Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, is an excellent way to stimulate creativity and develop fine motor skills. The paper crane is one of the most classic origami figures, symbolizing peace, good luck, and hope. This simple guide will teach you how to create your own little paper crane using a few basic folds.
Origami paper, also known as kami, is traditionally used for origami projects. It is a thin, strong paper that holds its shape well. If you don’t have origami paper, you can use regular printer paper, but it may not hold its shape as well.
Now that you have gathered your materials, you are ready to start folding your paper crane. Follow the steps below, paying close attention to the diagrams.
how to make little paper crane
Follow these simple steps to create your own little paper crane:
- Start with a square piece of paper.
- Fold in half twice, then unfold.
- Fold in half diagonally both ways.
- Fold up the bottom corners to the center.
- Fold the top corners down to the center.
- Fold the model in half, then unfold.
Your paper crane is now complete! You can open up the wings and tail to make it stand.
Start with a square piece of paper.
The first step in making a paper crane is to start with a square piece of paper. This can be origami paper, which is specially designed for folding, or you can use regular printer paper. If you are using printer paper, cut a square out of a sheet of paper.
The size of the square will determine the size of your finished crane. A 6-inch square will make a crane that is about 3 inches tall. You can use larger or smaller squares to make cranes of different sizes.
Once you have your square piece of paper, fold it in half twice, then unfold it. This will create two intersecting crease lines. These crease lines will help you to fold the crane accurately.
Now, fold the paper in half diagonally both ways. This will create four crease lines that intersect in the center of the paper. These crease lines will also help you to fold the crane accurately.
You have now completed the preliminary folds for your paper crane. In the next steps, you will start to fold the crane into its final shape.
Fold in half twice, then unfold.
Once you have folded your square piece of paper in half diagonally both ways, you will need to fold it in half twice, then unfold. This will create two intersecting crease lines that run parallel to two of the diagonal crease lines.
To fold the paper in half the first time, align one of the diagonal crease lines with the opposite edge of the paper. Fold the paper along this crease line, bringing the two edges together. Unfold the paper.
Now, fold the paper in half the second time, aligning the other diagonal crease line with the opposite edge of the paper. Fold the paper along this crease line, bringing the two edges together. Unfold the paper.
You should now have two intersecting crease lines that run parallel to two of the diagonal crease lines. These crease lines will help you to fold the crane accurately in the next steps.
In the next step, you will start to fold the crane into its final shape. You will use the crease lines that you have just created to help you fold the crane accurately.
Fold in half diagonally both ways.
Once you have folded your square piece of paper in half twice, then unfolded, you will need to fold it in half diagonally both ways. This will create four crease lines that intersect in the center of the paper.
To fold the paper in half diagonally the first time, align one corner of the paper with the opposite corner. Fold the paper along this diagonal crease line, bringing the two corners together. Unfold the paper.
Now, fold the paper in half diagonally the second time, aligning the other two corners of the paper. Fold the paper along this diagonal crease line, bringing the two corners together. Unfold the paper.
You should now have four crease lines that intersect in the center of the paper. These crease lines will help you to fold the crane accurately in the next steps.
In the next step, you will start to fold the crane into its final shape. You will use the crease lines that you have just created to help you fold the crane accurately.
Fold up the bottom corners to the center.
Once you have folded the paper in half diagonally both ways, you will need to fold up the bottom corners to the center. This will create two triangular flaps.
To fold up the bottom corners, start by folding the bottom left corner up to the center crease line. Then, fold the bottom right corner up to the center crease line. You should now have two triangular flaps.
Make sure that the edges of the triangular flaps are aligned with the center crease line. This will help to ensure that the crane is symmetrical.
In the next step, you will fold down the top corners of the paper to create the crane’s head and tail.
Continue following the steps to complete your paper crane. With a little practice, you will be able to fold paper cranes quickly and easily.
Fold the top corners down to the center.
Once you have folded up the bottom corners to the center, you will need to fold down the top corners to the center. This will create the crane’s head and tail.
