Download Article
Impress your friends with this moving bird made with just a sheet of paper
Download Article
While there are many instructions for making the traditional Japanese paper "peace" cranes , these instructions will make a flapping bird.
Steps
Download Article
-
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. -
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.Advertisement -
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
Flatten the paper into a square. Turn the paper, so that you have a diamond with the open end facing you.
-
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.
-
Gently unfold all the folds you made in Step 7.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Fold the remaining layers of the kite downwards (front and back).
-
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.
-
Round the wings. Pull them outwards away from the body and round them with your hands.
-
Make your bird flap. Pinch and pull the bird by the neck and tail.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionI made the flapping bird, but it doesn't flap like how yours did, what should do?Community AnswerTry playing with the wings, curling them different directions and moving it away from the tail. Fiddle with it until they flap.
-
QuestionWill it fly when you throw it?Community AnswerNo. It is mainly used for decoration.
-
QuestionIs the curling of wings optional? How does it affect the flapping?Community AnswerCurling the wings simply makes it look more realistic. It will not affect the flapping.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- The thinner the piece of paper you are using the easier it will be to fold.Thanks
- Don't use thick paper or it might not work as well, as thin paper.Thanks
- The sharper and more precise your creases are, the easier your projects will become.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Be careful with scissors.Thanks
- Avoid paper cuts.Thanks
Advertisement
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,435,369 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "It helped me to understand more about origami and how to fold it. I have been making these for my family and they saying how am I doing this kinda stuff. They really think you should post more origami stuff!" ..." more
Advertisement
"It helped me to understand more about origami and how to fold it. I have been making these for my family and they saying how am I doing this kinda stuff. They really think you should post more origami stuff!"
..."
more
"I made the "traditional swan" and it was very easy to make. You can use sticky notes too. It did help. My friends loved it! :)"
..."
more
"I got to use these at a party and my friends loved the origami birds! Thank you for making this article."
"I can't believe I've done this! When I made the wings flap, I got the biggest smile I've ever had."
"I failed the first time but I re-did it and I got it done."
