Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
User submission
413
110.3K
I Make Incredibly Tiny Origami Cranes That Take Me Around 45 Minutes Each
About three years ago I learned how to make an origami crane, and ever since I’ve enjoyed folding them. I fold them while watching the baseball game, I fold napkins and receipts into cranes at restaurants, I fold them to procrastinate, etc…
Recently I took to attempting smaller and smaller cranes, the smallest of which I posted on Instagram sitting atop a Lego block. I sent the pictures to my wife, who tweeted it, and it went viral. The attention on social media has inspired me to make more tiny cranes, which I’m now documenting on an Instagram account.
I start with a square approximately 5 by 5 mm. Each crane takes about 45 minutes to fold if I’m very focused and accurate, but I still occasionally fail and need to start over from the beginning, which can be frustrating.
For the most part, I use my fingertips to roll and press the paper into position, which requires sight and touch sensitivity in combination. Then, to make the folds sharper, I use a surface like a table and my fingernails. When folding, at times, I’m holding the paper with just my fingernails.
The most important thing is to be very precise when laying the initial folds. Even half a millimetre of inaccuracy can affect the end result dramatically. Also, don’t handle the paper too much, especially with moist or sweaty hands, or the paper will get mushy and the folds won’t react properly. I often let the paper rest and dry for 30 minutes after making the first 16 folds. Though it can be exhausting and time-consuming, I find the process meditative, challenging and super satisfying.
More than just folding the cranes, I’ve taken to capturing them in different environmental contexts, and seeing their teeny tiny personalities come to life in this way.
I have received some requests to sell them, and maybe one day I will, but I haven’t figured that out yet. For now, I’m just really enjoying my new hobby, and I’m glad others do too.
More info: Instagram
RELATED:
110Kviews
Share on Facebook
What do you think ?
Felicity Halliwell 7 years ago
What size did they measure to? Because they look so tiny! I've tried this myself. The smallest I got was only 3mm. I found I started to lose detail, I've seen some at 1mm my thought is they must be a surgeon! https://www.instagram.com/p/BU9_PcaBagf/ mine:)
David Kawai (Post author) 7 years ago
Well done! I don't use tools and only standard origami paper, but I've no doubt smaller can be made, especially with better paper. You're right! Details can get lost the smaller you go :) With mine, I love seeing the fibers of the paper!
Load More Replies... Felicity Halliwell 7 years ago
What size did they measure to? Because they look so tiny! I've tried this myself. The smallest I got was only 3mm. I found I started to lose detail, I've seen some at 1mm my thought is they must be a surgeon! https://www.instagram.com/p/BU9_PcaBagf/ mine:)
David Kawai (Post author) 7 years ago
Well done! I don't use tools and only standard origami paper, but I've no doubt smaller can be made, especially with better paper. You're right! Details can get lost the smaller you go :) With mine, I love seeing the fibers of the paper!
Load More Replies... You May Like Some Of The Most Incredible Chest Tattoo Ideas If You're All In For Some Ink Tiny Crochet Designs: Artist Recreates Popular Items In The Tiny Scale Of 1 To 12
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Community Panda
Related on Bored Panda
241
15