Steps Download Article

  1. 1

    Get a square piece of paper. To make your own square paper: fold one corner of a sheet of rectangular paper diagonally to form a triangle; then, cut the excess paper away. You can use any size paper, but origami paper and A4 paper are the best.]

  2. 2

    Fold a large X into the paper. If you haven't already, fold the square in half diagonally. Repeat in the other direction. Unfold the paper and you should see the X.

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  3. 3

    Turn the paper over. Make sure the ever-so-slightly-raised center of the X points up (like the top of a very flat pyramid).

  4. 4

    Fold a large + into the paper. First both vertically and horizontally to form a + that intersects with the center of the X. When you're done, the creases of the + will bend in the opposite direction as those of the X.

  5. 5

    Bring all of the corners in toward the center. The shape is similar to the origami "fortune teller" (a.k.a. "cootie catcher") used in children's games.

  6. 6

    Flatten the paper into a square. Turn the paper, so that you have a diamond with the open end facing you.

  7. 7

    Fold the top edges of the diamond inwards toward the center line. Start by making sure the opening is at the top of the diamond.

    • Grab the right-hand corner of the upper layer and fold it downwards and inwards toward the center, then repeat on the left-hand side.
    • Flip the paper over and repeat on the other layer.

  8. 8

    Gently unfold all the folds you made in Step 7.

  9. 9

    Pull up the bottom corner of the diamond, opening it up. Flatten. Turn the paper over and repeat. You should end up with a kite shape.

  10. 10

    Hold your new diamond shape with the split end up and fold each of the top points so that they point downward and outward to the sides.

  11. 11

    Fold the remaining layers of the kite downwards (front and back).

  12. 12

    Take one of the side points formed in step 10 and pinch the tip to form the head. Pull it down slightly, reverse its crease, and bend it downwards.

  13. 13

    Round the wings. Pull them outwards away from the body and round them with your hands.

  14. 14

    Make your bird flap. Pinch and pull the bird by the neck and tail.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    I made the flapping bird, but it doesn't flap like how yours did, what should do?

    Community Answer

    Try playing with the wings, curling them different directions and moving it away from the tail. Fiddle with it until they flap.

  • Question

    Will it fly when you throw it?

    Community Answer

    No. It is mainly used for decoration.

  • Question

    Is the curling of wings optional? How does it affect the flapping?

    Community Answer

    Curling the wings simply makes it look more realistic. It will not affect the flapping.

  • Question

    Can someone explain step 9 better?

    NatureCat333

    NatureCat333

    Community Answer

    The biggest mistake is you must put the open end away from you when you fold, in step 8. Then, pull the bottom and use the crease from step 8 to pull it up. Then you must create your own crease by folding down the kite thingy. I'm sorry. It's complicated. Play around. You got this. Do some research on cranes.

  • Question

    How do I flatten the diamond?

    Community Answer

    Hold the bottom down and press the middle down a bit as you are "flattening" the diamond.

  • Question

    What can I do if I find some of these steps to hard to do?

    NatureCat333

    NatureCat333

    Community Answer

    Look at the video over and over again. If that doesn't help, seek a friend. If that doesn't help, do some research and find other sights that explain how to fold a crane.

  • Question

    Is it made out of paper?

    Community Answer

    Yes, it is made out of paper. Anything that is origami is made out of paper.

  • Question

    Are there different ways to make the type of origami?

    Community Answer

    Yes. There are many origami websites and you can find more on wikiHow. Some websites are very hard and not clearly explained, so be careful.

  • Question

    What do I do if only one of the bird's wings isn't flapping?

    Community Answer

    Play with the curl of the wing that is not working. If that doesn't work, try watching the clip. If that still doesn't work, make a new flapping bird.

  • Question

    What type of bird is it supposed to be?

    Community Answer

    It looks like a crane, but you could call it whatever kind of bird you wanted.

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  • Don't use thick paper or it might not work as well, as thin paper.

  • The sharper and more precise your creases are, the easier your projects will become.

  • The thinner the piece of paper you are using the easier it will be to fold.

  • Try using origami paper if it doesn't work. It'll also be easier to fold!

  • Ensure you crease the paper thoroughly, or it will be harder to make due to it not holding its shape.

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  • Be careful with scissors.

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