How to Make a Paper Crane: An Easy Guide

Table of Contents

Origami is a Japanese art form that involves folding paper into intricate shapes and designs. One of the most popular origami shapes is the paper crane. Making a paper crane is a fun and easy activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of making a paper crane, from selecting the right paper to folding the final product.

Choosing the Right Paper

The first step in making a paper crane is selecting the right paper. You want to choose a type of paper that is thin and easy to fold, but also sturdy enough to hold its shape. Origami paper is ideal for this purpose, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can also use regular printer paper.

To make an origami paper crane, you’ll need a square piece of paper. If you’re using printer paper, you can create a square by folding one corner of the paper diagonally to the opposite edge and then cutting off the excess paper. Once you have a square piece of paper, you’re ready to begin folding.

Folding the Paper Crane Base

The first step in folding a paper crane is creating the base. To do this, you’ll need to make a series of folds that create a small square with flaps on each side. Here’s how to do it:

Start with your square piece of paper, with the white side facing up.
Fold the paper in half diagonally, creasing it well.
Unfold the paper and fold it in half diagonally in the other direction, creasing it well.
Unfold the paper and lay it flat with the colored side facing up.
Fold the paper in half horizontally, creasing it well.
Unfold the paper and fold it in half vertically, creasing it well.
Unfold the paper and bring the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease, forming a small square.
Squash fold the top layer of the small square by bringing the top edge of the paper down and pressing it flat.
Repeat step 8 on the other side of the paper, creating a diamond shape.
Fold the top point of the diamond down to the bottom point, creasing it well.
Unfold the paper and reverse the fold, creasing it well.
Squash fold the top layer of the paper by bringing the top edge of the paper down and pressing it flat.
Repeat step 12 on the other side of the paper, creating a smaller diamond shape.
Fold the top point of the diamond down to the bottom point, creasing it well.
Unfold the paper and reverse the fold, creasing it well.
Fold the top layer of the paper down along the horizontal crease, creating a triangle shape.
Repeat step 16 on the other side of the paper.
Open up the paper from the bottom and gently pull the sides of the paper outwards until the paper lies flat.

Folding the Wings and Tail

The second part of making a paper crane involves folding the wings and tail. Here’s how to do it:

Take the top layer of the right side of the paper and fold it up along the crease line, creating a small triangle.
Repeat step 1 on the other side of the paper, creating two small triangles.
Fold the top layer of the paper down along the horizontal crease, creating a square shape at the top of the paper.
Take the top layer of the right side of the paper and fold it up along the crease line, creating a small triangle.
Repeat step 4 on the other side of the paper, creating two small triangles.
Fold the top layer of the paper down along the horizontal crease, creating a smaller square shape.
Fold the right side of the paper up along the vertical crease, creasing it well.
Repeat step 7 on the left side of the paper.
Open up the paper from the bottom and gently pull the sides of the paper outwards until the paper lies flat.
Fold the top of the paper down along the horizontal crease, creasing it well.
Fold the right side of the paper up along the diagonal crease, creasing it well.
Repeat step 11 on the left side of the paper.
Tuck the flap of paper at the bottom of the model inside the body of the crane to create the tail.

The Symbolism of the Paper Crane

In Japanese culture, the paper crane is a symbol of longevity and good luck. According to legend, if you fold 1,000 paper cranes, you will be granted a wish. This tradition is known as senbazuru, and it is often done to bring good fortune to a person or to wish them a long and happy life.

The paper crane also has a special significance in the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who was exposed to radiation during the bombing of Hiroshima. Sadako believed that if she folded 1,000 paper cranes, she would be cured of her illness. Although she passed away before she could complete her task, her story has inspired people around the world to fold paper cranes in her memory and as a symbol of peace.

In conclusion, making a paper crane is a fun and easy activity that anyone can enjoy. By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful origami crane that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also holds a special meaning in Japanese culture. So why not give it a try and see what you can create?

Folding the Wings and Tail

Now that you have your paper crane base, it’s time to add the wings and tail. This is where your paper crane will start to take shape.

Take the top layer of the right side of the paper and fold it up along the crease line, creating a small triangle.
Repeat step 1 on the other side of the paper, creating another small triangle.
Fold the top of the paper down along the crease line, creating a small square.
Flip the paper over and repeat steps 1-3 on the other side.
Fold the top layer of the paper down along the crease line, creating a diamond shape.
Fold the top point of the diamond down to the bottom point, creasing it well.
Flip the paper over and repeat step 6 on the other side.
Fold the bottom edge of the paper up to the top edge, creasing it well.
Open up the wings and tail by gently pulling them apart.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully folded the wings and tail of your paper crane!

Finishing Touches

Now that you’ve completed the folding process, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your paper crane. This is where you can get creative and add your own personal touch to the design.

Use a pen or marker to draw eyes on the head of the crane.
Use your fingers to gently shape the wings and tail of the crane, creating a more three-dimensional look.
If you’d like, you can also add a string or thread to the bottom of the crane, creating a hanging decoration.

And there you have it – your very own paper crane! With a little practice, you’ll be able to fold these with ease and create a whole flock of paper cranes in no time. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with kids, or just want to try your hand at a new hobby, making paper cranes is a great way to explore the world of origami.