1Get a square piece of​ ​paper​.

​ To make your own square paper: fold one corner of a sheet of

rectangular paper diagonally to form a triangle; then, cut the excess paper away. You can use any size
paper, but origami paper and A4 paper are the best.
2.Fold a large X into the paper.​ If you haven’t already, fold the square in half diagonally. Repeat in
the other direction. Unfold the paper and you should see the X.
3.Turn the paper over.​ Make sure the ever-so-slightly-raised center of the X points up (like the top of
a very flat pyramid).
4.Fold a large + into the paper.​ First both vertically and horizontally to form a + that intersects with
the center of the X. When you’re done, the creases of the + will bend in the opposite direction as those
of the X.
5.Bring all of the corners in toward the center.​ The shape is similar to the origami “fortune teller”
(a.k.a. “​cootie catcher​”) used in children’s games.
6.Flatten the paper into a square.​ Turn the paper, so that you have a diamond with the open end
facing you.
7.Fold the top edges of the diamond inwards toward the center line.​ Start by making sure the
opening is at the top of the diamond. Grab the right-hand corner of the upper layer and fold it
downwards and inwards toward the center, then repeat on the left-hand side. Flip the paper over and
repeat on the other layer.

• Grab the right-hand corner of the upper layer and fold it downwards and inwards toward the
center, then repeat on the left-hand side.

.Flip the paper over and repeat on the other layer.

8Gently unfold all the folds you made in Step 7.

• 9
Pull up the bottom corner of the diamond, opening it up.​ Flatten. Turn the paper over and repeat.
You should end up with a kite shape.

10
Hold your new diamond shape with the split end up and fold each of the top points so that they
point downward and outward to the sides.
11
Fold the remaining layers of the kite downwards (front and back).
12
Take one of the side points formed in step 10 and pinch the tip to form the head.​ Pull it down
slightly, reverse its crease, and bend it downwards.
13
Round the wings.​ Pull them outwards away from the body and round them with your hands.

14.Make your bird flap. Pinch and pull the bird by the neck and tail.