The origami crane is undoubtedly the most easily recognized of the paper folds. In Japanese folklore it is a symbol of longevity as the Japanese believed the crane lived for 1000 years. In modern day Japan it is a symbol of World peace because of the story of Sadako and the Thousand Cranes. Here in America they have come to symbolize good luck to the bride and groom at weddings; on the mainland 1000 cranes are used, in Hawaii 1001.

Click on the images below for close-ups and fabrication details.

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

To me tiny cranes are beautiful and elegant sculptures in miniature. "Do you use tools to fold them?" I am often asked. I don't. I just use tiny pieces of paper and my fingers. My favorite sizes to fold are cranes that are 3/8" or 3/4" high. To view a picture in scale look at the Tiny Gestures page below.

I began creating cranes as a fine art form in 1997. Since then I have easily folded more then 14,000 of them!

Stacie Tamaki