Fold a simple paper crane
- Start with a square sheet of paper, colored side down. Fold it in half diagonally both ways, then unfold, so you have two creased diagonals crossing in the middle.
- Fold it in half horizontally and vertically as well, then unfold each time.
- Collapse the paper along the creases into a smaller square (a "waterbomb base"), pushing the sides inward.
- Fold the left and right edges of the top layer in to the center line, then unfold; repeat for the bottom layer, then use the creases to fold the flaps up into narrow points (a "bird base").
- Fold one narrow point down to form the head, and fold the tip back up to form the beak.
- Gently pull the two wings apart and crease the body flat to make the crane stand.
No scissors or glue needed — just a square piece of paper and clean, sharp folds.