How to Make a Paper Swan

Paper swans are a simple origami project that’s appropriate for beginners, or even kids. Since swans or white, you can use regular paper instead of special origami paper if you prefer. You will however, need to start with paper that is square. Here's how to make an origami swan.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper square
• Flat surface

1. Make a square from a rectangular piece of paper. Fold the bottom edge the paper over so that it’s even with the side edge, then cut off the extra paper to make a triangle. Unfold the paper to complete the square.

2. Rotate the paper so that the points are at the top and bottom and place it on the flat surface. If you are using origami paper that’s colored on one side, start with the white side facing up.

3. Fold the right and left sides toward the middle, so that they meet at the center line. Crease the new folds and flip the paper over.

4. Fold the right and left sides toward the middle again, so that they meet at the center line. These folds will be more difficult to crease, since the paper is thicker, so press firmly.

5. Bring the bottom point of the paper up, so that it sticks up above the top point. Fold and crease the paper. This will be the paper swan’s neck.

6. Fold the pointed end of the paper down to make the swan’s head.

7. Pick up the paper and fold the whole thing in half along the center crease. This will make the swan’s body more three-dimensional.

8. Grasp the swan’s neck and gently pull it upward. When completed, the paper swan can stand up by itself.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to use a marker to add details to the paper swan, such as eyes, a colored beak, or feathers.
• You can also make a swan from black paper if you prefer, or use colored paper for a whimsical swan.

Resources

• Photographs of a basic paper swan.
• This video shows how to make a complex paper swan using lots of little pieces of paper.