To fold down the top corners, start by folding the top left corner down to the center crease line. Then, fold the top right corner down to the center crease line. You should now have two triangular flaps.
Make sure that the edges of the triangular flaps are aligned with the center crease line. This will help to ensure that the crane is symmetrical.
In the next step, you will fold the model in half, then unfold, to create the crane’s wings.
Continue following the steps to complete your paper crane. With a little practice, you will be able to fold paper cranes quickly and easily.
Fold the model in half, then unfold.
Once you have folded down the top corners to the center, you will need to fold the model in half, then unfold. This will create the crane’s wings.
- Align the top and bottom edges of the model.
Bring the top edge of the model down to meet the bottom edge. Make sure that the edges are aligned evenly.
- Fold the model in half along the center crease line.
Once the edges are aligned, fold the model in half along the center crease line. Press down on the crease to make it sharp.
- Unfold the model.
Once the model is folded in half, unfold it again. You should now have a crease line running down the center of the model.
- Repeat steps 1-3 to create the other wing.
To create the other wing, align the left and right edges of the model, fold the model in half along the center crease line, and then unfold it.
You have now completed the basic folds for your paper crane. In the next step, you will start to shape the crane’s head and tail.
FAQ
Origami is a fun and challenging art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you’re new to origami, you may have some questions. Here are some frequently asked questions about origami, along with their answers:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer 1: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Origami is often used to create beautiful and intricate sculptures, such as animals, birds, and flowers.
Question 2: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer 2: Origami paper is specially designed for folding. It is thin and strong, and it holds its shape well. You can also use regular printer paper, but it may not hold its shape as well.
Question 3: What are some basic origami folds?
Answer 3: There are many basic origami folds, such as the square fold, the triangle fold, and the bird base. Once you have mastered these basic folds, you can start to create more complex origami models.
Question 4: Where can I learn how to do origami?
Answer 4: There are many resources available to help you learn how to do origami. You can find books, DVDs, and online tutorials that teach origami. You can also find origami classes at your local community center or library.
Question 5: What are some popular origami models?
Answer 5: Some popular origami models include the crane, the butterfly, the fish, and the rose. These models are relatively easy to fold, and they make beautiful decorations.
Question 6: What are some tips for folding origami?
Answer 6: Here are a few tips for folding origami:
- Start with simple models and work your way up to more complex ones.
- Be patient and take your time.
- Use your fingers to crease the paper sharply.
- If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to unfold the paper and start over.
Origami is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and intricate origami models.
Now that you know a little more about origami, you can start folding your own paper creations.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you fold origami like a pro:
Tip 1: Start with simple models.
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to start with simple origami models. This will help you to learn the basic folds and techniques. Once you have mastered the basics, you can start to fold more complex models.
Tip 2: Use your fingers to crease the paper sharply.
When you fold origami, it’s important to crease the paper sharply. This will help to ensure that your folds are accurate and that your model holds its shape. To crease the paper sharply, use your fingernails to press down on the fold line.
Tip 3: Be patient and take your time.
Origami can be a challenging art form, but it’s also very rewarding. It’s important to be patient and take your time when you’re folding origami. Don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake. Just unfold the paper and start over.
Tip 4: Practice makes perfect.
The more you practice origami, the better you will become at it. Try to fold different models regularly. You can also challenge yourself by trying to fold more complex models.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and intricate origami models.
Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. So what are you waiting for? Start folding today!
Conclusion
Origami is a beautiful and rewarding art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a fun and challenging way to express your creativity and develop your fine motor skills.
In this article, we have learned how to make a simple paper crane, one of the most classic origami models. We have also discussed some basic origami folds and techniques. With a little practice, you will be able to create beautiful and intricate origami models.
Origami is a great way to relax and de-stress. It can also be a great way to bond with friends and family. So next time you’re looking for something fun and creative to do, give origami a try.
Origami is a wonderful way to bring joy and beauty into your life. So start folding today and see what you can create!
