Last winter a friend asked me to help her come up with some Christmas Tree Decoration that she could make for her very first Christmas tree. Although she has two children, a husband and a gorgeous house, they had never spent Christmas at home. Ever. So they had never had a tree and had no ornaments at all. Since our own tree is always covered with the cheesy, but sentimental hallmark ornaments that I collected as a child, the idea of starting from scratch with a tree was fun and we had a great time coming up with lots of homemade, pretty decorations. This paper crane garland was one of my favorites. What says peace on earth more than a string of paper cranes? And with a little practice, even young children can learn to fold an impressive crane.
I chose white paper to make my crane garland but for clarity sake, this tutorial uses a two-sided paper. Once you fold a few, you’ll be a master!
Things you need:
White origami paper or thin typing paper cut into 6 by 6 squares
Bone folder
Thin ribbon
Heavy embroidery needle
Things to do:
1. Crease the paper corners to corners and in half both directions so that you have four folds.
2. With one corner up, fold the side points in while at the same time bringing the top corner down to meet the bottom, creating a small square, corner up. Fold the top triangular flaps in toward the center and unfold. Then fold the top down into a small triangle and unfold.
3. Turn the square over and repeat with the other side.
4. Open the top flap to make a narrow diamond and crease well. Turn the paper over and repeat with the other side.
5. With the open ends of the diamond pointing down, fold the edges into make a kite shape on both sides of the paper.
6. Open the kite shape up and pull the two legs up through the inside of the fold to make a head and tail.
7. Fold down the wings of the crane and make a small crease in the head so that the tip points down.
8. Thread the ribbon through the eye of the needle and, using a twisting motion, bore a hole thought the top of the cranes body, knotting on either side, or over the top of the hole to keep the crane in place. Continue to add cranes and knot into place until you have the desired length for your garland.