Make origami peace cranes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9VF3gdf_Hk

My younger son and I decided to learn to make origami cranes (sometimes called "peace cranes"). We scoured the Internet, struggling through diagrams and videos where the instructor's hand hid the crane at crucial steps, and finally found this video. It shows all the steps clearly, AND it shows an easier procedure than the others, even though the end result is the same. And, it gives you cute little names for various stages, making it easier to remember the whole procedure. First the square, then the canoe, then the fox ears, and finally the crane.

We practiced and practiced until we'd really learned the procedure - above is our flock of misshapen cranes and some we made after we'd gotten the hang of it.

If you'd like to learn more about the art of Origami, this page is good.

More 3-D art projects for kids

Pottery bowls at home
Paper trees
Pinwheels
Making books (book review)