Origami Swan Directions

Origami swans symbolize love and loyalty.

The elegant origami swan may be one of the simpler paper-folding forms, but it holds a deep significance. Because swans mate for life, the origami swan symbolizes lasting love and loyalty, making it a meaningful decoration for weddings and anniversary celebrations. Small paper swans are also a thoughtful way to decorate a gift for your significant other. Graceful swans made from white tissue paper or patterned origami paper look good decorating a shelf or bookcase, too.

Things You'll Need

• Square of paper

Instructions

1. Lay a square of paper in front of you diagonally, in a diamond-like shape. If you're using colored paper, the colored side should face down. Fold the paper in half diagonally and open it again.

2. Fold the lower corners of the square inward so the edges meet over the center crease. The paper should form a kite shape.

3. Place one finger one-third of the way down from the top tip of the kite shape. Place another at the bottom tip of the kite. Along the line between your fingertips, fold the side of the kite inward so approximately half its width falls over the center crease. Fold this section back on itself so the outer edge meets the outer edge of the kite. Repeat on the other side.

4. Fold the lower part of the paper upward at the halfway point. This forms the swan's neck. Fold down the tip of the neck section approximately one-third of the way down. This form the swan's head.

5. Bring the front (neck and head) section forward away from the back section. Unfold the front section. Push the front section back and press the crease.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a large square of paper for your first swan to make handling easier. A 10 inch by 10 inch square of origami paper is ideal.

References

• Origami Instructions: Origami Swan
• College of the Siskiyous: Simple Swan
• Lisa Shea: Swan