how to make a flapping paper crane

The origami crane, also known as the flapping paper crane, is a popular design that has been around for centuries. In Japanese culture, it is believed that folding 1000 cranes will grant you a wish. Making a flapping paper crane is a fun and easy activity that can be done with any type of paper. In this article, we will go through the steps to make a flapping paper crane.

Materials Needed

Before starting, you will need the following materials:1. A square piece of paper (size can vary depending on preference)2. Scissors (not necessary, but helpful)3. A flat surface to work on

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with your paper square in front of you, with the colored side facing down. If your paper is white on both sides, it doesn't matter which side is facing up.2. Fold the paper in half diagonally, crease it, and then unfold it. You should now have a diagonal crease running through the middle of your paper.3. Fold the paper in half diagonally again, this time in the opposite direction of the first fold. Crease it, and then unfold it. You should now have two diagonal creases running through the center of your paper, intersecting each other.4. Fold the paper in half vertically, crease it, and then unfold it. You should now have a crease running vertically through the center of your paper.5. Fold both sides of the paper up, along the diagonal creases created in step two. Crease them and then unfold them. You should now have two mountain folds running diagonally through the center of your paper, with the creases pointing towards you.6. Fold the top point of the paper down along the horizontal crease created in step four. Crease it and then unfold it. You should now have a crease running horizontally through the center of your paper.7. Fold the left and right sides of the paper towards the center, along the diagonal creases created in step five. Crease them and then unfold them. You should now have two mountain folds running diagonally through the center of your paper, with the creases pointing away from you.8. Hold your paper by the bottom corners and bring them up towards the center, along the horizontal crease created in step six. Squeeze the paper inwards and pinch the sides of the paper at the top, folding them inwards to create the head of the crane.9. Fold the top point of the paper down along the crease created in step six, tucking it inside the head of the crane.10. Fold the corners of the head down at a slight angle to create the beak of the crane.11. Fold the wings of the crane down, along the diagonal creases created in step seven, and then fold them back up again. This should create a flapping motion when you hold the crane by its bottom.

Conclusion

Making a flapping paper crane is a fun and easy activity that anyone can do. While it may take a few tries to get the hang of it, the end result can be quite satisfying. So next time you have a spare piece of paper lying around, give this traditional Japanese design a try and see if you can make your own flapping paper crane.