Learn how to make origami crane earrings using our simple step by step photo and video tutorials. These origami earrings are SO CUTE and they’re also really easy to make!
Fold a mini paper crane using origami paper and turn it into fun and creative handmade jewelry. These paper crane earrings are lightweight and elegant, and they make an amazing homemade gift!
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How to Make Origami Crane Earrings
Materials:
- Origami paper
- Glossy Mod Podge
- Flat head pin
- 4 Small faceted beads (3 or 4mm; color matching crane)
- 2 Bicone beads (6mm; clear)
- Earring hooks
Equipment:
- Sewing pin(s) (or safety pin)
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Make a tiny paper crane
- Cut a piece of origami paper to be 2 x 2 inches. You’ll need 1 piece for each earring.Set the paper down with the colour side up.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally, bringing the bottom right corner up to the top left corner.
- Unfold your last fold and make the opposite diagonal fold (bring the bottom left corner up to the top right).
- Unfold again, flip the paper over (so that the blank side is up), and fold in half vertically, bringing the bottom edge up to the top.
- Open the paper up again, rotate it 90 degrees, and fold it in half again vertically.
- Unfold the paper and flip it over so that the coloured side is facing you again.You should now have folds going to each corner and to the center of each edge. (Eg. There should be folds like an “X” and a plus sign.)
- Hold the paper with a point towards you and fold the top and bottom points together while bringing the left and right edges down in to make a smaller, layered square.
- Set the paper down with the open edges towards you.
- Fold the right edge (the top layer) in to the center line.Repeat, folding the top layer on the left in to the center.
- Flip your work over horizontally and repeat the same folds on this side, folding the right and left edges in to the center.
- Unfold your 2 most recent folds.Fold the top layer of the bottom point up towards the top. As you do this, fold the right and left sides in towards the middle.Make sure the top and bottom points are neatly folded.
- Flip the paper over horizontally.
- Unfold the bottom left and right folds. Repeat the same type of fold as the last step, lifting the top layer up from the bottom while bringing the left and right sides in.
- Fold the top layer of the lower right edge in so that it meets the center fold.Repeat on the left side.
- Flip the paper over and repeat, folding the right and left edges in to the center.
- Slide your finger between the 2 right layers and fold the bottom edge up.Fold the edges down, bringing the two sides together, and crease the fold to create the crane’s tail.
- Repeat the same fold on the other side.
- Fold the left tip down to create the crane’s head. The fold should be roughly parallel with the bottom of the crane.
- Pick up the crane and very gently pull the top points (the wings) away from one another.This should inflate the crane’s body.
- Use your fingers to curve the wings down towards the tail.
Step 3: Add a coat of Mod Podge
- Brush a coat of glossy Mod Podge onto the top of the crane. This will strengthen the paper and make it water resistant.Allow to dry.
- Add Mod Podge to the bottom of the crane. Again, allow to dry.
Step 4: Attach the earring findings
- Stick a sewing pin (or a safety pin) through the hole in the bottom of the crane, pushing it up through the top center of the body.
- Remove the pin from the crane and add a coloured bead to the head pin.
- Insert the head pin through the bottom of the earring, using the hole made by the sewing pin.Push the bottom of the head pin up to the bottom of the crane.
- Add a clear bead and another coloured bead to the head pin.
- Use needle nose pliers to create a hook/loop at the top of the head pin. Don’t close it off completely yet!
- Add the earring hook to the loop and then use the pliers to close the loop, securing the earring into place.
- Repeat the same instructions to make your second earring.Your origami crane earrings are complete!
Helpful Tips:
- Make each fold as accurate and as crisp as possible. You can use a bone folder tool or a ruler to help you with this.
- Instead of earring hooks, you can also attach your origami crane to studs with a loop.
What paper is best for making origami crane earrings?
Because this paper crane is so small we recommend using the thinnest paper possible. We used origami paper, but you could also use washi paper (handmade Japanese paper) or even candy wrappers! Thin weight printer paper and magazine pages would probably also work.
Use patterned origami paper for a really cute look!
Does Mod Podge make these origami crane earrings waterproof?
While Mod Podge helps to make these earrings water resistant, it doesn’t totally waterproof them. We recommend storing them in a dry environment (outside of moist rooms, like the bathroom) and not wearing them in rainy weather.
If you’d like the earrings to be totally waterproof you’ll have use polyurethane or coat them in resin.
What other origami earrings can I make?
The sky is pretty much the limit with what origami creations you can turn into DIY earrings. Simply make a miniature version of the folded paper object and then follow our instructions to add earring findings.
We think a paper boat would make an especially adorable pair of earrings, but you could also make earrings from a tiny ninja star or a paper heart.
Whether you’re an origami pro or new to paper folding, you’re going to love making these DIY paper crane earrings. Have fun making a pair of these delicate origami earrings in your favourite colour!
Here’s even more paper craft ideas:
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
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