Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, is a beautiful way to transform a simple piece of paper into intricate and elegant objects. And while traditional origami uses square sheets of paper, you can also use everyday items like gum wrappers to create unique and charming origami creations.
In this friendly, step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to make an origami crane using a gum wrapper. This simple project is perfect for beginners and experienced folders alike, and it’s a great way to upcycle a common household item into a beautiful work of art.
So gather your gum wrappers and follow along as we embark on this fun and easy origami adventure!
How to Make an Origami Crane with a Gum Wrapper
Follow these simple steps to create a beautiful origami crane using a gum wrapper:
- Prepare gum wrapper
- Fold into square
- Make preliminary folds
- Form the crane’s body
- Create the crane’s wings
- Shape the crane’s head
- Add final touches
- Enjoy your origami crane
With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll have a stunning origami crane made from a humble gum wrapper.
Prepare Gum Wrapper
To begin your origami crane journey, you’ll need a gum wrapper. Choose a wrapper that is relatively flat and free of wrinkles. If the wrapper is too crumpled or creased, it may be difficult to fold properly.
Next, you’ll need to make sure the wrapper is clean. Any residue from the gum can interfere with the folding process, so be sure to wipe it off with a damp cloth or rinse it under water. Once the wrapper is clean, pat it dry with a paper towel.
Now it’s time to flatten the wrapper. Place it on a flat surface and use your fingers to smooth out any bumps or creases. You can also use a ruler or credit card to help you flatten the wrapper more evenly.
Finally, you need to cut the wrapper into a square. Use a pair of scissors to trim off any excess material, leaving you with a perfect square.
With your gum wrapper prepared, you’re ready to embark on the exciting journey of folding an origami crane.
Fold into Square
Now that you have your prepared gum wrapper, it’s time to fold it into a square. This step is essential for creating the foundation of your origami crane.
Begin by orienting the gum wrapper so that the shiny side is facing down. Fold the wrapper in half horizontally, bringing the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease the fold firmly with your fingers or a bone folder.
Next, unfold the wrapper and fold it in half vertically, bringing the left edge to meet the right edge. Again, crease the fold firmly.
Unfold the wrapper once more. You should now have two intersecting crease lines dividing the wrapper into four equal quadrants.
Now, it’s time to transform the rectangular wrapper into a square. Fold the top and bottom edges of the wrapper inward, aligning them with the vertical crease line. Crease these folds firmly.
Finally, fold the left and right edges of the wrapper inward, aligning them with the horizontal crease line. Crease these folds firmly as well.
You should now have a perfect square with the shiny side of the gum wrapper facing up. This square will serve as the starting point for folding your origami crane.
Make Preliminary Folds
With your square gum wrapper in hand, it’s time to make some preliminary folds that will help you create the basic shape of the origami crane.
Begin by folding the square in half diagonally, bringing the top right corner down to meet the bottom left corner. Crease the fold firmly.
Next, unfold the square and fold it in half diagonally in the opposite direction, bringing the top left corner down to meet the bottom right corner. Crease this fold firmly as well.
Unfold the square once more. You should now have two intersecting crease lines dividing the square into four equal triangles.
Now, fold the square in half horizontally, bringing the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease this fold firmly.
Unfold the square and fold it in half vertically, bringing the left edge to meet the right edge. Crease this fold firmly as well.
You should now have a square with four smaller squares inside, each defined by the preliminary folds you’ve made.
Form the Crane’s Body
Now that you’ve made the preliminary folds, it’s time to start forming the body of the origami crane.
- Fold in Half Diagonally:
Fold the square in half diagonally, bringing the top right corner down to meet the bottom left corner. Crease the fold firmly.
- Unfold and Fold in Opposite Direction:
Unfold the square and fold it in half diagonally in the opposite direction, bringing the top left corner down to meet the bottom right corner. Crease this fold firmly as well.
- Unfold and Make Smaller Squares:
Unfold the square once more. You should now have two intersecting crease lines dividing the square into four equal triangles.
