Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, and it has been practiced for centuries. There are many different ways to fold origami, and one of the most popular is the crane. Cranes are often folded as a symbol of peace, and they can be used for decoration or as gifts.
If you want to learn how to make a paper crane that can flap its wings, you’ve come to the right place. This informative article will walk you through the steps of making a flapping paper crane, from start to finish.
Once you’ve gathered your materials, you can start folding your crane. The first step is to fold the paper in half twice, creating a square. Then, you’ll need to fold the square in half diagonally twice, creating a smaller square. After that, you’ll need to unfold the paper and fold it in half the other way, creating a rectangle.
How to Make a Paper Crane That Can Flap Its Wings
Follow these ten simple steps to make a flapping paper crane:
- Gather materials.
- Fold paper in half twice.
- Fold square in half diagonally twice.
- Unfold and fold in half the other way.
- Fold top corners to center.
- Fold bottom corners to center.
- Unfold and squash flat.
- Fold top layer down.
- Fold bottom layer up.
- Pull out wings and flap!
With a little practice, you’ll be able to make a flapping paper crane in no time.
Gather materials.
The first step to making a flapping paper crane is to gather your materials. You will need:
- Origami paper: Origami paper is specially designed for folding, and it is available in a variety of colors and patterns. You can find origami paper at most craft stores.
- Scissors: You will need a pair of sharp scissors to cut the origami paper.
- A ruler: A ruler will help you to make precise folds.
- A pencil: A pencil will help you to mark the folds on the origami paper.
- An eraser: An eraser will help you to correct any mistakes.
Once you have gathered your materials, you are ready to start folding your flapping paper crane.
Tip: If you are new to origami, it is a good idea to practice with a few simple folds before you attempt to make a flapping paper crane. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can teach you the basics of origami.
Fold paper in half twice.
The first step in making a flapping paper crane is to fold the paper in half twice. This will create a square.
To fold the paper in half, follow these steps:
- Place the origami paper on a flat surface in front of you.
- Fold the top edge of the paper down to meet the bottom edge.
- Unfold the paper.
- Fold the right edge of the paper to meet the left edge.
- Unfold the paper.
The paper should now be creased into a square.
To fold the paper in half again, follow these steps:
- Fold the top edge of the paper down to meet the bottom edge.
- Unfold the paper.
- Fold the right edge of the paper to meet the left edge.
- Unfold the paper.
The paper should now be creased into a smaller square.
Tip: If you are having trouble folding the paper in half, you can use a ruler to help you. Place the ruler along the edge of the paper and fold the paper over the ruler.
Fold square in half diagonally twice.
Once you have folded the paper in half twice to create a square, you need to fold it in half diagonally twice.
- Fold the square in half diagonally from top left to bottom right.
To do this, place the square on a flat surface in front of you with the crease from the previous fold running horizontally. Fold the top left corner of the square down to meet the bottom right corner. Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the square.
The square should now have a diagonal crease running from top left to bottom right.
- Fold the square in half diagonally from top right to bottom left.
To do this, place the square on a flat surface in front of you with the crease from the previous fold running vertically. Fold the top right corner of the square down to meet the bottom left corner. Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the square.
The square should now have two diagonal creases running from top left to bottom right and from top right to bottom left.
Tip: If you are having trouble folding the square diagonally, you can use a ruler to help you. Place the ruler along the edge of the square and fold the paper over the ruler.
Unfold and fold in half the other way.
Once you have folded the square in half diagonally twice, you need to unfold it and fold it in half the other way.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Unfold the square so that it is flat.
- Fold the square in half from top to bottom.
- Unfold the square.
- Fold the square in half from left to right.
- Unfold the square.
The square should now have four creases, two running diagonally from corner to corner and two running vertically and horizontally through the center.
Tip: If you are having trouble folding the square in half, you can use a ruler to help you. Place the ruler along the edge of the square and fold the paper over the ruler.
Fold top corners to center.
Once you have unfolded the square and folded it in half the other way, you need to fold the top corners to the center.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Fold the top left corner of the square down to the center crease.
- Fold the top right corner of the square down to the center crease.
The square should now look like a diamond.
Tip: If you are having trouble folding the corners to the center, you can use a ruler to help you. Place the ruler along the edge of the square and fold the paper over the ruler.
Fold bottom corners to center.
Once you have folded the top corners to the center, you need to fold the bottom corners to the center.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Fold the bottom left corner of the diamond up to the center crease.
- Fold the bottom right corner of the diamond up to the center crease.
The diamond should now look like a square.
Tip: If you are having trouble folding the corners to the center, you can use a ruler to help you. Place the ruler along the edge of the square and fold the paper over the ruler.
Unfold and squash flat.
