Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, offers a fun and engaging way to create beautiful objects out of a single sheet of paper. The origami crane, a symbol of peace and good fortune, is one of the most iconic and well-known origami designs.
In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make an origami crane using a Post-it note. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced origami enthusiast, you’ll find this guide helpful in creating your own origami crane.
Before we dive into the folding process, let’s gather the necessary materials: a Post-it note in any color of your choice and a pair of scissors (optional). Let’s get started!
How to Make an Origami Crane out of a Post-it
Follow these simple steps to create your own origami crane:
- Prepare Post-it note
- Fold in half vertically
- Unfold and fold horizontally
- Fold in half diagonally
- Flip and fold in half again
- Unfold and squash flat
- Fold top corners to center
- Fold bottom corners to center
- Fold in half vertically
- Pull out corners to form wings
With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful origami cranes in no time.
Prepare Post-it note
Before you start folding, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your Post-it note:
- Choose a color:
Origami cranes can be made in any color, so choose a Post-it note in your favorite color or one that matches the occasion.
- Trim the edges:
If your Post-it note has uneven or ragged edges, trim them with a pair of scissors to create a clean and square shape.
- Fold in half:
Fold the Post-it note in half vertically, then unfold it. This will create a crease down the center of the paper.
- Fold in half again:
Fold the Post-it note in half horizontally, then unfold it. This will create a crease perpendicular to the first crease, dividing the paper into four equal parts.
Now that your Post-it note is prepared, you’re ready to start folding your origami crane.
Fold in half vertically
To fold the Post-it note in half vertically, follow these steps:
- Place the Post-it note on a flat surface in front of you, with the sticky side facing down.
- Using your index finger and thumb, grasp the right edge of the Post-it note and bring it towards the left edge.
- Continue folding until the right edge meets the left edge, creating a vertical crease down the center of the paper.
- Run your finger along the crease to sharpen it and make it more defined.
Once you have folded the Post-it note in half vertically, you will have a long, narrow rectangle.
Tips:
- Make sure to fold the Post-it note precisely along the crease. This will ensure that your origami crane is symmetrical and well-proportioned.
- If you are having trouble folding the Post-it note, you can use a ruler or a bone folder to help you create a sharp crease.
Now that you have folded the Post-it note in half vertically, you are ready to proceed to the next step in making your origami crane.
Unfold and fold horizontally
After you have folded the Post-it note in half vertically, you need to unfold it and then fold it in half horizontally. Here’s how to do it:
- Unfold the Post-it note:
Carefully unfold the Post-it note so that it returns to its original shape.
- Fold in half horizontally:
With the sticky side of the Post-it note still facing down, grasp the top edge of the paper and bring it towards the bottom edge.
- Continue folding until the top edge meets the bottom edge:
Create a horizontal crease across the center of the paper.
- Run your finger along the crease to sharpen it:
Make sure the crease is well-defined.
Once you have folded the Post-it note in half horizontally, you will have a square.
Fold in half diagonally
To fold the Post-it note in half diagonally, follow these steps:
- Place the Post-it note on a flat surface in front of you, with the sticky side facing down.
- Locate the top right corner of the Post-it note and bring it down to the bottom left corner.
- Continue folding until the top right corner meets the bottom left corner, creating a diagonal crease.
- Run your finger along the crease to sharpen it and make it more defined.
Once you have folded the Post-it note in half diagonally, you will have a triangle.
Tips:
- Make sure to fold the Post-it note precisely along the crease. This will ensure that your origami crane is symmetrical and well-proportioned.
- If you are having trouble folding the Post-it note, you can use a ruler or a bone folder to help you create a sharp crease.
Note:
You can fold the Post-it note in half diagonally in either direction. However, for the purposes of making an origami crane, it is important to fold it from the top right corner to the bottom left corner.
Now that you have folded the Post-it note in half diagonally, you are ready to proceed to the next step in making your origami crane.
Flip and fold in half again
After you have folded the Post-it note in half diagonally, you need to flip it over and fold it in half again. Here’s how to do it:
- Carefully flip the Post-it note over so that the sticky side is facing up.
- Locate the top right corner of the Post-it note and bring it down to the bottom left corner, just like you did in the previous step.
- Continue folding until the top right corner meets the bottom left corner, creating a diagonal crease.
- Run your finger along the crease to sharpen it and make it more defined.
Once you have folded the Post-it note in half again, you will have a smaller triangle.
Tips:
- Make sure to fold the Post-it note precisely along the crease. This will ensure that your origami crane is symmetrical and well-proportioned.
- If you are having trouble folding the Post-it note, you can use a ruler or a bone folder to help you create a sharp crease.
Now that you have flipped and folded the Post-it note in half again, you are ready to proceed to the next step in making your origami crane.
Unfold and squash flat
After you have folded the Post-it note in half again, you need to unfold it and squash it flat. Here’s how to do it:
- Carefully unfold the Post-it note so that it returns to its original shape.
- Place the Post-it note on a flat surface in front of you, with the sticky side facing up.
- Using your fingers, gently press down on the Post-it note, starting from the center and working your way outwards.
- Continue pressing until the Post-it note is completely flat.
Tips:
- Make sure to press down evenly on the Post-it note. This will help to create a smooth, flat surface.
