Explore the candid world of origami; paper crane have proven to be an emblem of this paper folding art, captivating craft enthusiasts and those who believe in the mythical tale of the Japanese forging a thousand paper cranes and seeing a wish come true. Classic, wishful, and intricate, learning to assemble these careful creatures will not only boost your creative skills but also give you a taste of ancient Japanese art and unwritten folklore.
How To Make a Paper Crane
Our goal here is to keep the simplicity intact.
All you’ll need for crafting your paper crane is:
- A square piece of paper, preferably for origami (We use a 5.9×5.9″ origami paper.)
- Skillful fingers (Essential!)
Step-By-Step Making Process
Step 1: The Launch Point: Folding Diagonally
Start by folding your paper diagonally from one corner to another. Repeat the process to have a fine ‘X’ crafted on your paper. Ensure the edges are well-aligned to make the crane folding seamless.
Step 2: Merge + With X
Flip your artwork and fold the paper horizontally in half. Repeat for a second time. You aim to overlay a ‘+’ over the ‘X’ you folded earlier. Accuracy is key.
Step 3: Origami’s Staple: The Accordion Fold
With the colored side facing downwards, unfurl the square. One corner should be pointed towards you. Next, converge the two side corners to the corner pointing at you, similar to the picture above. The upper corner is then folded to meet the other corners, resulting in an accordion-shaped square.
Step 4: Superman Fold
With the folded corners still aiming at you, fold the top right corner to meet the center diagonal of the square. A Superman logo-inspired shape should result. Mimic this fold with the left corner as well.
Step 5: Top Down
Now, gently pull the top part down and smooth out the crease.
Step 6: Frog to Diamond
Peel back the triangles you folded down and lift the top layer of the paper. This action will create a shape that looks like a frog’s mouth. Pull the top cornerback and down, flattening the folds for a diamond square.
Step 7: Rinse and Repeat
Mirror the steps from the Superman fold to the Diamond fold on the opposite side of your paper.
Step 8: The Slim Kite
Fold the top corner of the diamond towards the center line and then do the same for the left. Repeat this on the flip side. This gives it a skinny kite-like formation.
Step 9: A Nod to Wolf’s Head
Next, act as if you’re turning the page of a book: lift and fold the top right side over to the other side and press down the middle fold. Duplicate the step on the other side. The outcome should hint at a ‘wolf’s head’ figure.
Step 10: Snout Folding
Like folding an imaginary wolf’s snout, fold the top-right corner so that it touches the ‘ears’ of your paper wolf and imitate the process on the other side.
Step 11: The Book Fold
Fold the top layer from right to left, almost like you’re flipping through the pages of a book. Do the same on the other side.
Step 12: Heads and Tails
Pull out the long pieces to align with the body fold angle. Bend one side down to craft the crane’s head.
Step 13: The Flap Wings
Fold both wings down where two different angles converge. Flatten that fold.
Step 14: Final Touch of Life
To conclude, slightly pull apart the wings at the folds. Flip the crane and gently pry apart the opposite corners to form the body. Blow into the opening at the bottom as you ease out the wings to puff the body.
Step 15: Voila! Your Origami Crane is Alive!
With careful fingers and some patience, your paper crane is set to take flight. Savour your handmade origami crane!
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