How to Make an Origami Bird Base

Origami is an ancient Japanese art form of paper folding. One of the most popular and oldest animals created with origami is the crane. In order to create a crane, which has become a symbol of peace in many countries, you first need to perfect your bird base fold.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Take a square piece of origami paper and create a square base. Fold the piece of paper from corner to corner making two diagonal creases that fold upwards. Then fold the paper to make a vertical crease in the center that folds downward. Fold the paper on the diagonal folds to form your square base.

2. Make creases in the top part of the square base. Fold the two side corners inwards to the center. Fold the top corner down to form a straight line across the top. Unfold them again to show the creases.

3. Unfold the top part of the square by lifting up from the bottom corner. Then fold it inwards at the creases you formed in Step Two. Press it down firmly so you now have a diamond shape on top with a vertical slit down the middle. This is called the petal fold.

4. Turn the paper over and fold the bottom square. Fold in the side corners towards the middle and fold the top down. Once you've creased it, open the corners again and lay it flat.

5. Repeat Step 3 and create another petal fold. The result will be another diamond shape, and your bird base is complete. You are now ready to create other popular birds like the crane or flapping bird.