Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, offers a wonderful way to create beautiful and intricate shapes from simple pieces of paper. Among the most iconic origami figures is the paper crane, or orizuru in Japanese. These elegant birds are not only visually appealing but also carry rich symbolism, representing peace, hope, and healing. Learning How To Make A Paper Crane is a rewarding experience, perfect for beginners and experienced origami enthusiasts alike. This guide will walk you through each fold, transforming a plain square of paper into a graceful paper crane.
Gathering Your Materials
Before you begin, you’ll need just a few simple items:
- Origami Paper: While any square piece of paper can work, origami paper is specifically designed for folding. It’s typically thinner and comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it ideal for creating crisp folds. For a classic paper crane, consider using paper that is colored on one side and white on the other. A standard size for beginners is 6×6 inches (15×15 cm), but you can use larger or smaller sizes depending on your preference.
- A Flat Surface: A clean, flat surface is essential for origami. A table or desk will provide the support you need to make precise folds.
Once you have your materials ready, find a quiet and comfortable space to begin your origami journey. Let’s start folding!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Folding Your Paper Crane
Follow these detailed steps to create your own beautiful paper crane. Each step includes clear instructions to guide you through the folding process.
Step 1: Start with a Square
Begin with your square piece of origami paper, colored side up (if your paper is colored on one side). If your paper isn’t perfectly square, fold it in half diagonally and trim off the excess rectangle to create a perfect square. Unfold it to return to a square shape. This ensures clean lines for your crane.
Step 2: The First Triangle Fold
Take the top corner of your square and fold it down to meet the bottom corner, creating a triangle. Ensure the edges are aligned and make a sharp crease along the fold. This fold is foundational for the crane’s structure.
Step 3: The Second Triangle Fold
Now, take the triangle you just made and fold it in half again. Bring the right corner of the triangle over to meet the left corner, forming a smaller triangle. Crease firmly. This step refines the shape and prepares it for the next stage.
Step 4: Opening the Top Flap
Hold the triangle with the pointed end facing away from you. Take the top layer (or flap) of the triangle and gently open it up.
Step 5: Creating a Square Base (Petal Fold)
As you open the flap, flatten it down to the side, creasing along the edges to form a square shape. This is known as a petal fold. The top point of the triangle will now be folded flat to become the side edge of the square. Repeat this process on the other side. Turn your model over and repeat steps 4 and 5 on the back side, transforming the triangle into a square base. This base is crucial for forming the crane’s body and wings.
Step 6: Folding the Sides to the Center (Bird Base)
With the square base formed, you’ll notice a center line running vertically down the middle. Take the top right edge of the square and fold it inwards to meet this center line. Crease well. Repeat this with the top left edge, folding it to meet the center line as well. You have now created a kite shape on the top layer. Flip the model over and repeat this step on the other side. This step is essential for shaping the crane’s neck, head, and tail.
Step 7: Forming the Neck and Tail
Now, carefully open the bottom pointed end of the kite shape. You will see two “legs” or flaps hanging down. Choose one of these flaps to become the crane’s neck and head, and the other to be the tail.
Step 8: Shaping the Head
For the neck and head, fold the chosen flap upwards and inwards, creating a diagonal fold. Then, fold the very tip of this flap downwards to form the crane’s head. You can adjust the angle and length of the neck and head to your liking.
Step 9: Shaping the Wings
Gently pull apart the “legs” you identified in step 7. As you pull them apart, the sides of the crane will naturally spread out, forming the wings. Crease along the base of the wings to define their shape.
Step 10: Finishing Touches
Your paper crane is almost complete! Gently adjust the wings, neck, and head to achieve your desired look. You can slightly curve the wings for a more dynamic appearance.
Congratulations, you have successfully folded a paper crane!
The Symbolism and Significance of Paper Cranes
Paper cranes are more than just beautiful origami creations. They hold deep cultural significance, especially in Japan.
- Peace: The crane is a symbol of peace and is often associated with Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and attempted to fold 1,000 paper cranes hoping to achieve her wish for world peace.
- Hope and Healing: In Japanese culture, cranes are believed to live for a thousand years and are symbols of longevity, good fortune, and happiness. Folding and gifting paper cranes is often done to wish someone well, especially during times of illness or hardship.
- Good Luck: Paper cranes are also considered good luck charms and are often given as gifts for weddings, births, and other auspicious occasions.
Making paper cranes can be a mindful and relaxing activity. Whether you create them for decoration, as gifts, or to connect with the rich symbolism they represent, the process of folding a paper crane is a journey of creativity and tradition.
Now that you know how to make a paper crane, practice makes perfect! Try using different colors and patterns of paper to create a flock of unique origami cranes. You can hang them as decorations, give them to friends and family, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of creating these elegant birds with your own hands.
