Origami is the ancient art of paper folding. Initially conceived in Japan around the 17th century, Origami has now become a popular hobby around the world. With its beautiful and intricate designs, Origami has the power to captivate your mind and keep you stress-free. As a beginner, one of the easiest and most popular origami patterns is the famous Origami crane. In this article, we will show you how to fold the Origami crane and give some tips to improve your skills.
The Origami crane is a fun and simple design that can be completed in less than 10 minutes. To get started, you need a square sheet of paper. You can use wrapping paper, origami paper, or any other paper that you like. The crane can be made in different sizes depending on the size of the paper you use. Another important thing to remember is to make sure that your creases are sharp. Take your time with each step, and don’t rush through the process. The more you practice, the better you get!
Materials you will need
Before starting to make origami cranes, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. You don’t need much, and most of these items can be found at home or a craft store. Here are the materials you will need:
1. Origami paper: You can’t make origami cranes without origami paper. You can find it in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns. Standard origami paper is 6 x 6 inches, but you can also find larger sizes if you want to make bigger cranes. It’s important to use origami paper because it’s thin and easy to fold.
2. Scissors: Scissors are not always necessary, but they can come in handy if you need to trim your paper or make a specific cut.
3. Ruler: A ruler can help ensure that all your folds are precise and straight.
4. Pencil: Use a pencil to make markings on your paper. This can help you with folds and cuts.
5. Flat surface: You’ll want to work on a flat surface so that your folds are even. A table or desk works well.
6. Patience: Origami can be frustrating at times, but don’t give up! Keep practicing and you’ll get the hang of it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the materials you need, it’s time to start making your origami cranes. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your first crane:
Step 1: Start with a square piece of origami paper, colored side facing down. If you are starting with a rectangular piece of paper, fold the top corner down to the bottom edge to make a square. Then, trim off the excess paper.
Step 2: Fold the paper in half diagonally, crease it, and unfold it.
Step 3: Fold the paper in half diagonally the other way, crease it, and unfold it.
Step 4: Fold the top corner of the paper down to the center crease. Repeat this step on the other side.
Step 5: Flip the paper over and fold the bottom corner up to the top edge. Crease it and unfold it.
Step 6: Fold the bottom corner up to the crease you just made, tucking it underneath. Repeat this step on the other side.
Step 7: Fold the top half of the paper down, creasing it along the center line.
Step 8: Fold the two top corners down towards the center crease. These will become the wings of your crane.
Step 9: Flip the paper over and repeat steps 7 and 8 on the other side.
Step 10: Fold the tip of the paper down, tucking it into the folds to create the head of the crane.
Congratulations! You’ve just made your first origami crane. Keep practicing and experimenting with different paper sizes and patterns.
Getting Started
Creating origami cranes can be a fun and rewarding activity for people of all ages and skill levels. However, before diving in, it’s important to gather the necessary materials, understand the terminology, and familiarize yourself with the basic folds. In this section, we’ll outline what you need to get started and offer some guidance on how to begin your first crane.
Gathering Supplies
To make origami cranes, you’ll need a few basic supplies. The most essential item is paper, but not just any paper will do. Traditional origami paper is thin and square, with one colored side and one white side. You can find this paper at most craft stores or online. Other options include tissue paper, wrapping paper, or even printer paper, although these may be more difficult to work with.
Understanding Terminology
Origami has its own language, with many unique terms referring to specific folds, shapes, and techniques. Some common terms you may encounter when making cranes include “valley fold,” “mountain fold,” “crease,” and “base.” It’s important to familiarize yourself with these terms before diving in, so you can follow instructions and understand what other origami enthusiasts are talking about.
Mastering Basic Folds
Origami cranes are made up of several basic folds, including the mountain fold, valley fold, and diagonal fold. Learning these folds is essential to creating any origami piece, and particularly important when making cranes. To start, practice folding the paper in half straight down the middle both vertically and horizontally. This creates four equal sections that are used to make the base of the crane.
