how do you make a crane

Making a paper crane is a classic origami project. Not only is this ancient Japanese art form fun, but it’s also easy and affordable. In fact, anyone can learn how to make a crane with a bit of patience and practice. In this article, we’ll discuss how to make a crane step by step.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Crane

To begin, select a square sheet of origami paper. If you don’t have any pre-cut paper, it’s easy to make a square from regular paper. Simply fold one corner over to the opposite edge and trim off the excess.Next, fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions and then unfold it. This will create four creases in the paper, which you’ll use as guides for the next folds.Now, fold the top two corners down to meet at the center crease, making a triangle shape at the top. Then fold the paper in half along the center crease.Fold the two sides of the triangle you created in the previous step toward the center crease, forming a diamond shape. Then fold the top of the diamond down to meet the bottom, creating a square shape.Next, fold the top two corners of the square down, so they meet at the bottom of the square. Then turn the paper over and repeat, folding the other two corners down in the same way.Fold the top flap of each of the four corners up and over, creating a kite shape on each side of the model. Reverse the kite folds by folding each of these four kites in half and pressing them flat.Now fold the two sides of the model toward the center crease, then flatten it to make a diamond shape. With the diamond pointing downward, fold the top point of the model down to the bottom corner of the diamond.Finally, fold the two flaps of the model at the top of the diamond down, creating the neck and head of the crane. Add eyes and embellishments as desired.

Troubleshooting

If your crane isn’t looking quite right, don’t worry. Origami can be tricky, and it may take a few tries to get it just right. Here are a few tips to help you troubleshoot common problems:- If the paper won’t stay folded, try creasing it more firmly before making the fold.- If the corners don’t meet up perfectly, make sure that you’re folding along the creases precisely.- If the wings are too big, you may have folded the bottom flap up too high. Try folding it a little lower next time.

Other Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic crane pattern, you can experiment with creating different variations. For example, you can use patterned paper or different colors to add to the crane’s visual interest. You can also adjust the size of the paper to make larger or smaller cranes.Another fun variation is to make a mobile of cranes. Simply create several cranes and string them together with thread or fishing line. Hang them in a window or from the ceiling, and watch them dance in the breeze!

Conclusion

Making a paper crane is a fun and easy art project that you can enjoy alone or with others. With a little bit of practice, you can create a beautiful crane that makes a lovely decoration or gift. Remember to be patient and take your time as you fold; success with origami comes with practice.