- Fold into Smaller Diamond:
Fold the square in half horizontally, bringing the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease this fold firmly.
You should now have a smaller diamond shape with four triangles protruding from each side. This is the basic shape of the crane’s body.
Create the Crane’s Wings
With the crane’s body taking shape, it’s time to create its wings.
- Fold Top Layer of Triangles:
Take the top layer of each of the four triangles protruding from the crane’s body. Fold each triangle in half lengthwise, bringing the left and right edges together. Crease these folds firmly.
- Unfold Triangles and Squash Flat:
Unfold the triangles and squash them flat against the crane’s body. This will create the basic shape of the wings.
- Fold Wings Upward:
Fold the wings upward along the crease lines you just made. Make sure the wings are symmetrical and pointing upwards.
- Shape the Wings:
To give the wings a more realistic look, gently curve them outward and upward. You can also make small adjustments to the shape and position of the wings to achieve the desired effect.
With the wings in place, your origami crane is starting to take on its characteristic form.
Shape the Crane’s Head
Now it’s time to bring life to your origami crane by shaping its head.
- Fold Down Top Point:
Take the top point of the crane’s body and fold it down towards the center. Crease the fold firmly.
- Unfold and Squash Flat:
Unfold the top point and squash it flat against the crane’s body. This will create the basic shape of the head.
- Fold Sides of Head:
Fold the left and right sides of the head inward, aligning them with the center crease. Crease these folds firmly.
- Shape the Beak:
To create the crane’s beak, fold the bottom point of the head upward. Make sure the beak is small and sharp.
With the head in place, your origami crane is almost complete.
Add Final Touches
To complete your origami crane and make it truly shine, here are a few final touches you can add:
Adjust the Wings: Gently curve and shape the wings to achieve the desired look. You can make them more spread out or folded in, depending on your preference.
Fluff the Feathers: To give the crane’s wings a more realistic appearance, gently pull and fluff the edges of the feathers. This will create a sense of texture and movement.
Add Details: If you want to add more personality to your crane, you can use markers or colored pencils to draw eyes, a beak, and other details on the head. You can also use glitter or glue to add a touch of sparkle.
With these final touches, your origami crane is now complete and ready to take flight. Display it proudly or gift it to a loved one as a symbol of peace, hope, and good fortune.
Enjoy Your Origami Crane
Now that you’ve successfully folded your origami crane from a humble gum wrapper, it’s time to enjoy your creation and appreciate its beauty.
- Display Your Crane: Find a special place to display your origami crane where it can be admired by all. Hang it from a string, place it on a shelf, or use it as a centerpiece on your table. Its delicate beauty will bring a touch of elegance and charm to any space.
- Share Your Creation: Share your origami crane with friends, family, or fellow origami enthusiasts. It makes a wonderful gift for any occasion, symbolizing peace, hope, and good fortune. Spread the joy of origami and inspire others to create their own paper masterpieces.
- Learn More About Origami: If you enjoyed making your origami crane, why not explore the world of origami further? There are countless other origami designs waiting to be discovered, from simple to complex. Learning origami is a fun and rewarding hobby that can improve your focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- Use Your Crane as Inspiration: Let your origami crane inspire you in other creative pursuits. Use it as a starting point for drawing, painting, or writing. The possibilities are endless. Your origami crane can serve as a muse, sparking your imagination and leading you to new artistic adventures.
The journey of origami doesn’t end with just one crane. Keep practicing, exploring, and experimenting with different folds and techniques. As you continue your origami journey, you’ll discover a world of endless creativity and joy.
FAQ
Have questions about the fascinating art of origami? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to guide you on your origami journey:
Question 1: What is Origami?
Origami, derived from the Japanese words “oru” (to fold) and “kami” (paper), is the art of paper folding. It involves transforming a flat sheet of paper into intricate and beautiful three-dimensional objects, without the use of glue or scissors.
Question 2: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Origami paper is specially designed for folding, but you can also use regular printer paper or craft paper. Thinner paper is easier to fold, while thicker paper holds creases better. Experiment with different types of paper to find one that suits your folding style and project.
