Introduction:

Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, has been captivating people for centuries. It is a creative and meditative process that can produce intricate, beautiful designs with just a single sheet of paper. One popular figure in origami is the flying bird. This article will introduce you to three different ways to make an origami flying bird using various folding techniques. So, grab a square sheet of origami paper, and let’s get started!

1. The Traditional Flapping Bird:

The traditional flapping bird is perhaps one of the most well-known origami figures. It is also known as the crane or the “Thousand Cranes” design since it’s known for its association with Japanese folklore.

Step 1: Start with a square sheet of origami paper, colored side facing down.

Step 2: Fold it diagonally in both directions to create intersecting creases.

Step 3: Fold each corner into the center of the square, creating a smaller square shape.

Step 4: Fold the top and bottom edges towards the centerline while ensuring they align perfectly.

Step 5: Unfold the previous step and fold each corner into the central line along imaginary lines.

Step 6: Collapse the sides like closing a book to create a diamond shape.

Step 7: Fold the top layer’s bottom corner upwards; then, fold wings down at an angle so it resembles a bird’s body with wings.

Step 8: Hold its tail and gently pull up its head; this makes it capable of flapping.

2. The Easy Origami Bird:

For those who are new to origami or simply want a quicker and simpler design, this easy flying bird might be just what you’re looking for.

Step 1: Start with your square sheet of paper and fold it in half diagonally. Open it back up and repeat in the opposite direction, creating a visible X crease.

Step 2: Fold the left and right corners of the square inward until they meet at the center crease.

Step 3: Fold the remaining top layer of point A over point B, connecting the two points and forming a triangle.

Step 4: Hold the edge of its folded wings and gently pull them down to spread its wings.

3. The Swallow Origami Bird:

For those who enjoy a more challenging project, this swallow bird adds details with angled wings to give it a striking appearance.

Step 1: Begin with the initial step from the traditional flapping bird by folding a square sheet of paper diagonally in both directions.

Step 2: Fold all four corners into the intersection point, just like before.

Step 3: Fold each of these triangles in half outwardly and create another triangle with one side of its height being an edge connecting both outward vertices.

Step 4: Repeat this fold for all four triangles to give you a windmill-like shape with flaps sticking out.

Step 5: Tuck these flaps inwardly using existing creases, forming an upscaled version of the windmill shape.

Step 6: Assemble this model into a bird-base form similar to step 6 from ‘The Traditional Flapping Crow’ technique.

Step 7: Narrow down its neck and head by folding layers inwardly toward the central line-angle, creating a thin neck and head region.

Step 8: Make an outside reverse-fold to bend its neck upwards. You can perform another reverse-fold if you want a curved neck appearance.

Conclusion:

Now that you know three different ways to make an origami flying bird, you can choose your favorite or even master all three! Origami is an endless world