Creating the Base
The base of the crane is a series of folds that form a square. It’s made up of several basic folds, including the aforementioned mountain fold and valley fold, as well as a squash fold and others. It’s important to pay attention to the instructions and take your time when making the base, as it forms the foundation of the crane.
Folding the Wings
Once the base is complete, it’s time to move onto the wings. This step involves making several folds to create a series of pointed flaps that will become the bird’s wings. It’s important to be precise while folding the wings, as it can affect the overall shape and balance of the crane.
Shaping the Neck and Tail
After the wings are complete, it’s time to focus on the head, neck, and tail of the crane. These areas require careful attention to detail, as they can drastically affect the overall appearance of the bird. With practice and patience, you can create a beautiful, lifelike crane.
Finishing Touches
Once the crane is complete, it’s time to add some final touches. You can shape the wings and tail to your liking, adjust the head and neck, and make any other necessary adjustments. Some people also like to add eyes or other decorative elements to their cranes.
Practice Makes Perfect
Origami cranes can be challenging to master, especially for beginners. However, with practice and patience, anyone can learn to create beautiful, intricate designs. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out perfectly – keep trying and experimenting until you find your own unique style.
Joining the Origami Community
Origami is a fascinating art form that has been enjoyed for centuries. If you’re interested in learning more about origami cranes and other designs, consider joining an origami club or community. You can find online forums, social media groups, and physical clubs where you can connect with other enthusiasts and share your creations.
Sharing Your Creations
One of the joys of making origami cranes is sharing them with others. Whether you give them as gifts, display them as decorations, or use them in artwork or crafts, your creations can bring joy and inspiration to others. Share your creations with friends and family, or join an exhibition or contest to showcase your skills.
Materials Needed to Make Origami Cranes
Origami is one of the most peaceful and meditative forms of art one can do. It doesn’t require any complicated tools or materials. However, there are a few basic materials that you will need to create origami cranes.
| Materials | Description |
|---|---|
| Square Paper | Square paper is used for origami. You can use any paper that you have, but origami paper is preferred. It has a thin and flexible texture that makes it easier to manipulate. |
| Ruler | A ruler will help you create an accurate crease for your paper. It is recommended to use a ruler with a clear metric scale, so you can be precise with your measurements. |
| Scissors | Scissors will be used to cut your paper into a square shape if it isn’t already square. Ensure that your scissors are sharp and create a clean cut. |
| Pencil | You will need a pencil to make marks or to create creases for your paper. A pencil with a sharp lead is best because you can create thin lines. |
Choosing the Right Paper
Origami paper is the best option to create origami cranes. It is thin, lightweight and comes in a variety of vibrant colors. It can be found in most craft supply or arts and crafts stores. However, if you don’t have any origami paper on hand, you can use any paper that is thin and flexible. You can even use printer paper, however, it may be more difficult to fold due to its thickness.
Preparing Your Paper
Before you begin folding your paper into an origami crane, you must ensure that your paper is square. If your paper isn’t square, you will need to cut it into one. Follow these simple steps to create a square paper:
1. Take one corner of your rectangular paper and fold it diagonally.
2. Cut off the remaining rectangle of paper, so you are left with a triangle.
3. Unfold the triangle, and you will have a square paper.
Creating Precise Folds
The key to making a beautiful origami crane is by creating precise folds. Each crease should be straight and neatly pressed. To achieve perfect folds, follow these guidelines:
1. Use a ruler to measure lengths when creating creases.
2. Fold the paper accurately along the lines, using a ruler if needed.
3. Press down on each crease firmly to ensure it stays in place.
Finishing Your Crane
After you have completed your origami crane, you may need to adjust the wings or tail to make them look more symmetrical. Gently pull or push the wings or tail until you are satisfied with the shape of your crane. Congratulations, you have now made your own origami crane!
Happy Folding!
I hope this article has inspired you to try your hand at making origami cranes. Remember, practice makes perfect and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and patterns of paper. Thank you for reading and I hope you revisit our website for more fun and creative articles in the future. Enjoy the process, and have fun folding!