Question 3: How difficult is origami to learn?
Origami ranges from simple folds suitable for beginners to complex designs that challenge even experienced folders. Start with basic folds and gradually work your way up to more intricate patterns as you gain confidence and skill.
Question 4: What are some popular origami designs?
The most iconic origami design is the Japanese crane, symbolizing peace and good fortune. Other popular designs include animals (like elephants, birds, and fish), flowers, geometric shapes, and even famous landmarks. The possibilities are endless!
Question 5: Can I use origami as a form of art or decoration?
Absolutely! Origami can be displayed as standalone sculptures, incorporated into greeting cards, or used to create unique decorations for your home. Some origami artists even create large-scale installations using hundreds or thousands of folded paper pieces.
Question 6: Where can I find origami instructions and tutorials?
There are numerous resources available to learn origami. You can find books, magazines, websites, and even YouTube videos dedicated to teaching various origami folds and designs. Origami classes and workshops are also offered in many cities and communities.
Question 7: Is origami a good activity for children?
Origami is a fantastic activity for children of all ages. It helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to engage their minds and keep them entertained.
As you embark on your origami journey, remember that practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep folding, experimenting, and learning. Origami is a rewarding art form that offers endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression.
Now that you have a better understanding of origami, let’s explore some helpful tips to enhance your folding experience.
Tips
As you embark on your origami journey, keep these practical tips in mind to enhance your folding experience and create beautiful origami pieces:
Tip 1: Start with Simple Folds:
Begin your origami adventure with basic folds and simple designs. This will help you build a strong foundation and develop the necessary skills before attempting more complex patterns.
Tip 2: Use Quality Paper:
Choosing the right paper can make a big difference in your origami creations. Opt for origami paper or high-quality craft paper that is thin, crisp, and holds creases well. Avoid using thick or flimsy paper, as it can be difficult to fold and may not hold its shape.
Tip 3: Practice Patience:
Origami requires patience and attention to detail. Don’t rush through the folding process. Take your time, carefully follow the instructions, and make precise folds. Rushing can lead to mistakes and frustration.
Tip 4: Experiment and Innovate:
Once you’ve mastered the basics, don’t be afraid to experiment and let your creativity shine. Try different folding techniques, combine multiple folds, or create your own original designs. Origami is an art form that encourages exploration and innovation.
Tip 5: Join an Origami Community:
Connecting with other origami enthusiasts can be a great way to learn new folds, share your creations, and get inspired. Look for local origami clubs, attend origami conventions, or join online origami forums and communities.
Remember, origami is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Keep practicing, experimenting, and challenging yourself with new folds and designs. With dedication and passion, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful and intricate origami pieces you can create.
As you continue your origami journey, you’ll discover a world of endless creativity and satisfaction. Origami not only brings joy and a sense of accomplishment but also sharpens your mind, improves your dexterity, and opens up new avenues for artistic expression.
Conclusion
Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, continues to captivate and inspire people of all ages around the world. Its simplicity, elegance, and endless creative possibilities make it a truly unique and rewarding art form.
In this comprehensive guide, we delved into the world of origami, starting with its rich history and cultural significance. We explored the basic folds that serve as the building blocks of origami creations, and provided step-by-step instructions to make your own origami crane using a gum wrapper.
As you continue your origami journey, remember that practice, patience, and creativity are key. Start with simple folds and gradually work your way up to more intricate designs. Experiment with different types of paper, explore various folding techniques, and don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild.
Origami is not just a hobby; it’s a journey of self-expression, discovery, and personal growth. It sharpens your mind, improves your dexterity, and brings joy to your heart. Whether you’re creating traditional origami models or venturing into your own creative designs, the possibilities are endless.
So embrace the beauty and wonder of origami. Fold, create, and share your creations with the world. Let the art of paper folding inspire you, bring you peace and tranquility, and open up new avenues for artistic exploration and self-expression.
Origami is more than just a folded piece of paper; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Happy folding!
