Origami, the art of paper folding, has captured the hearts of people worldwide. Among the many origami creations, the crane is an enduring symbol of peace and elegance. With its intricate folds and graceful form, it’s no wonder why many seek to learn how to make an origami crane. This guide will take you through the steps of folding an origami crane using regular paper, offering a detailed and beginner-friendly approach.
In this journey, we’ll delve into the history of the origami crane, discover the symbolism it holds, and provide a step-by-step guide to folding one. Whether you’re a seasoned origami enthusiast or a curious beginner, we invite you to join us in unfolding the beauty of this iconic origami creation.
Before we begin, let’s gather our materials. All you need is a square piece of regular paper. Any size will do, but a standard 8.5 x 8.5 inch (21.6 x 21.6 cm) sheet is a good starting point. Once you’ve mastered the basic folds, you can experiment with different paper sizes and colors to create unique and vibrant origami cranes.
How to Make Origami Crane with Normal Paper
Follow these 7 simple steps to create an origami crane:
- Square sheet of paper
- Fold in half twice
- Unfold and squash flat
- Fold corners to center
- Flip and repeat folds
- Unfold and shape wings
- Fold head and tail
With a little practice, you’ll be able to fold an origami crane in no time. Experiment with different paper sizes and colors to create unique and beautiful creations.
Square Sheet of Paper
The first step in making an origami crane is to start with a square sheet of paper. This is important because the crane’s design is based on a square shape, and using a rectangular or irregular sheet will make it difficult to achieve the correct proportions and folds.
- Standard Size:
A standard square sheet of paper for origami is 15 cm x 15 cm (6 inches x 6 inches). This size is widely available and suitable for beginners. However, you can use larger or smaller squares depending on your preference and the size of crane you want to make.
- Choose the Right Paper:
Origami paper is specially designed for folding and is typically thin and lightweight. However, you can use regular printer paper if you don’t have origami paper on hand. Just make sure the paper is not too thick or stiff, as this will make it difficult to fold.
- Color and Design:
Origami cranes can be made with any color or design of paper. Plain colors, such as white or black, give a classic and elegant look. Patterned paper can add a touch of whimsy and personality to your crane. You can also use double-sided paper to create a crane with different colors on each side.
- Cut the Paper:
If you’re not starting with a pre-cut square sheet, you’ll need to cut a square from a rectangular piece of paper. To do this, simply fold the paper in half twice, forming a small square. Then, cut along the folded edges to create a perfect square.
With your square sheet of paper ready, you’re now ready to embark on the journey of folding an origami crane.
Fold in Half Twice
Once you have your square sheet of paper, the next step is to fold it in half twice. This creates the basic creases that will serve as the foundation for the crane’s shape.
First Fold:
Place the square sheet of paper in front of you, with one corner pointing towards you. Fold the paper in half from top to bottom, lining up the right edge with the left edge. Crease the fold firmly with your fingers or a bone folder.
Unfold:
Unfold the paper so that it returns to its original square shape.
Second Fold:
Now, fold the paper in half from left to right, lining up the top edge with the bottom edge. Again, crease the fold firmly.
Unfold:
Unfold the paper once more, so that you have a square sheet with two intersecting creases.
Significance of the Folds:
These two folds create the center lines of the paper, which will guide you in making the subsequent folds and shaping the crane’s body and wings.
Remember, precise folding is essential in origami. Taking the time to make clean and sharp creases will help ensure that your crane turns out symmetrical and well-defined.
With the basic folds in place, you’re ready to move on to the next step of shaping the crane’s body.
Unfold and Squash Flat
After making the two folds in the previous step, you’ll need to unfold and squash the paper flat.
- Unfold:
Take the folded square sheet of paper and carefully unfold it completely. You should now have a single square sheet with two intersecting creases.
- Squash Flat:
With the paper unfolded, place it on a flat surface. Use your hands to gently but firmly press down on the paper, ensuring that the creases you made in the previous step are sharp and well-defined. You can also use a bone folder or a ruler to help flatten the creases.
- Significance of Squashing:
Squashing the paper flat helps to embed the creases into the paper, making them more permanent and easier to work with in the subsequent steps. It also helps to ensure that the crane’s body and wings have clean and crisp folds.
- Preparing for the Next Fold:
Unfolding and squashing the paper prepares it for the next step, which is folding the corners to the center. The flattened creases will serve as guides for these upcoming folds.
With the paper unfolded and squashed flat, you’re now ready to shape the crane’s body and wings.
Fold Corners to Center
With the paper unfolded and squashed flat, you’re now ready to fold the corners to the center.
- Identify the Center:
Locate the center of the square sheet of paper. You can do this by aligning the two diagonal creases that you made in the previous steps. The point where these creases intersect is the center.
- Fold Corners:
Starting with any corner, fold it towards the center of the square. Crease the fold firmly. Repeat this process with the remaining three corners, folding them all towards the center.
- Significance of Folding:
Folding the corners to the center creates the basic shape of the crane’s body. It also forms the creases that will be used in subsequent steps to shape the wings and head.
- Preparing for the Next Fold:
Folding the corners to the center sets the stage for the next step, which is flipping the paper over and repeating the same folds on the opposite side.
After folding all four corners to the center, you’ll have a square with four triangular flaps. This is the foundation for shaping the crane’s wings and body.
Flip and Repeat Folds
Once you’ve folded the corners to the center on one side of the paper, you need to flip it over and repeat the folds on the opposite side.
- Flip the Paper:
Carefully flip the paper over so that the side with the four triangular flaps is facing down.
- Repeat Corner Folds:
Just like you did on the first side, fold each of the four corners towards the center of the square. Crease the folds firmly.
