Learning Origami:Paper Crane

Learning Origami: Paper Crane

I've always enjoyed creating arts and crafts, and have been always fantasized with how you could create so many complex shapes and objects with just a simple piece of paper.  Origami has been around for centuries, and originated in Japan. The word "origami" originated from the Japanese language, where "ori" means folded, and "kami" means paper.

Not only is origami an art of enjoyment, and symbolizes peace, it also has been a valuable source of brain stimulation. ".. For over 2,000 years origami has been a source of interest, enjoyment and intellectual stimulation for adults and children alike” (Beech, 9). With help from the book, Practical Origami: A step-by-step guide to the ancient art of paper-folding, I will be able to pursue an art I have an interest in, stimulate my brain and hopefully increase my skill level in the art of origami.

As I continue to post more blogs, the origami designs I complete will become more and more advanced, to show how much my skill level has improved. Today, I will be showing you how to make a traditional design- the crane. In Japanese culture, the crane is a symbol of peace and friendship, bright and smooth, square-shaped paper is ideal to create the perfect crane.

The first step to creating a crane was to “Begin by folding a Bird base. The two independent points should be facing toward you” (Beech, 46). In my opinion, I wished that the first step wasn’t so complex, and hadn’t required me to flip to page 42, where there were 6 steps to complete the Bird base alone.

Below are 6 steps to creating a classic crane:

Step One: Fold a Bird base.

Step Three: Repeat step two
on the other side.

Step Two: Fold the two outer edges inward 

ONLY on the upper level.

Step Four: "Inside reverse fold both
or the sharp points"(Beech, 46).

  

       Step Five: Inside reverse and fold the
           tip of one side to form the crane head.

Step Six: Carefully pull out the
wings from the side of the crane

To conclude, creating a paper crane was a success! After overcoming the struggle of creating the bird base, the steps listed were fairly easy to follow. I feel as if I have gained knowledge from the book, and cannot wait to continue expanding my skill on making origami! I will definitely  be displaying this paper crane in my room, my favorite design of origami to create is the tulip! 

Would you be interested in creating origami and displaying your masterpieces as decorations around your home? If you have completed origami before, what is your favorite design to create?

Beech, Rick. Practical Origami: a Step-by-Step Guide to the Ancient Art of Paperfolding. Hermes House, 2006.