Origami is a revered Japanese art form. Origami can be dissected into two Japanese words – ‘ori’ referring to folding and ‘kami’ meaning paper. Although origami is strictly a Japanese practice, the term has come to connote all folding techniques and practices regardless of the country of origin. Origami is divided into two styles – ceremonial origami (used during religious functions) and recreational origami (which has proliferated across the globe). The history of origami can be traced back to the 7th century when the paper was introduced to Japan and strict stylistic protocols were placed on origami paper folding.
What is Origami Paper?
The name is self-explanatory. Origami paper refers to the paper which is used to fold origami paper art. A traditional origami paper is thinner than the regular paper to accommodate various complicated and multiple folds to create a sharp paper origami sculpture. They must also be able to sustain creases for effortless folding. A standard origami sheet is a square sheet which comes in 3-inch, 6-inch, or 10-inch squares. Despite these strict requirements, modern origami paper craft seldom take them into account. You may see origami with rectangle paper, banknotes, washi papers, or paper-backed foil. These days, origami paper seldom bears colours and textures. But since the definition has become more inclusive, all these crafts are considered origami.
Building a Crane – Step By Step Origami Paper Craft
In Japan, a crane represents fortune, hope, peace, and longevity. Cranes are believed to live for thousands of years in Japanese folktales. It is said that if an individual folds 1000 paper crane origami, they may make one special wish which will come true. Today we give you origami paper craft step by step to make a crane. Make 1000 of these paper bird origami and who knows, your wish might just come true.
- Fold the square origami paper into a triangle. Repeat the process so that the creases resemble an ‘x’.
- Flip the paper and fold the paper into a rectangle. Repeat the process so that the creases look like a ‘+’ and ‘x’ on top of each other.
- Keeping one corner (1) of the square pointing to you, bring the other two corners (2 & 3) and align them with corner 1. Corner 4 which is sticking up must be joined to the other corners. This fold is called an accordion fold resulting in yet another square.
- Take the flapped corners (2 & 3) and fold them into the centre diagonal line. Since the shape is reminiscent of the ‘Superman’ logo, it is often called the Superman fold.
- Take the top corner of the resultant square and fold it down.
- Go back to the accordion fold. While keeping corners (1, 2, & 3) intact, push out corner 4 so it looks like a frog’s mouth. Flatten it, so it seems like a diamond on top of a square.
- Flip the paper over and repeat the steps 4 – 6.
- Fold both corners of the diamond along the central axis. Flip the origami paper and repeat the process till you get a ‘kite’ shape.
- Take one side of the ‘kite’ and fold it completely onto the next. Repeat the process with all the sides, folding them all in the same direction.
- Join the bottom tip with the top. Flip and repeat the process.
- Repeat the folds techniques that you learned in step 9 with the resultant structure.
- Pull out two opposite flaps, representing the head and the tail. Fold the top of the head to form the crane’s beak.
- With the other two flaps, fold them down to form wings.
- Blow air from the hole present under the structure to open up the body. And voila, you’ve just made an exquisite paper crane origami.
Paper Origami Ideas
The centuries-old practice of origami paper craft has borne many ideas to create myriad objects and animals. Here are some of the paper origami ideas to titillate your artistic vision.
Paper Origami Animals
Exhibit your creative bone to make an origami paper elephant, origami paper fish, origami paper butterfly, and swan paper origami. Place these sculptural marvels on the mantelpiece of your bookcase to be adored. Don’t forget to use coloured paper corresponding to the animal to elevate their beauty.
Paper Origami Objects
Why limit yourself to animals, when you can make so many other objects? Christmas might have gone, but that mustn’t stop you from making an origami paper Christmas tree. Make a paper boat origami or an origami paper airplane and pilot your creations. When making an origami paper plane don’t forget to compete with your friends on whose airplane flies the highest. Become ninjas with origami paper ninja stars. Get into a full-fledged ninja war and throw these shurikens at each other. Valentine’s Day is around the corner, impress your significant other with handmade paper ring origami and paper heart origami to connote your love towards them.
Paper Origami Flowers
We are often asked the question if and how to make a paper rose origami. The answer is a big fat YES. You just need to find a guide which works for you. Make a blooming rose or a rosebud, the choice entirely depends on you. Now that you have made roses, don’t forget to include them in your floral centrepiece.
Image Courtesy – iStockPhoto
