How to Make an Origami Flapping Bird
Get a square piece of paper., Fold a large X into the paper., Turn the paper over., Fold a large + into the paper., Bring all of the corners in toward the center., Flatten the paper into a square., Fold the top edges of the diamond inwards toward...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: 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. -
Step 2: 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. , Make sure the ever-so-slightly-raised center of the X points up (like the top of a very flat pyramid). , 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. , The shape is similar to the origami “fortune teller” (a.k.a. “cootie catcher”) used in children’s games. , Turn the paper, so that you have a diamond with the open end facing you. , 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. ,, Flatten.
Turn the paper over and repeat.
You should end up with a kite shape. ,,, Pull it down slightly, reverse its crease, and bend it downwards. , Pull them outwards away from the body and round them with your hands. , Pinch and pull the bird by the neck and tail. -
Step 3: Turn the paper over.
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Step 4: Fold a large + into the paper.
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Step 5: Bring all of the corners in toward the center.
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Step 6: Flatten the paper into a square.
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Step 7: Fold the top edges of the diamond inwards toward the center line.
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Step 8: Gently unfold all the folds you made in Step 7.
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Step 9: Pull up the bottom corner of the diamond
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Step 10: opening it up.
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Step 11: 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.
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Step 12: Fold the remaining layers of the kite downwards (front and back).
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Step 13: Take one of the side points formed in step 10 and pinch the tip to form the head.
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Step 14: Round the wings.
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Step 15: Make your bird flap.
Detailed Guide
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.
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. , Make sure the ever-so-slightly-raised center of the X points up (like the top of a very flat pyramid). , 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. , The shape is similar to the origami “fortune teller” (a.k.a. “cootie catcher”) used in children’s games. , Turn the paper, so that you have a diamond with the open end facing you. , 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. ,, Flatten.
Turn the paper over and repeat.
You should end up with a kite shape. ,,, Pull it down slightly, reverse its crease, and bend it downwards. , Pull them outwards away from the body and round them with your hands. , Pinch and pull the bird by the neck and tail.
About the Author
Ashley Bell
Enthusiastic about teaching lifestyle techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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