Learning Origami: Pecking Crow

Learning Origami: Pecking Crow

The sun is officially starting to come out, which means that the crows are beginning to come back to rainy Seattle. For my last blog post, I will be showing you how to make an origami pecking crow! Since the weather is beginning to improve you will be seeing many crows in the Seattle sky, Today, thanks to the book, Practical Origami: A step-by-step guide to the ancient art of paper folding I can show you  simple steps to making your own origami paper crow model.

This origami crow model, created by Makoto Yamaguchi is very unique because the folds are made through two layers of paper, so when layers are separated, the folds are kept in place. This model is also unique because the crows beak can open. To open the beak, all you have to do is extend the wings outwards to open, and inwards to close. The book states, "To make the beak open you pull  the wings slightly apart" (Beech 127).  For this action model, the only material you will need is a square piece of paper.

The most troublesome part of making this origami piece was step four. The wording of this step was very difficult to understand, however the picture included in the step made it easier to understand. After looking at the picture, I was able to summarize the step into opening the section of paper at the top and pull the single layer, flatten the model. In the book, Step four stated, "Open the section of paper at the top slightly, and you will observe one layer inside the other. Pull out the single upper layer, separating it from the outer layer wrapped around it" (Beech 127).

Below are Eight steps to creating a paper Pecking Crow:

Step One: Fold the paper in half diagonally. 

Then fold into quarters, unfold.

Step Two: Fold the two edges to lie along the 

vertical crease created in step one. 

Step Three: Fold each of the

 pointed flaps outwards.

Step Four: Open Section of paper at the top and 

pull single layer, flatten the model.

Step Five: Fold the upper corner 

all the way down.

Step Six: Fold point created in 

step five to the right, unfold and repeat

 to the left side.

Step Seven: Unfold crease made in step six, 

pull and squeeze model together at the point.

Step Eight: Turn model over and repeat 

steps 5-7 on the other side.

Overall,  this was a very entertaining and rewarding origami piece to make. This action model was very interesting and overall, I believe that my origami skills have improved tremendously since I began creating blogs. Thanks to the book, Practical Origami: A step-by-step guide to the ancient art of paper folding, I have a newfound interest in origami and will continue to make origami pieces. There is so much more to origami than just paper folding, origami can be used as a stress reliever or even just for pure entertainment, I learned  so much from this book, and cannot wait to continue learning more! For the final time, thank you so much for reading my blog, and I hope that the "Learning Origami" blog series, and the steps I summarized from the book made it easier to make an Origami pecking crow! Although this is my final blog, I hope that your knowledge from reading my posts has increased your interest in origami as much as making these blog posts has increased my appreciation for this art.

What is your favorite origami piece I have completed in this "Learning Origami" series? What did you learn from this blog?

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

Learning Origami: Paper Cup

Learning Origami: Paper Cup

Making arts and crafts, is something I am always willing to do, and something I am always eager to complete. For today's blog post, I decided to make something more logical, that I am able to use regularly. Thanks to the book, Practical Origami: A step-by-step guide to the ancient art of paper folding, I can show you how to make an origami cup. This origami model is a very popular design, that is also very simple to make!  For those who are like me, and are not artistically talented, this origami model is something that can be taught to all skill levels, as said in the book, "This is, perhaps, the simplest model to make, and is easy to  teach to "students" of  all ages" (Beech 47). This is a very enjoyable model to make, that you can complete along with your younger siblings or other family members.

This origami cup, allows you to even drink out of it. The book states, "If you intend to drink from the cup, be sure to use material which is glossy, like a foil-backed giftwrap" (Beech 47).  I am so excited to show you how to make this traditional, as well as very logical origami design. With only seven, easy to follow directions to creating this model, I am able to use these cups whenever I want. After completing this origami design, I personally would recommend using gift wrapping tissue paper the for the first few times, so you are able to perfect the creases and folds.

The most difficult step in creating this design, was the second step which was folding down the single layer of paper down to lie on a folded crease created in an earlier step. "Fold the upper raw edge down to lie along the folded edge created in step " (Beech 47). Completing the actual step wasn't that difficult, however the wording of the direction was what confused me. The inclusion of a photo, in this step, made it much easier to comprehend.

Below are Seven steps to creating a Paper Cup:

Step One: Fold paper diagonally in half.

 Step Two: Fold single layer down to lie on
horizontal crease created in step one.

Step Three:  Unfold crease created in step two.

Step Four: Fold right-handed corner 

to where the tip meets with the 

crease end made in step two.

Step Five: Repeat step four on the left side, 

remember to align model symmetrically.

 Step Six: Fold single layer of the upper corner down
over the flaps created in steps 4 and 5.

Step Seven: Repeat step 6 on reverse side. 

Open model along edges created through steps 1-6.

Overall, this was a very fun and straightforward model to create. I enjoyed creating this origami paper cup, and was surprised with how simple it was to complete. I made this model with my younger sister, and bonded with her while competing the steps together. There are multiple uses to this origami model, and I personally use it as a jewelry holder in my room. My skill level in creating origami crafts has grown, and my knowledge on this art has increased as well.  I am so eager to continue learning more from the book, Practical Origami: A step-by-step guide to the ancient art of paperfolding. My favorite art craft to complete with my family is making paper snowflakes. Thank you so much for reading this blog, and hopefully you gained knowledge from this post!

What is your favorite art craft to complete with your family?

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

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.