Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, is a fascinating hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to improve hand-eye coordination, develop spatial reasoning skills, and unleash your creativity. If you’re a beginner looking to dive into the world of origami, the flapping bird is a perfect project to start with. This simple yet elegant model requires only a few folds and is a great introduction to the basic techniques of origami.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to make an origami flapping bird, complete with a video tutorial. So gather your paper and let’s get started!
Before we delve into the detailed instructions, let’s gather the necessary materials. All you need is a square piece of paper. You can use origami paper specifically designed for folding, or you can use regular printer paper. If you’re using printer paper, cut it into a square shape before starting.
video on how to make an origami flapping bird
Follow these six easy steps to create a flapping bird:
- Start with a square.
- Make preliminary folds.
- Fold in half.
- Create the bird’s head.
- Form the wings.
- Add final touches.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to fold this origami bird in no time, impressing your friends and family with your paper-folding skills.
Start with a square.
The first step in making an origami flapping bird is to start with a square piece of paper. This is important because the square shape will allow you to make the folds necessary to create the bird’s body and wings.
- Choose the right paper.
You can use origami paper specifically designed for folding, or you can use regular printer paper. If you’re using printer paper, cut it into a square shape before starting.
- Make sure the paper is flat and creaseless.
If the paper is wrinkled or folded, it will be difficult to make the precise folds required for the origami bird.
- Orient the paper correctly.
Place the paper in front of you with one corner pointing towards you. This is the starting position for most origami folds.
- Fold the paper in half twice.
First, fold the paper in half from top to bottom. Then, unfold it. Next, fold the paper in half from left to right. Unfold it again.
These preliminary folds will create crease lines that will guide you as you make the more complex folds for the bird’s body and wings.
Make preliminary folds.
After starting with a square piece of paper, the next step is to make some preliminary folds. These folds will create crease lines that will guide you as you make the more complex folds for the bird’s body and wings.
To make the preliminary folds:
- Fold the paper in half from top to bottom.
Hold the paper in front of you with one corner pointing towards you. Bring the top edge of the paper down to meet the bottom edge. Crease the fold well with your fingers or a bone folder. - Unfold the paper.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat again. - Fold the paper in half from left to right.
Hold the paper so that the crease from the previous fold is vertical. Bring the left edge of the paper to meet the right edge. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper again.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat.
You should now have two intersecting crease lines on your paper, dividing it into four equal quadrants.
These preliminary folds are essential for creating the bird’s body and wings. They will help you to fold the paper accurately and precisely.
Once you have made the preliminary folds, you are ready to move on to the next step: folding in half.
Fold in half.
After making the preliminary folds, the next step is to fold the paper in half. This will create the bird’s body.
- Fold the paper in half from top to bottom.
Hold the paper with the preliminary folds in front of you. Bring the top edge of the paper down to meet the bottom edge. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat again. - Fold the paper in half from left to right.
Hold the paper so that the crease from the previous fold is vertical. Bring the left edge of the paper to meet the right edge. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper again.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat.
You should now have a square piece of paper with two intersecting crease lines, dividing it into four equal quadrants. The crease from the top-to-bottom fold should be vertical, and the crease from the left-to-right fold should be horizontal.
Create the bird’s head.
Once you have folded the paper in half, you can start to create the bird’s head.
- Fold the top right corner down to the center crease.
Hold the paper with the folded edge at the bottom. Bring the top right corner down to meet the vertical crease in the center. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat again. - Fold the top left corner down to the center crease.
Hold the paper with the folded edge at the bottom. Bring the top left corner down to meet the vertical crease in the center. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper again.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat.
You should now have a square piece of paper with two diagonal crease lines, dividing it into four equal triangles. The crease from the top-right-to-center fold should be on the left side, and the crease from the top-left-to-center fold should be on the right side.
Form the wings.
After creating the bird’s head, you can now form its wings.
To form the wings:
- Fold the right edge of the paper to the center crease.
Hold the paper with the folded edge at the bottom. Bring the right edge of the paper to meet the vertical crease in the center. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat again. - Fold the left edge of the paper to the center crease.
Hold the paper with the folded edge at the bottom. Bring the left edge of the paper to meet the vertical crease in the center. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper again.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat. - Fold the top right triangle down along the diagonal crease.
Hold the paper with the folded edge at the bottom. Bring the top right triangle down to meet the diagonal crease from the top-right-to-center fold. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat again. - Fold the top left triangle down along the diagonal crease.
Hold the paper with the folded edge at the bottom. Bring the top left triangle down to meet the diagonal crease from the top-left-to-center fold. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper again.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat. - Fold the bottom right flap up along the diagonal crease.
Hold the paper with the folded edge at the top. Bring the bottom right flap up to meet the diagonal crease from the top-right-to-center fold. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat again. - Fold the bottom left flap up along the diagonal crease.
