Origami Crane Mobile

Origami is a cheap, beautiful way to make fantastic decorations for a home or dorm. Even an origami novice can create an elegant display with this tutorial.

You'll need:

- Paper

- Thread or Fishing Line

-Scissors or a Paper Slicer

-Wooden Dowels or Straws

-Hot Glue

-Small Beads

First, decide the size of crane that'll be used for the mobile. Cranes are typically about half the height of the square they're folded. I used 3" squares, to produce 1.5" cranes. Use scissors or a paper slicer to create uniformly sized squares.

Next, fold the cranes! I created a quick video tutorial here:

Use the straws or dowels to create a star shape, and glue the joints to create a structure. Then, use another set to do a border around the edge. Use scissors to nip the sticks down to size.

Lay out your cranes the way they'll be attached, in order.

Next, take five pieces of string and tie them to each of the corners. Tie all of the strings together over the top of the wooden structure, and attach it to something over the workspace to prevent tangling. Next, take ten lengths of string and tie them to the outside border, allowing them to dangle down. Make them extra long!

Choose a string to start with, and grab the respective line of cranes that go with it. Use the needle to pierce the triangular center of the crane's back, exiting through the hole in the bottom. Slide the crane up the string, then add a bead with a basic knot. The bead should be able to slide, as will the crane. Alternate cranes and beads, ending with a bead, and slide them all the way up the string. Repeat this process until all the cranes are on strings.

Next, adjust all of the cranes by sliding the bead underneath them. Once the final arrangement is in place, add a dot of hot glue to the bottom bead.

Once everything's essentially complete, add a dot of glue to the top of the mobile where the threads are tied to prevent shifting, and snip any excess thread that's been glued. A bit of sandpaper can remove any rough edges on the structure or hot glue trails. Tie the top string into a loop for hanging and find somewhere to display it!

Some tips from having one for a few years:

- Don't put it somewhere windy, the strings are a nightmare to untangle

- A standard push pin is enough to tie it to if it's being attached to the ceiling