How to Make an Origami Crane

Materials

• 1 square sheet of origami paper (6 inch / 15 cm)
• Flat surface

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Start with a Square Base

Begin with a square piece of paper, colored side down. Fold in half diagonally both ways, then unfold. Flip over and fold in half horizontally and vertically, then unfold.

2. Form the Preliminary Base

Using the creases, collapse the paper into a preliminary base (a small square with four flaps).

3. Make a Bird Base

With one flap facing you, fold the bottom edges to the center line. Fold the top triangle down. Unfold the last three folds and lift the bottom flap up along the creases to form a long diamond. Repeat on the other side.

4. Create the Body

Fold the bottom points of the diamond up to the top point on both sides. This creates the bird base.

5. Form the Head and Tail

Fold one of the lower flaps upward at an angle to create the neck. Fold the tip down to form the head. Repeat on the other side for the tail, folding upward.

6. Open the Wings

Gently pull the wings apart to open the body. Blow gently into the small hole at the bottom to inflate the body. Shape the wings and tail to finish your crane.

Pro Tips

• Start with paper colored side down for a colored crane
• Make sharp creases for cleaner results
• Be patient with the petal fold — it takes practice