- If you are having trouble flattening the Post-it note, you can use a ruler or a bone folder to help you.
Note:
Squashing the Post-it note flat is an important step in making an origami crane. This step helps to create the sharp creases that are necessary for the crane to take shape.
Now that you have unfolded and squashed the Post-it note flat, you are ready to proceed to the next step in making your origami crane.
Fold top corners to center
After you have unfolded and squashed the Post-it note flat, you need to fold the top corners to the center. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the top left corner of the Post-it note:
Bring it down to the center of the Post-it note, aligning the edge of the corner with the vertical crease.
- Crease the fold:
Run your finger along the crease to sharpen it and make it more defined.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the top right corner:
Bring it down to the center of the Post-it note and crease the fold.
- You should now have a diamond shape:
With two flaps folded in from the top.
Now that you have folded the top corners to the center, you are ready to proceed to the next step in making your origami crane.
Fold bottom corners to center
After you have folded the top corners to the center, you need to fold the bottom corners to the center. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the bottom left corner of the Post-it note:
Bring it up to the center of the Post-it note, aligning the edge of the corner with the vertical crease.
- Crease the fold:
Run your finger along the crease to sharpen it and make it more defined.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the bottom right corner:
Bring it up to the center of the Post-it note and crease the fold.
- You should now have a square shape:
With two flaps folded in from the bottom.
Now that you have folded the bottom corners to the center, you are ready to proceed to the next step in making your origami crane.
Fold in half vertically
After you have folded the bottom corners to the center, you need to fold the Post-it note in half vertically. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the Post-it note on a flat surface in front of you, with the sticky side facing down.
- Locate the right edge of the Post-it note and bring it towards the left edge.
- Continue folding until the right edge meets the left edge, creating a vertical crease down the center of the paper.
- Run your finger along the crease to sharpen it and make it more defined.
Once you have folded the Post-it note in half vertically, you will have a long, narrow rectangle.
Tips:
- Make sure to fold the Post-it note precisely along the crease. This will ensure that your origami crane is symmetrical and well-proportioned.
- If you are having trouble folding the Post-it note, you can use a ruler or a bone folder to help you create a sharp crease.
Note:
Folding the Post-it note in half vertically is an important step in making the crane’s body. This step helps to create the crane’s long, slender neck.
Now that you have folded the Post-it note in half vertically, you are ready to proceed to the next step in making your origami crane.
Pull out corners to form wings
After you have folded the Post-it note in half vertically, you need to pull out the corners to form the crane’s wings. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the top right corner of the Post-it note:
Gently pull it outwards to form a wing.
- Crease the fold:
Run your finger along the crease to sharpen it and make it more defined.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the top left corner:
Pull it outwards to form the other wing.
- You should now have a crane with two wings:
Spread out to the sides.
Congratulations! You have now completed your origami crane made from a Post-it note.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about origami:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer 1: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. It is a fun and creative way to make beautiful objects out of a single sheet of paper, without the use of glue or scissors.
Question 2: What are the benefits of learning origami?
Answer 2: Origami has many benefits, including improved hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. It can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Question 3: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer 3: The best paper for origami is thin and strong, with a smooth surface. Some popular types of origami paper include kami, washi, and mulberry paper.
Question 4: What are some basic origami folds?
Answer 4: Some basic origami folds include the square fold, the triangle fold, and the bird base. These folds are used to create a wide variety of origami models.
Question 5: What is the most popular origami model?
Answer 5: The most popular origami model is probably the crane. Cranes are symbols of peace and good fortune in Japanese culture, and they are often given as gifts.
Question 6: How can I learn origami?
Answer 6: There are many ways to learn origami. You can find books, videos, and online tutorials that teach you how to make different origami models.
Question 7: Where can I find origami paper and supplies?
Answer 7: You can find origami paper and supplies at craft stores, online retailers, and some office supply stores.
Closing Paragraph:
I hope this FAQ section has been helpful. If you have any other questions about origami, please feel free to ask me.
Now that you know a little bit more about origami, here are some tips to help you get started:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you get started with origami:
Tip 1: Start with simple models.
There are many different origami models to choose from, but it’s best to start with simple models that use basic folds. This will help you to learn the basics of origami and build your confidence.
Tip 2: Use good quality paper.
The type of paper you use can make a big difference in the outcome of your origami model. Choose thin, strong paper with a smooth surface. Some popular types of origami paper include kami, washi, and mulberry paper.
Tip 3: Be patient and persistent.
Origami can be challenging at first, but it’s important to be patient and persistent. Keep practicing and you will eventually be able to create beautiful origami models.
Tip 4: Have fun!
Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby. Enjoy the process of creating something beautiful out of a single sheet of paper.
Closing Paragraph:
I hope these tips have been helpful. With a little practice and patience, you will be able to create amazing origami models.
Now that you have learned about origami and have some tips to get you started, it’s time to start folding!
Conclusion
Origami is a beautiful and rewarding art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a fun and creative way to make beautiful objects out of a single sheet of paper, without the use of glue or scissors.
In this article, we have learned about the history of origami, the different types of origami models, and the basic folds used in origami. We have also provided some tips to help you get started with origami.
If you are looking for a new hobby or a fun activity to do with your children, origami is a great option. It is a challenging but rewarding art form that can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels.
So what are you waiting for? Start folding today!
