The paper crane is a symbol of peace and hope, and it is a popular origami project for people of all ages. Origami is the art of paper folding, and it can be a fun and relaxing hobby. If you're new to origami, don't worry - this project is easy to follow and only requires a few simple folds.
In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make a paper crane. We will also include some tips and tricks to help you make your crane look its best. So gather your materials and get started!
To make a paper crane, you will need a square piece of paper. The size of the paper will determine the size of your finished crane. We recommend using a piece of paper that is at least 6 inches square.
how to make a paper crane
Follow these 8 simple steps to make a beautiful paper crane:
- Start with a square
- Fold in half twice
- Unfold and fold diagonally
- Fold in half again
- Make a bird base
- Fold down the top corners
- Fold up the bottom corners
- Shape the wings and head
Congratulations! You have now made a paper crane.
Start with a square
The first step to making a paper crane is to start with a square piece of paper. The size of the paper will determine the size of your finished crane. We recommend using a piece of paper that is at least 6 inches square.
- Choose the right paper.
Origami paper is ideal for making paper cranes, as it is thin and easy to fold. However, you can also use regular printer paper or construction paper. If you are using regular paper, you may need to score the folds with a bone folder or a credit card to help them hold their shape.
- Cut the paper into a square.
If your paper is not already square, you will need to cut it into a square. To do this, fold the paper in half twice, then unfold it. The creases you made will help you to cut the paper into a perfect square.
- Orient the paper correctly.
When you are folding the paper, it is important to orient it correctly. The colored side of the paper should be facing up.
- Make sure the paper is flat.
Before you start folding, make sure the paper is flat. This will help to ensure that your folds are neat and precise.
Once you have a square piece of paper, you are ready to start folding your paper crane.
Fold in half twice
Once you have a square piece of paper, the next step is to fold it in half twice. This will create a smaller square with four creases.
- Fold the paper in half vertically.
To do this, bring the right edge of the paper to the left edge. Make sure the edges line up evenly. Press down on the fold to crease it.
- Unfold the paper.
Once you have creased the fold, unfold the paper so that it is flat again.
- Fold the paper in half horizontally.
This time, bring the top edge of the paper to the bottom edge. Make sure the edges line up evenly. Press down on the fold to crease it.
- Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square piece of paper with four creases. These creases will help you to fold the paper crane.
Once you have folded the paper in half twice, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Unfold and fold diagonally
Once you have folded the paper in half twice, you will need to unfold it and fold it diagonally.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Unfold the paper completely.
- Turn the paper so that it is diamond-shaped.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally from top to bottom.
- Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the paper again.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally from bottom to top.
- Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square piece of paper with eight creases. These creases will help you to fold the paper crane.
Once you have unfolded and folded the paper diagonally, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Fold in half again
Once you have unfolded and folded the paper diagonally, you will need to fold it in half again.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Unfold the paper completely.
- Orient the paper so that the creases from the diagonal folds are vertical and horizontal.
- Fold the paper in half vertically.
- Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the paper again.
- Fold the paper in half horizontally.
- Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square piece of paper with sixteen creases. These creases will help you to fold the paper crane.
Once you have folded the paper in half again, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Make a bird base
The bird base is the foundation of the paper crane. It is a simple fold that will help you to create the crane's body and wings.
To make a bird base, follow these steps:
- Unfold the paper completely.
- Orient the paper so that the creases from the previous folds are vertical and horizontal.
- Fold the top edge of the paper down to the center crease.
- Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the fold.
- Fold the bottom edge of the paper up to the center crease.
- Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the fold.
- Fold the left edge of the paper to the center crease.
- Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the fold.
- Fold the right edge of the paper to the center crease.
- Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the fold.
You should now have a square piece of paper with a bird base.
Once you have made a bird base, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Fold down the top corners
Once you have made a bird base, the next step is to fold down the top corners.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Unfold the paper completely.
- Orient the paper so that the bird base is at the top.
- Fold the top left corner down to the bottom edge of the square.
- Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the fold.
- Fold the top right corner down to the bottom edge of the square.
- Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the fold.
You should now have a square piece of paper with two diagonal creases.
Once you have folded down the top corners, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Fold up the bottom corners
Once you have folded down the top corners, the next step is to fold up the bottom corners.
- Unfold the paper completely.
Orient the paper so that the bird base is at the top.
- Fold the bottom left corner up to the top edge of the square.
Crease the fold well.
- Unfold the fold.
Fold the bottom right corner up to the top edge of the square.
- Crease the fold well.
Unfold the fold.
You should now have a square piece of paper with four diagonal creases.
Shape the wings and head
Once you have folded up the bottom corners, the next step is to shape the wings and head of the crane.
- Fold the left flap up and to the right.
Crease the fold well.
- Fold the right flap up and to the left.
Crease the fold well.
- Fold the top point down and to the left.
This will form the head of the crane.
- Fold the bottom point up and to the right.
This will form the tail of the crane.
You have now completed your paper crane!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to make a paper crane:
Question 1: What kind of paper should I use?
Answer 1: You can use any type of paper to make a paper crane, but origami paper is ideal. Origami paper is thin and easy to fold, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Question 2: What size should the paper be?
Answer 2: The size of the paper will determine the size of your finished crane. We recommend using a piece of paper that is at least 6 inches square.
Question 3: How can I make sure my folds are neat and precise?
Answer 3: To make sure your folds are neat and precise, use a bone folder or a credit card to score the folds. This will help the folds to hold their shape.
Question 4: What if I make a mistake?
Answer 4: Don't worry if you make a mistake. You can always unfold the paper and start over. Just be patient and take your time.
Question 5: How can I make my crane look more realistic?
Answer 5: To make your crane look more realistic, you can add details such as eyes, a beak, and feathers. You can also use different colors of paper to create a more colorful crane.
Question 6: What is the significance of the paper crane?
Answer 6: The paper crane is a symbol of peace and hope. It is often given as a gift or used as a decoration.
We hope these FAQs have answered your questions about how to make a paper crane. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Now that you know how to make a paper crane, here are a few tips to help you make your crane even better:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make your paper crane even better:
Tip 1: Use high-quality paper.
Origami paper is ideal for making paper cranes, as it is thin and easy to fold. However, you can also use regular printer paper or construction paper. If you are using regular paper, you may need to score the folds with a bone folder or a credit card to help them hold their shape.
Tip 2: Be patient and take your time.
Origami can be a challenging art form, but it is also very rewarding. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Just be patient and keep practicing. The more you practice, the better your cranes will become.
Tip 3: Use different colors of paper to create colorful cranes.
Origami paper comes in a variety of colors and patterns. You can use different colors of paper to create colorful cranes that are unique and eye-catching.
Tip 4: Add details to your crane to make it more realistic.
You can add details such as eyes, a beak, and feathers to your crane to make it look more realistic. You can also use different colors of paper to create a more colorful crane.
With a little practice, you will be able to make beautiful and intricate paper cranes that will impress your friends and family.
Now that you know how to make a paper crane and have some tips to make your crane even better, it's time to start folding!
Conclusion
In this article, we have provided you with step-by-step instructions on how to make a paper crane. We have also included some tips to help you make your crane even better.
Paper cranes are a beautiful and meaningful symbol of peace and hope. They are also a fun and easy origami project that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. So gather your materials and give it a try! You may be surprised at how easy it is to make a beautiful paper crane.
We hope you have enjoyed this article and that you will continue to learn more about origami. There are many different origami projects that you can try, from simple to complex. With a little practice, you will be able to make amazing origami creations that will impress your friends and family.