Beautiful to look at yet simple to fold, the origami crane is an iconic symbol of Japanese art and culture. The crane symbolizes hope and fortune, and it’s said that whoever folds 1,000 of these birds will have their wish granted. This practice has become a common form of prayer in Japan during sickness or natural disaster.
Begin with the patterned side of the paper facing down with the point at the top like a diamond. Fold the top point down to the bottom point. Then fold the right point across to the left point.
Lift the top fold until it stands straight up and bring the point down to the bottom, creasing the sides to create a small diamond shape.
Flip the paper over and repeat the same process.
Bring the bottom right and left edges in towards the center, crease them, and then return them to their original positions. Using the tops of the creases you just made as guidelines, bring the top point down, crease it, and then return it to its original position. These creases will help you with the next step.
Take the top layer of the bottom point and fold it up using the creases you just made, bringing the sides of the model in. Fold it flat until you create a tall diamond shape.
Flip the paper over and repeat the creases and folds from the last two steps, bringing the bottom point up and squashing it flat so the whole model resembles a tall diamond shape.
Fold the bottom right and left edges in towards the center line. Flip the paper over and repeat on the other side.
Open up the fold on the right side, reverse the fold, and bring the bottom point up towards the top. Repeat this process on the other side. One of these will become the tail of the crane and the other will become the head.
Fold the top point down to become a wing, and repeat on the other side. Open one of the side sections, reverse the fold, and bring the point down to create the head of the crane. Pull the wings apart gently to expand the body. Your crane is now ready to take flight!
