Origami Crane-A Step-by-Step Guide to Folding a Beautiful Crane Bird Origami
The origami crane is one of the most famous and beloved paper-folding creations in the world. This variation offers a simpler approach while maintaining the elegance of the traditional design. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced folder, this guide will help you create stunning origami cranes with ease.
Materials Needed
- A square piece of paper (preferably lightweight origami paper)
- A flat surface to work on
Step 1: Making the Initial Folds
- Begin with your square sheet of paper, ensuring that it is oriented as a diamond.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally, bringing one corner to meet the opposite corner.
- Press down firmly to create a sharp crease, then unfold.
- Repeat the previous step with the other diagonal to form an X crease.
- Flip the paper over and fold it in half horizontally, aligning the bottom edge with the top.
- Unfold, then fold it in half vertically, bringing the right side to the left.
- Unfold once again and flip the paper over.
Step 2: Creating the Base
- Using the creases you just made, collapse the paper inward by bringing all four corners toward the center. This should naturally form a smaller square shape.
- Reinforce the creases to ensure the base holds well.
Step 3: Shaping the Crane
- Take the bottom edges of the square’s top layer and fold them toward the center, creating two diagonal creases.
- Unfold these creases and carefully open the bottom layer.
- Using the existing folds, press the sides inward to form a new flap that points upward.
- Turn the paper over and repeat the same process on the other side.
- Fold the side corners toward the center once again, starting with the right side and then the left.
- Flip the paper over and do the same on the other side.
Step 4: Finalizing the Crane’s Form
- Close the front and back sections slightly to reveal the center layers.
- Fold the bottom flaps upward, aligning them with the top edges.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Once again, close the front and back sections, keeping the flaps open.
- Gently fold each flap downward to create the wings.
- To form the head, make a small fold at the tip of one end.
- Slightly adjust the wings to achieve the desired shape.
- Optionally, pull the wings outward slightly to puff up the body of the crane.
Enjoy Your Origami Crane!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully folded a beautiful crane bird origami. This version is much easier than the traditional model while still maintaining the elegance of the classic design. Some people prefer a more compact shape, while others like to spread the wings slightly for a puffed-up effect. Feel free to experiment and find the style that suits you best.
Origami cranes are often used as symbols of peace and longevity. Whether you make them for decoration, as a gift, or as part of a larger origami project, this timeless design will always impress. If you are looking for other fun origami projects try your hand at Origami Rabbit project, or maybe test your fortune with a Fortune Teller Origami.