Once you have folded the bottom corners to the center, you need to unfold the square and squash it flat.
- Unfold the square.
The square should now look like a diamond again.
- Squash the diamond flat.
Use your hands to squash the diamond flat from top to bottom and from side to side. Be sure to crease the folds well.
- Fold the diamond in half horizontally.
Fold the top edge of the diamond down to meet the bottom edge.
- Unfold the diamond.
The diamond should now have a horizontal crease running through the center.
Tip: If you are having trouble squashing the diamond flat, you can use a ruler to help you. Place the ruler along the edge of the diamond and press down on the paper with the ruler.
Fold top layer down.
Once you have unfolded the diamond and folded it in half horizontally, you need to fold the top layer down.
- Fold the top edge of the diamond down to the horizontal crease.
Be sure to crease the fold well.
- Unfold the diamond.
The diamond should now have a horizontal crease running through the center and a vertical crease running from top to bottom.
- Fold the right edge of the diamond to the vertical crease.
Be sure to crease the fold well.
- Fold the left edge of the diamond to the vertical crease.
Be sure to crease the fold well.
Tip: If you are having trouble folding the top layer down, you can use a ruler to help you. Place the ruler along the edge of the diamond and fold the paper over the ruler.
Fold bottom layer up.
Once you have folded the top layer down, you need to fold the bottom layer up.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Fold the bottom edge of the diamond up to the horizontal crease.
- Unfold the diamond.
- Fold the right edge of the diamond to the vertical crease.
- Fold the left edge of the diamond to the vertical crease.
The diamond should now look like a square.
Tip: If you are having trouble folding the bottom layer up, you can use a ruler to help you. Place the ruler along the edge of the diamond and fold the paper over the ruler.
Pull out wings and flap!
Once you have folded the bottom layer up, you have made a paper crane that can flap its wings!
To flap the wings, simply pull them out to the sides and then push them back in.
You can also make the crane fly by holding it in your hand and moving your hand up and down.
Tip: If you want to make the crane flap its wings faster, you can try flicking your wrist.
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, but you can also use regular printer paper or even newspaper.
Question 3: What are some basic origami folds?
Answer: Some basic origami folds include the square fold, the triangle fold, and the bird base.
Question 4: What is the most popular origami model?
Answer: The most popular origami model is the crane.
Question 5: How can I learn origami?
Answer: There are many resources available to learn origami, including books, websites, and videos.
Question 6: What are some tips for making origami?
Answer: Some tips for making origami include using sharp folds, creasing the folds well, and being patient.
Question 7: Where can I find origami paper and supplies?
Answer: You can find origami paper and supplies at most craft stores and online retailers.
Question 8: What is the most complex origami model?
Answer: Some of the most complex origami models include the dragon, the rose, and the samurai helmet.
Question 9: What are some other types of origami?
Answer: There are many different types of origami, including modular origami, wet-folding origami, and kirigami.
Question 10: How can I display my origami models?
Answer: You can display your origami models in a variety of ways, including hanging them from strings, placing them on shelves, or using them as decorations.
Closing Paragraph: Origami is a beautiful and rewarding art form that anyone can enjoy. With a little practice, you can create amazing origami models that will impress your friends and family.
Now that you know the basics of origami, you can start learning how to make more complex models. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make better origami models:
Tip 1: Use sharp folds.
When you fold the paper, make sure to crease the folds well. This will help your model to hold its shape.
Tip 2: Be patient.
Origami can be challenging, but it is important to be patient. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing and you will eventually be able to make beautiful models.
Tip 3: Use the right paper.
Origami paper is specially designed for folding, but you can also use regular printer paper or even newspaper. However, some models may be easier to fold with origami paper.
Tip 4: Start with simple models.
If you are new to origami, it is a good idea to start with simple models. This will help you to learn the basic folds and techniques.
Tip 5: Use your imagination.
Origami is a great way to express your creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different folds and techniques to create your own unique models.
Closing Paragraph: With a little practice, you can create amazing origami models that will impress your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Start folding today!
Now that you know the basics of origami and have some tips to help you get started, you are ready to learn how to make more complex models. With a little practice, you will be able to create beautiful and intricate origami pieces that will amaze and delight everyone who sees them.
Conclusion
Origami is a fun and challenging 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 learned the basics of origami, including how to fold a paper crane that can flap its wings. We have also discussed some tips for making origami, such as using sharp folds, being patient, and starting with simple models.
With a little practice, you can create amazing origami models that will impress your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Start folding today!
Closing Message: Origami is a beautiful and rewarding art form that can be enjoyed by everyone. So whether you are a beginner or an experienced folder, I encourage you to continue learning and creating. The possibilities are endless!
