how to fold origami crane

Introduction: What is Origami Crane?

Origami is the art of paper folding that originated in Japan during the 17th century. It has since been a popular pastime, not only in Japan but around the world. One of the most famous origami creations is the crane – a symbol of good luck, longevity, and loyalty in Japanese culture. Folding an origami crane is fairly easy, and it's a great way to relax and unwind. In this article, we will guide you through the process of folding an origami crane step-by-step.

Step One: Materials

Before we start folding, we need to gather our materials. All you need is a square sheet of paper. It can be any color or pattern, as long as it's square. The paper size can vary, but if it's your first time, we recommend using a 15x15cm or 6x6 inch sheet. You may also want to use a flat surface to work on. Keep in mind that the surface should be clean and free from clutter to avoid distractions.

Step Two: Folding

Once you have your paper, you're ready to start folding. First, place the paper shiny side down and fold it in half horizontally. Unfold it back, and fold it in half vertically. Then, unfold it back again, and fold the paper diagonally both ways. Once you've completed all the folds, unfold the paper completely, so it lies flat.

Step Three: Shaping The Crane

Now we'll create the first steps of crane's neck and head. Take the bottom of the paper and fold it upwards so that the tip of the paper meets the center crease. Repeat the same fold on the other side. This should create a diamond shape. Next, take the top layer of the diamond shape and fold it down so that the top tip meets the bottom tip. Then, flip the paper over and fold the other side in the same way.

Step Four: Wings and Tail

We're getting close to the end! Now, we're going to shape the wings and tail. Take the right side and fold it towards the center crease. Do the same with the left side. Now, fold the resulting shape in half along the center crease. You should have triangle-shaped flaps on each side. Lift each flap and fold it upwards, creating a small triangle. These triangles will be the wings of your crane. Then, fold the bottom of your creation upwards to create the tail.

The Final Step: Completion

We're almost done! Now, all we need to do is shape the head and neck of the crane. Fold down the top flap to create the head, then fold it upwards for the neck. Finally, pull the wings down so that they're perpendicular to the body. And voila! You've folded an origami crane.

Conclusion

Folding an origami crane may seem daunting, but with a little patience and practice, it's easy, fun, and rewarding. The beauty of origami is that it requires only a sheet of paper and your creativity. We hope you found our step-by-step guide useful, and we encourage you to keep on folding and exploring the world of origami. Happy folding!"