with the folding process, you can try using smaller squares of paper to create smaller cranes.
No matter what type of paper you choose, make sure that it is flat and free of creases. This will help to ensure that your crane folds neatly and looks its best.
Once you have chosen the right paper, you can start folding your origami crane. Follow the steps in the next section to create a beautiful and unique piece of origami art.
Make Square Base
The square base is the foundation of the origami crane. It is a simple fold that can be used to create a variety of origami figures. To make a square base, follow these steps:
- Start with a square piece of paper.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally both ways, creating two crease lines.
- Unfold the paper.
- Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, creating two more crease lines.
- Unfold the paper again.
- You should now have a square with four crease lines, dividing it into sixteen smaller squares.
The square base is now complete. You can use it to start folding your origami crane.
In the next section, we will show you how to fold the bird base, which is the next step in making an origami crane.
Fold Bird Base
The bird base is the next step in folding an origami crane. It is a simple fold that creates the basic shape of the crane’s body and wings.
- Fold in half diagonally.
Fold the square base in half diagonally, from top right to bottom left.
- Unfold.
Unfold the paper.
- Fold in half again.
Fold the square base in half diagonally again, from top left to bottom right.
- Unfold.
Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square with four crease lines, dividing it into sixteen smaller squares. The bird base is now complete.
Shape Head & Tail
Once you have folded the bird base, you can start to shape the head and tail of the crane.
- Fold down the top layer.
Fold the top layer of the bird base down along the diagonal crease.
- Unfold.
Unfold the paper.
- Fold up the bottom layer.
Fold the bottom layer of the bird base up along the diagonal crease.
- Unfold.
Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square with four crease lines, dividing it into sixteen smaller squares. The head and tail of the crane are now starting to take shape.
Form Wings
Once you have shaped the head and tail of the crane, you can start to form the wings.
- Fold the right side in half.
Fold the right side of the bird base in half vertically.
- Unfold.
Unfold the paper.
- Fold the left side in half.
Fold the left side of the bird base in half vertically.
- Unfold.
Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square with four crease lines, dividing it into sixteen smaller squares. The wings of the crane are now starting to take shape.
Fold Crane Neck
Once you have formed the wings of the crane, you can start to fold the neck.
- Fold the top layer down.
Fold the top layer of the bird base down along the horizontal crease.
- Unfold.
Unfold the paper.
- Fold the bottom layer up.
Fold the bottom layer of the bird base up along the horizontal crease.
- Unfold.
Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square with four crease lines, dividing it into sixteen smaller squares. The neck of the crane is now starting to take shape.
Open Wings & Body
Once you have folded the crane’s neck, you can start to open the wings and body.
To open the wings, simply pull the two sides of the crane apart gently. Be careful not to pull too hard, or you may tear the paper.
To open the body, gently push the top and bottom of the crane together. Again, be careful not to push too hard, or you may tear the paper.
Once the wings and body are open, you can start to shape the crane’s head and tail. To shape the head, gently fold the top of the crane’s head forward. To shape the tail, gently fold the bottom of the crane’s tail backward.
Your origami crane is now complete! You can display it in your home or give it to a friend as a gift.
Finishing Touches
Once you have opened the wings and body of the crane, you can add some finishing touches to make it look its best.
- Fluff the feathers.
Gently run your fingers over the feathers of the crane to make them look fluffy and realistic.
- Adjust the wings.
Bend the wings of the crane so that they are slightly curved. This will help to give the crane a more dynamic look.
- Shape the head and tail.
Gently fold the top of the crane’s head forward and the bottom of the crane’s tail backward. This will help to give the crane a more distinct shape.
- Add a beak and eyes.
You can use a marker or pen to add a beak and eyes to the crane. This will help to bring the crane to life.
Once you have added the finishing touches, your origami crane is complete! You can display it in your home or give it to a friend as a gift.
Enjoy Your Crane!
Once you have finished making your origami crane, there are many ways to enjoy it.
- Display it in your home.
Origami cranes are beautiful decorations that can add a touch of elegance to any room. You can display your crane on a shelf, in a window, or even hanging from the ceiling.
- Give it as a gift.
Origami cranes are thoughtful and unique gifts that are sure to be appreciated by friends and family. You can give a crane to someone for their birthday, anniversary, or any other special occasion.
- Use it as a teaching tool.
Origami cranes are a great way to teach children about the art of paper folding. You can also use cranes to teach children about Japanese culture and traditions.
- Fold it again and again.
Origami cranes are relatively easy to fold, so you can fold them again and again without getting bored. This is a great way to relax and de-stress.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your origami crane, we hope that you will find it to be a beautiful and meaningful creation.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about origami:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer 1: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. It 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: Thin, lightweight paper is best for origami. Origami paper is ideal, but you can also use printer paper, tracing paper, or even tissue paper.
Question 3: What are some easy origami folds for beginners?
Answer 3: Some easy origami folds for beginners include the paper airplane, the boat, the crane, and the jumping frog.
Question 4: Where can I learn how to fold origami?
Answer 4: There are many resources available to learn how to fold origami, including books, websites, and YouTube videos. You can also find origami classes at local community centers and libraries.
Question 5: What are some tips for folding origami?
Answer 5: Some tips for folding origami include:
Start with simple folds and work your way up to more complex ones.
Be patient and take your time.
Use precise folds and creases.
Experiment with different types of paper.
Question 6: What are some popular origami models?
Answer 6: Some popular origami models include the crane, the dragon, the rose, the butterfly, and the elephant.
Question 7: Is origami difficult to learn?
Answer 7: Origami can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. With a little practice, anyone can learn to fold beautiful and complex origami models.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about origami. If you have any other questions, please feel free to search online or ask an experienced origami folder.
Now that you know a little bit more about origami, you can start folding your own creations. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are some tips to help you fold origami like a pro:
Tip 1: Start with simple folds.
Don’t try to start with a complex model if you’re a beginner. Start with simple folds like the paper airplane or the boat. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more challenging models.
Tip 2: Use the right paper.
Thin, lightweight paper is best for origami. Origami paper is ideal, but you can also use printer paper, tracing paper, or even tissue paper. Avoid using thick or glossy paper, as it will be difficult to fold.
Tip 3: Be patient and take your time.
Origami can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding. Don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake. Just take your time and keep practicing. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at folding origami.
Tip 4: Use precise folds and creases.
When you’re folding origami, it’s important to make precise folds and creases. This will help to ensure that your model turns out correctly. Use a bone folder or your fingernail to make sharp creases.
Tip 5: Experiment with different types of paper.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of origami, you can start experimenting with different types of paper. Try using different colors and textures of paper to create unique and beautiful origami models.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
With a little practice, anyone can learn to fold beautiful and complex origami models. So don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!
Now that you have some tips to help you get started, it’s time to start folding your own origami creations. With a little practice, you’ll be able to fold amazing origami models that will impress your friends and family.
Conclusion
Origami is a beautiful and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to relax and de-stress, and it can also help to improve your hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning skills.
In this article, we have provided you with a step-by-step guide on how to make an origami crane, as well as some tips and tricks to help you get started. We hope that you have found this article helpful and that you will continue to explore the world of origami.
Origami is a versatile art form that can be used to create a wide variety of objects, from simple animals to complex geometric shapes. With a little practice, you can learn to fold origami models that will impress your friends and family.
So what are you waiting for? Start folding today and discover the joy of origami!
