How to make an origami flapping bird
Moving origami is particularly fun to make, since the final model actually does an action. This origami flapping bird is a traditional design. All you need is a square piece of paper and a flat surface to fold on (I’m using a book).
Here is my paper:
Since this paper has two different sides, I’m going to flip it so the side I want to see is down.
Start by folding and unfolding in half diagonally both ways.
Unfold. There are now diagonal lines on your paper.
Fold in half again along one of the diagonal folds. We’re going to create what is called a preliminary fold, which is a kind of base fold. Take the paper and put a finger inside the opening on the right side, and begin to open it up, allowing the paper to fold along the crease in the middle of the triangle.
Slowly squash the shape flat, starting at the top of the paper. You will end up with a kind of diamond shape once complete.
Flip the paper over.
Complete the same process, this time opening the remaining flap up and squashing it flat.
You will end up with a diamond shape (or a rotated square if you prefer). Fold the corners to the center, using only the uppermost layer of paper. Crease well.
Fold the top triangle flush with the shape and crease, then unfold.
This part is tricky. Unfold the folds you made in the previous two steps, and take the centermost edges of paper and pull them open. You should get a diamond shape that follows the folds you just made.
Fold the outer edges to the middle, using the existing creases, and press flat.
Flip the paper over, and repeat the process. Fold the corners to the center.
Fold the top triangle down again, and crease.
Open up and flatten.
Prepare to form the head of the bird on the left side. Open the left outer edge of the paper slightly. You are going to be performing an inside reverse fold. (If you’re unfamiliar with this fold you might want to look it up)
Inside reverse fold in progress, before the folds are flattened. You have to open the paper to begin.
Angle the paper upward to form a neck, then flatten.
Make a smaller inside reverse fold at the end to form the face.
Result:
The tail is next. Start another inside reverse fold on the right side. This one will not be angled up like the neck - try to get it to stick straight out from the back of the bird. In progress:
Straightened:
And flattened out completely:
Your flapping bird is now ready to fly! Curl each wing forward slightly with a finger. Now hold the bird on the chest (the triangle pointing down in front) and pull the tail to see it flap!
