The art of origami incorporates and transforms many real world objects into paper replicas, such as origami flowers. However, the animal kingdom has inspired a whole host of fascinating representations. Traditionally, in Japan, the crane is the most popular animal depicted through the use of origami. There is folklore surrounding this bird, wherein the person who folds one thousand cranes will receive prosperity and good fortune, and the granting of a wish as well. Cranes are not the only animal origami creatures that can be recreated through folds, as cats, dogs, fish and many other animals are also popular choices.
Those who have intermediate or advanced animal origami skills can create animals that look very similar to the real thing, and which also have a complex system of origami folds. It is true that beaks, horns, feet and other animal details can sometimes be harder to create than the main body of the animal. Some more complicated diagrams may even involve folding separate sheets of paper and combining them into one larger animal figure.
Here’s how to make a dog using this Japanese art form. First, you will begin with a square piece of paper. If it is colored, put the colored side face down on the work surface and then fold along the diagonal to create a triangle. Next you will bring the corners together to section the paper in half and then unfold. This step creates a crease. Now you will place the model so that two points are at the top and one point is facing down. To create the dog’s ears, you will turn down each of the two top points, using the center crease line as a guide. Finally, you will fold the top and bottom of the dog’s head away from you. The dog is complete. This is a very basic origami diagram. Many kids who make this enjoy pasting google eyes on it as well as drawing a nose and a mouth to make it more realistic and personalized. For a great selection of inspiring origami animals and others, visit the website of Robert J. Lang, at www.langorigami.com.
Creating perfect folds in animal origami can be simple or difficult; it all depends on the design involved, especially for kid’s crafts. Often it is recommended to add google eyes and use pens or pencils to create more realistic finished products. To create a herd of horses or a flock of birds, use paper that contains shades of the same color. If you choose, you can use smaller sizes of paper, creating a small family of different sizes.