The “Kobako-crane” is a delightful fold perfect for decorating your home during the New Year or special occasions.
Unlike the traditional crane, it features smaller wings and a back that forms a sturdy little box.
It’s just the right size to hold tiny treats like Konpeito (Japanese sugar candy) or nuts.

What makes the Kobako-crane so interesting is that its folding process differs from the basic crane right from the very beginning.
It’s a refreshing twist on a classic design!

Folding Instructions

First, align the top and bottom corners with the center line and fold them.

Next, flip it over.

Fold it right in the middle.

Fold the corner marked with a circle straight to the right.

Here, I’ve folded it in half.

Next, open the bottom section to the right.

Once you open it, fold it in half.

Open the small triangle in the middle and fold it.

By the way, this part will become the wing.

Fold it in half to create a crease.

Then, open it up and fold it upward.

Next, fold it into a diamond shape.

The wing section is complete.

Make creases along the diamond shape.。

Fold it in half again along the crease.

Fold both sides of the flat surface.

Fold down the dotted line.

Fold down the other side as well.

After folding it down, return it to the side with the flaps.

Fold along the dotted line, making sure the fold lies underneath the flap.

Fold the other side in the same way.

Fold the parts that will become the neck and tail in half.

Finally, fold the neck in half, and you’re done.

It’s done.

Gently unfold it.

If you unfold the bottom part into a square shape, it will be nice and stable.

The Kobako-crane

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

In Conclusion

May this Kobako-crane bring a touch of Japanese tradition and much happiness to your home.
Thank you for joining me in this peaceful craft today.

投稿 Kobako-tsuru: A Charming Crane that Carries Sweet Surprises は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s how to fold a crane-shaped lucky envelope with a gift tag.
You can fold both the crane and the gift tag using a single sheet of origami paper.

What is Noshi? Noshi is a traditional Japanese decorative element attached to gifts for formal and celebratory occasions. Originally, it was made from thinly sliced and dried abalone (awabi), which was considered a symbol of longevity and good fortune because of its durability.

Today, while we often use paper versions or printed designs, the spirit remains the same: it is a way to express the giver’s sincere wishes for the recipient’s long life and happiness.

Folding Instructions

I folded it using origami paper that is red on one side and yellow on the other.
In this case, the envelope has a yellow background.

First, fold it in half vertically to form a triangle.

If you open it up, fold it in half horizontally, and mark only the center, it will fold neatly.

Next, fold the left and right sides toward the center and flip it over.

Next, fold one side along the center line.

When doing this, do not crease

the triangle that is on the bottom.

Fold the other side in the same way.

Making a gift tag

Now, let’s align the triangle on the right with the one on the left.

Once you’ve aligned them, fold only the top triangle in half toward the center line.

Next, align the red sides and fold it in half.

Once folded, fold it over to the right.

Fold it in half again.

Then half of the noshi appeared.

Fold the left half over to the right side and fold it in the same way.

Next, fold the star-shaped mark onto the other star-shaped mark.

Folding a crane

Now let’s fold it into a cross.

Fold it left and right to form a cross.

Next, fold it so that the red line is on the inside.

A square for making a crane has appeared.

Fold the left and right sides toward the center.

Once you’ve made the creases, open it up.

Then, as you fold it upward, align the left and right sides.

Then, fold the right side over to the left to form the neck.

Pull the neck down to create an angle.

Then fold the beak.

Fold the top part back.

Here are the finished gift envelopes featuring a noshi and a crane.

I tried using chiyogami and gold origami paper.

The cranes with the decorative ribbons look really nice.

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

You can watch a video tutorial on Instagram.

あわせて読みたい

A small envelope with an origami crane on it Here’s how to fold a small envelope with a crane using a single sheet of origami paper. Start by making a small square, then fold it into a crane. The back o…

あわせて読みたい

A lucky envelope with a crane design Here’s how to fold a small gift envelope featuring a crane as the focal point.A “pochi-bukuro” is a small envelope used for giving money as a gift. In Japan,…

In Conclusion

How to Use Noshi in Your Daily Life You don’t need a formal Japanese ceremony to use Noshi! Here are some creative ways to incorporate this beautiful tradition into your gift-giving:

• For Special Celebrations: Attach a handcrafted origami Noshi to wedding gifts or birthday presents to add a touch of Japanese elegance.
• A Symbol of Sincerity: Use it when you want to show extra respect or gratitude. It tells the recipient, “This gift is special to me.”
• Modern Stationery: You can use Noshi-inspired designs on handmade cards or envelopes to create a unique, “East-meets-West” aesthetic.

投稿 How to Fold a Crane-Patterned Envelope with a Noshi Ribbon は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s how to fold a small envelope with a crane using a single sheet of origami paper.

