The Origami Forum

Hi there!

I have a little problem folding the traditional crane, now the problem is: I'm done with the folding but when I have to pull the wings, so the middle wouldn't be pointy my whole crane tears apart no matter how gently I pull. Hoping for a answer.

Thank you

-n.d.c.-

That shouldn't happen... maybe the paper you're using isn't strong enough

This only happens when u use thin origami paper try using printer paper

I'm not sure if you mean the crane or the flapping bird. If you mean the crane... nevermind..

But with the flapping bird, sometimes the paper isn't perfectly square, or the humidity may be a little off, so that the folds need a little gentle prodding to effect the graceful flapping.

Sometimes I will switch the head and tail, then gently coerce the paper to help the flapping.

If I misunderstood, sorry.

- Hank Simon

yeah... its me again i tried to fold a crane with thicker paper and it doesn't work it still tears apart when i pull the wings...i must be doing something wrong... please help, thank you...


-n.d.c.-

umm... well, I can't really help because I've never heard of this happening... perhaps you're folding it wrong (it could happen!) but other than that, I don't have a clue

not that i'm high handed,but i looked at the diagrams and several videos and i'm pretty sure that i'm doing it right...(i think...)

would you mind posting a link to the video(s)?

well i don't know how to put links yet but the page is http://www.youtube.com and in search you put "origami crane"

cool a link(bit ashamed)

well for a link all you have to do is type out or copy and paste the address in and then select the whole link and click the URL button and it will insert a code at the beginning and end of the address for you.

as for the crane, instead of pulling it apart you can try to gently seperate the wings from the body a bit and blow in the hole in the bottom. when you fold more your hands will automatically learn how the paper will react to tugs or pulls, strange, huh? i hope that helps.

Sometimes videos aren't always that acurate, and you can't see all the details. Try using a search engine to search for "Origami crane instructions" or "Origami crane diagrams"

OK - I understand. I went to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta7tpwsye3U and to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKhThA-h ... ed&search=

I assume that you have a square, not a near-square and that you follow the fold along to the end. Then I assume that you can fold the wings down correctly, but that you have trouble with the last step. If all of that is true, then my suggestion is:

1. Fold the wings down as before. Hold them lightly, but don't pull.
2. Place your lips around the hole at the bottom of the crane.
(Yes, put it into your mouth... this is like the jumping frog.)
3. Blow gently but continously and guide the point down smoothly. Don't pull the wings, so much as encourage them out of the way.

Let us know if that works.

- Hank Simon