Paper cranes are a colorful and fun way to decorate your home or office, and they're simple to make. These paper birds are also considered a symbol of peace, hope, and healing. In this article, we'll guide you through the basic steps of making a crane paper.
Materials
To make your own paper crane, you'll need some basic materials. These include a square piece of paper, preferably origami paper, scissors, and a flat surface to work on. You may also need a ruler or a bone folder to create crisp folds. If you don't have origami paper, you can use any square paper available. However, be sure to cut it to size if necessary.
Instructions
Step 1: Fold the Paper Diagonally
Place your square paper on a flat surface with the colored side down. Fold it diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Crease the fold firmly, and then unfold the paper to its original position.
Step 2: Fold the Paper Horizontally
Fold the paper in half horizontally by bringing the top edge to the bottom edge. The crease should be at the halfway point of the paper. Once again, crease the fold and then unfold it.
Step 3: Fold the Paper Vertically
Fold the paper vertically by bringing the left edge to the right edge. The crease should be at the halfway point of the paper. Crease the fold strongly and then unfold it.
Step 4: Create a Squash Fold
At this point, you should have two diagonal creases and a horizontal crease. Now you're ready to make a squash fold. To create a squash fold, bring both sides of the paper towards the center crease and squash them flat. You should end up with a diamond shape when you're done.
Step 5: Make a Kite Shape
Next, fold down the top layer of the diamond shape along the crease line at the top of the paper. This will create a kite shape with a small triangle at the bottom.
Step 6: Repeat the Previous Steps
Flip the paper over, and repeat steps 4 and 5 on the other side. Once you're done, you should have a kite shape with two small triangles at the bottom.
Step 7: Fold the Triangles
Fold the left and right corners of the kite shape to the center crease. You should end up with a rhombus shape. Now fold the upper layer of the left and right triangles upward to the top point of the rhombus shape.
Step 8: Form the Head and Tail
Fold down the top layer of the flap you just made to form the crane's head. Then, fold the bottom layer of the flap upwards to create the tail. Repeat this process on the other side to form the other wing and tail.
The Final Result
When you're finished with all the folding, you will have created a stunning paper crane. If you want, you can add a bit of glue to keep the tail and wings securely in place. Now you can proudly display your crane wherever you like – on a shelf, hanging from a mobile, or even as part of a larger origami display.
Conclusion
Making a crane paper is an enjoyable activity that's perfect for people of all ages. With just a few pieces of paper and some simple folding techniques, you can create a beautiful and meaningful decoration that's sure to brighten up any space. Whether you're a seasoned origami enthusiast or a beginner, making a crane paper is a fun and rewarding experience. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some paper and start folding today!
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