Introduction
Hey there, readers! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to make a paper crane. Whether you’re a seasoned origami enthusiast or just starting out, we’re here to help you fold your way to this beautiful paper creation. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Section 1: The Basic Fold
Gathering Materials
To make a paper crane, you’ll only need one thing: a square piece of paper. Traditionally, origami cranes are made from washi, a thin Japanese paper, but any kind of paper will do.
The First Fold
Start by folding the paper in half diagonally to create a triangle. Then, unfold the paper and fold it in half the other way, again forming a triangle. You should now have two intersecting creases forming an "X" shape.
Section 2: Shaping the Wings
The Outer Folds
Take the top corners of the paper and fold them down to the center crease. Repeat with the bottom corners, folding them up to the center crease. You should now have a diamond shape.
The Inner Folds
Take the top corners of the diamond and fold them down to the bottom point, forming two flaps. Repeat with the bottom corners, folding them up to the top point. You should now have a kite shape with two smaller flaps.
Section 3: The Neck and Tail
Creating the Body
Take the lower flap and fold it up to the upper flap, creating a triangle. Fold the upper flap down to overlap the lower flap and form the head. This is the crane’s body.
Shaping the Neck and Tail
Take the small remaining flap and fold it up to form the crane’s neck. Fold the neck down and insert it into the small opening at the bottom of the body. The final small flap is the crane’s tail.
Section 4: The Wings
Folding the Left Wing
Take the left side flap and fold it down along the diagonal crease. Unfold it and fold it back down, forming a triangle. Repeat on the right side. You should now have two intersecting triangles, forming the wings.
Shaping the Wings
Fold the top corners of each triangle down to the opposite side crease. Repeat with the bottom corners, folding them up to the opposite side crease. This will shape the wings.
Section 5: Finishing Touches
Forming the Head
Take the top corner of the head and fold it down to the bottom corner. Repeat with the other side, forming a diamond shape. This is the head shape.
Spreading the Wings
Gently pull apart the wings and spread them out slightly. This will give your paper crane its final form.
Section 6: Table Breakdown
| Step | Fold | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic Fold | Create an "X" shape by folding diagonally both ways |
| 2 | Shaping the Wings | Fold corners to form a diamond, then fold flaps to create a kite |
| 3 | The Neck and Tail | Fold flaps to create body, shape neck and tail |
| 4 | The Wings | Fold and unfold to form triangles, then shape wings |
| 5 | Finishing Touches | Form head shape, spread wings |
Conclusion
Congratulations, readers! You’ve successfully made a beautiful paper crane. We hope you enjoyed this step-by-step guide. If you’re looking for more origami inspiration, check out our other articles on how to fold a jumping frog, a golden fish, or a flying bird. Happy folding!
FAQ about How to Make a Paper Crane
1. What kind of paper should I use?
Answer: Origami paper, thinner paper like tissue paper, or regular printer paper
2. What is the first step?
Answer: Make a square by folding the paper in half diagonally and unfold
3. What do I do after creating a square?
Answer: Fold the square in half and unfold the square
4. What should I do after making the two folds?
Answer: Fold the top corners to the center crease
5. What comes after folding the top corners?
Answer: Fold the top point to the bottom crease
6. What do I do once the top point is folded?
Answer: Repeat folding the top point to the bottom crease two more times
7. What should I do once I have the point folded three times?
Answer: Unfold the last two folds
8. What do I do after the last two folds are unfolded?
Answer: Fold the model in half and make two equal triangles
9. What comes after the model is folded in half into two triangles?
Answer: Lift the top flap and then fold it back down to create the head and tail
10. What is the next step after the head and tail are created?
Answer: Fold the wings down, and your paper crane is complete
