How to Make an Origami Flapping Bird with Paper

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Impress your friends with this moving bird made with just a sheet of paper
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While there are many instructions for making the traditional Japanese paper "peace" cranes , these instructions will make a flapping bird.

Steps

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    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. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    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. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    Make sure the ever-so-slightly-raised center of the X points up (like the top of a very flat pyramid).
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    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. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    The shape is similar to the origami “fortune teller” (a.k.a. “ cootie catcher ”) used in children’s games.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    Turn the paper, so that you have a diamond with the open end facing you.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    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. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    Flatten. Turn the paper over and repeat. You should end up with a kite shape.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    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. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
  12. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    Pull it down slightly, reverse its crease, and bend it downwards.
  13. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    Pull them outwards away from the body and round them with your hands.
  14. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
    Pinch and pull the bird by the neck and tail.
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  • 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.
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    Not Helpful 91 Helpful 149
  • Question
    Will it fly when you throw it?
    Community Answer
    No. It is mainly used for decoration.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 93 Helpful 134
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 73 Helpful 125
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