Hold the paper with the folded edge at the top. Bring the bottom left flap up to meet the diagonal crease from the top-left-to-center fold. Crease the fold well. - Unfold the paper again.
Open up the paper so that it lies flat.
You should now have a bird with two wings.
The next step is to add the final touches to complete the flapping bird.
Add final touches.
To add the final touches to your origami flapping bird:
- Fold the bird in half from top to bottom.
Hold the bird with the wings pointing up. Bring the top edge of the bird down to meet the bottom edge. Crease the fold well. - Pinch the bird’s head and pull it forward.
Hold the bird at the base of the head with one hand and the tip of the head with the other hand. Pull the head forward and slightly upward, forming a beak. - Fold the wings down.
Hold the bird with the wings pointing up. Fold each wing down along the crease that you made earlier. Crease the folds well. - Decorate your bird.
You can use markers, crayons, or paint to decorate your bird. Be creative and have fun!
Your origami flapping bird is now complete!
To make the bird flap its wings, simply hold it by the body and move it up and down. The wings will flap up and down, creating the illusion of flight.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about origami:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: 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: Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is available in a variety of colors and patterns. However, you can also use regular printer paper or any other type of thin paper.
Question 3: What are some basic origami folds?
Answer: Some basic origami folds include the square fold, the triangle fold, the bird base, and the fish base. These folds are used to create a variety of different origami models.
Question 4: How do I learn origami?
Answer: There are many resources available to help you learn origami, including books, websites, and video tutorials. You can also find origami classes at local community centers or art studios.
Question 5: What are some popular origami models?
Answer: Some popular origami models include animals, birds, flowers, and geometric shapes. There are also many complex origami models that challenge even experienced folders.
Question 6: What are the benefits of origami?
Answer: Origami has many benefits, including improving hand-eye coordination, developing spatial reasoning skills, and promoting creativity. It is also a relaxing and enjoyable activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Question 7: Can I sell origami models that I make?
Answer: In general, it is acceptable to sell origami models that you make, as long as you are not using copyrighted designs. However, it is important to check the copyright status of any design before selling it.
Question 8: Where can I find origami supplies?
Answer: Origami supplies can be found at local craft stores, online retailers, and some office supply stores.
Question 9: Are there any origami conventions or events?
Answer: Yes, there are many origami conventions and events held around the world. These events are a great opportunity to meet other origami enthusiasts, learn new folding techniques, and see amazing origami models.
Question 10: How can I stay up-to-date on the latest origami news and trends?
Answer: There are many ways to stay up-to-date on the latest origami news and trends, including reading origami magazines, joining origami forums and social media groups, and attending origami conventions and events.
Closing Paragraph:
Origami is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little practice and patience, you can learn to create beautiful and complex origami models. So what are you waiting for? Start folding today!
Now that you know more about origami, here are some tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are some tips to help you get started with origami:
Tip 1: Start with simple models.
Don’t try to start with a complex model if you’re new to origami. Start with simple models that only require a few folds, such as the paper airplane or the jumping frog. This will help you get the hang of the basic folding techniques and build your confidence.
Tip 2: Use good quality paper.
Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is easier to work with than regular printer paper. It is also stronger and less likely to tear. If you don’t have origami paper, you can use regular printer paper, but make sure it is thin and lightweight.
Tip 3: Follow the instructions carefully.
When you’re learning a new origami model, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. This means paying attention to the details and making sure that you’re folding the paper in the correct way. If you’re not sure about something, refer back to the instructions or look for a video tutorial online.
Tip 4: Be patient.
Origami can be challenging, especially if you’re new to it. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually be able to create beautiful and complex origami models.
Tip 5: Have fun!
Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby. Enjoy the process of learning new folds and creating different models. Don’t be afraid to experiment and come up with your own designs.
Closing Paragraph:
With a little practice and patience, you can learn to create beautiful and complex origami models. So what are you waiting for? Start folding today!
Now that you have some tips to get you started, it’s time to learn more about the art of origami.
Conclusion
Origami is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination, develop spatial reasoning skills, and promote creativity. Origami can also be a relaxing and enjoyable activity that can be shared with friends and family.
In this article, we have provided a step-by-step guide on how to make an origami flapping bird, complete with a video tutorial. We have also provided a list of frequently asked questions about origami, as well as some tips for beginners.
We hope that this article has inspired you to learn more about origami. With a little practice and patience, you can learn to create beautiful and complex origami models. So what are you waiting for? Start folding today!
Closing Message:
Origami is a wonderful way to express your creativity and bring joy to others. Whether you are making a simple paper airplane or a complex dragon model, origami is a hobby that can be enjoyed by everyone.
