how to make crane paper

Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, has been practiced for centuries and has gained immense popularity in recent years. Among all the paper origami figures, the crane is a classic and beloved design. In this article, we will walk you through the simple steps on how to make a crane paper.

Materials required

To make a crane paper, you will need a square piece of paper. Ideally, the paper should be thin and easy to fold. You can use origami paper which is specifically designed for this purpose. However, normal paper can also be used. The size of the paper depends on how big you want your crane to be. For beginners, it is recommended to use a 15cm x 15cm piece of paper.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Crease the paper well and then unfold it.Step 2: Fold the paper in half diagonally in the other direction, forming a smaller triangle. Crease well and then unfold it again.Step 3: Fold the paper in half vertically and horizontally. You will end up with a smaller square.Step 4: Using the creases as a guide, bring the top corners down to the center crease. Crease well and then unfold.Step 5: Bring the bottom corners up to the center crease. Crease well and then unfold.Step 6: Fold the top corner of the paper down to the bottom point. Crease well and then unfold.Step 7: Fold the bottom corner of the paper up to the top point. Crease well and then unfold.Step 8: Pull apart the top and bottom layers of the paper, bringing them together at the center. Flatten them down to form a diamond shape.Step 9: Fold the right side of the diamond to the center crease. Crease well and then unfold.Step 10: Repeat step 9 on the left side of the diamond.Step 11: Fold the top flap of the paper down to the bottom point. Crease well and then unfold.Step 12: Fold the bottom flap of the paper up to the top point. Crease well and then unfold.Step 13: Pull apart the right and left sides of the paper, bringing them together at the center. Flatten them down to form a square.Step 14: Fold the top layer of the right side of the paper over to the left. Crease well and then unfold.Step 15: Repeat step 14 on the left side of the paper.Step 16: Rotate the paper and fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease.Step 17: Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper again to the center crease. You will end up with a narrow rectangle.Step 18: Fold the paper in half and then unfold it.Step 19: Using the creases as a guide, bring the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease. Crease well and then unfold.Step 20: Repeat step 19 with the right and left edges of the paper.Step 21: Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the center crease.Step 22: Insert your finger into one of the flaps and gently pull it up, forming a small pocket.Step 23: Press the pocket down to form a triangle, then crease well.Step 24: Repeat step 22 and 23 on the other side of the paper.Step 25: Fold the top layer of the paper down to the bottom edge. Crease well and then unfold.Step 26: Fold the bottom layer of the paper up to the top edge. Crease well and then unfold.Step 27: Pull apart the right and left sides of the paper, bringing them together at the center. Flatten them down to form a diamond shape.Step 28: Fold the top layer of the right side of the paper to the left. Crease well and then unfold.Step 29: Repeat step 28 on the left side of the paper.Step 30: Bring the top and bottom points of the paper together. Crease well.Step 31: Pull up on the top layer of the paper while pinching the sides to form the head and neck of the crane.Step 32: Fold down the wing.Step 33: Fold up the tail.Step 34: Congratulation, you have successfully made a crane paper.

Conclusion

Making a crane paper demands some perseverance, but once mastered, it is an incredible skill to have. Not only does it engage and improve your hand-eye coordination, but it also provides a calming and meditative outlet in a visually pleasing way. Try experimenting with different paper sizes, textures and colors to make unique cranes. Get creative and surprise your friends and family with a few origami cranes as gifts and decorative items.