- Significance of Flipping and Repeating:
Flipping the paper and repeating the corner folds creates a symmetrical shape, ensuring that the crane’s body and wings are balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
- Preparing for the Next Fold:
Repeating the folds on the opposite side sets the stage for the next step, which is unfolding the paper and shaping the wings.
With both sides of the paper folded, you now have a square with eight triangular flaps. This is the foundation for creating the crane’s wings and completing the origami crane model.
Unfold and Shape Wings
With the eight triangular flaps in place, you’re ready to unfold and shape the wings of the crane.
- Unfold the Flaps:
Starting with one of the triangular flaps, carefully unfold it so that it lies flat against the surface. Repeat this process with the remaining seven flaps, unfolding them all.
- Shape the Wings:
Take one of the unfolded flaps and fold it in half lengthwise. Crease the fold firmly. Then, fold the flap in half again, this time widthwise. Crease this fold as well.
- Repeat for Other Wings:
Repeat the wing-shaping process for the remaining seven flaps. Fold each one in half lengthwise and then widthwise, creating eight identical wings.
- Significance of Shaping:
Shaping the wings gives the crane its characteristic appearance and allows it to stand upright. The precise folds create the structure and angles that make the crane’s wings look realistic and elegant.
With all the wings shaped, you’re almost ready to complete the origami crane. The final step involves folding the head and tail to give the crane its distinctive form.
Fold Head and Tail
With the wings shaped, the final step is to fold the head and tail of the crane, completing its iconic form.
- Fold for the Head:
Take one of the triangular flaps at the top of the crane’s body. Fold it down towards the center of the body, creating a sharp crease. Unfold the flap.
- Fold for the Tail:
Now, take one of the triangular flaps at the bottom of the crane’s body. Fold it up towards the center of the body, again creating a sharp crease. Unfold the flap.
- Repeat on the Other Side:
Repeat the head and tail folds on the opposite side of the crane’s body, using the corresponding triangular flaps.
- Shape the Head and Tail:
Gently push the folded flaps inward to create the head and tail of the crane. You can use your fingers or a blunt tool, like a pencil, to shape them.
With the head and tail shaped, your origami crane is now complete. It should stand upright on its own, with its wings gracefully outstretched. Take a moment to admire your creation and appreciate the intricate beauty of this timeless origami symbol of peace and harmony.
FAQ
If you’re new to origami or have questions about making an origami crane, here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: What kind of paper is best for origami cranes?
Answer 1: Origami paper is ideal because it is thin, lightweight, and easy to fold. However, you can use regular printer paper if you don’t have origami paper on hand.
Question 2: What size paper should I use?
Answer 2: A standard square sheet of paper (15 cm x 15 cm or 6 inches x 6 inches) is a good starting point. You can use larger or smaller squares depending on your preference and the size of crane you want to make.
Question 3: How do I make precise folds?
Answer 3: Take your time and make each fold as sharp and crease as possible. You can use a bone folder or a ruler to help you make crisp folds.
Question 4: What if I make a mistake?
Answer 4: Don’t worry, mistakes are part of the learning process. If you make a mistake, simply unfold the paper and start again from the step where you went wrong.
Question 5: How do I make the crane stand upright?
Answer 5: To make the crane stand upright, gently push the folded flaps inward to create the head and tail. You can use your fingers or a blunt tool, like a pencil, to shape them.
Question 6: Can I make origami cranes with different colors or patterns?
Answer 6: Absolutely! You can use any color or pattern of paper to make your origami cranes. Plain colors give a classic and elegant look, while patterned paper can add a touch of whimsy and personality.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to fold beautiful and intricate origami cranes. Happy folding!
Now that you have the basics down, here are some additional tips to help you create even more stunning origami cranes:
Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you create even more stunning origami cranes:
Tip 1: Start with a Square Sheet of Paper:
Always start with a square sheet of paper, as this is the foundation for the crane’s shape. Cut a rectangular sheet of paper into a square or use pre-cut origami paper.
Tip 2: Make Precise Folds:
Take your time and make each fold as sharp and creased as possible. This will ensure that your crane has clean lines and a symmetrical appearance.
Tip 3: Use Different Paper:
Don’t limit yourself to traditional origami paper. Experiment with different types of paper, such as tissue paper, vellum, or even metallic paper, to create cranes with unique textures and colors.
Tip 4: Add Personal Touches:
Once you’ve mastered the basic crane fold, let your creativity shine. Add embellishments like glitter, stickers, or even small origami flowers to personalize your cranes and make them truly unique.
With a little practice and these tips, you’ll be able to create beautiful and intricate origami cranes that will impress your friends and family. Happy folding!
Now that you have the basics of folding an origami crane and some helpful tips, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Grab a square sheet of paper and embark on your origami journey. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Keep folding, and you’ll soon be creating stunning origami cranes that will bring joy to you and those around you.
Conclusion
Origami, the art of paper folding, is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The origami crane, with its graceful form and symbolic meaning, is a particularly popular and iconic creation.
In this guide, we embarked on a journey to learn how to fold an origami crane using regular paper. We covered the essential steps, from choosing the right paper and making the initial folds to shaping the wings, head, and tail. Along the way, we provided tips and tricks to help you achieve precise folds and create beautiful and intricate cranes.
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the world of origami and discover the joy of folding paper into stunning creations. Remember, practice is key, so keep folding and experimenting with different papers and techniques. As you progress, you’ll be amazed at the variety of origami models you can create, from simple animals and flowers to complex geometric shapes and modular structures.
Origami is not just a hobby; it’s an art form that promotes creativity, patience, and attention to detail. It’s a wonderful way to relax, de-stress, and connect with your inner artist. So grab a sheet of paper, follow the steps outlined in this guide, and let the magic of origami unfold before your eyes. Happy folding!