Start by making a small square, then fold it into a crane.

The back of the origami paper will show through the crane.

It’s easy to fold, so please give it a try.

How to fold a small envelope

For this project, I’m using origami paper that is red on one side and white on the other.
The finished product will be a white crane on a red background.

First, fold the paper into a triangle twice, then unfold it.

Next, align the two corners with the center and fold them down.

Fold it again, aligning it with the center.

Fold it in half so that the vertical center line aligns with the horizontal center line.

Fold the other side in the same way.

Now, using the crease as a guide, open the white section outward and fold it upward.

Next, fold down along the dotted line.

You’ve made a triangle.

Fold it back to its original shape.

Fold along one of the dotted lines and unfold it, then do the same on the other side.

Next, fold it inward so that the lines align.

The square that will form the base of the crane is now complete.

Align the two sides with the center, fold them, and open them up.

Let’s open it at the top.

Make the neck and tail.

Fold the neck and tail upward.

Fold it up, twisting it as you go.

Finally, fold the top part back.

Here is the finished crane-shaped envelope.

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

Using a crane-shaped lucky envelope

I tried folding them using origami paper with various patterns.

Cranes emerge from every pattern.

I tried putting a tea bag inside.

It’s also fun to think of other ways to use these small envelopes.

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation.
Happy folding!

あわせて読みたい

Easy Way to Fold a Paper Crane In Japan, the crane is a sacred symbol of longevity and happiness. By folding this elegant crane envelope, you are not just preparing a gift, but wrapping yo…

投稿 A small envelope with an origami crane on it は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s how to fold Two-Tone Crane Gift Envelopes.

In Japan, we believe that the heart of the giver is wrapped within the gift. I hope this [item name] brings a smile to someone special in your life.

how to fold Two-Tone Crane Gift Envelopes

First, we’ll make some creases.

Fold it in half both vertically and horizontally.

Next, make a crease at the one-quarter mark along both the vertical and horizontal edges.

Then, fold the corners toward the center.

Unfold the creased triangle.

Fold the left side.

Fold along the white line.

Next, fold the other side as well.

If you fold along the creases, a square will form.

Next, use the square you’ve made to fold a crane.

Now let’s fold a crane

Fold along the dotted line and open it.

Then fold the left and right sides in half to form the neck and tail.

Fold back the corners of the square to create creases.

Next, press the corner marked with a star and flip it over.

だるまくん

At first, I was confused because I didn’t know how to flip it over.
Once I tried gently pressing the corner, it worked.

I just flipped it over.

Pull the neck and tail, which are on the inside, out to the outside.

It’s like flipping it inside out.

Cut it with scissors and fold the beak.

By the way, I was able to fold the beak without cutting it.

Let’s make it into an envelope shape

Now, flip it upside down to create a space for wrapping.

Make a crease while checking the balance on both sides, then unfold it.

Fold the bottom corner so that it doesn’t stick out of the envelope.

Fold it up again.

Fold the left and right sides.

Fold it back to the front, and your crane-shaped envelope is complete.

あわせて読みたい

How to Fold a Crane-Patterned Envelope with a Noshi Ribbon

あわせて読みたい

A lucky envelope with a crane design

あわせて読みたい

How to Fold a Crane Envelope with a Single Sheet of Paper

あわせて読みたい

Easy Way to Fold a Paper Crane

A video tutorial on how to fold two-tone lucky envelopes

Why not use Pochi-bukuro for your small gifts?

Although traditionally used for New Year’s money, these tiny envelopes are perfect for any occasion! You can use them to give a small thank-you note, a gift card, or even tiny accessories.
Using a handcrafted origami Pochi-bukuro adds a layer of “Omotenashi” (hospitality) that makes any small gesture feel truly special.

投稿 Two-Tone Crane Gift Envelopes は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s how to fold a small gift envelope featuring a crane as the focal point.
A “pochi-bukuro” is a small envelope used for giving money as a gift.

In Japan, the crane is a sacred symbol of longevity and happiness.
By folding this elegant crane envelope, you are not just preparing a gift, but wrapping your heartfelt wishes in a centuries-old tradition.

How to Fold a Crane-Shaped Envelope

This time, we’ll be using scissors.

We will be creasing the paper

First, make a crease.

Make a crease as shown on the right.

yurari

I think it’s easier if you fold it in half lengthwise and widthwise, then fold it into quarters along those creases.

Next, align the corner with the center, crease it, and fold it back.

Fold the left side.

Next, fold along the creases.

When you fold down the right side as well, a square will form.

We’ll use this square to make a crane.

Let’s fold a crane to serve as a focal point

Align the left and right corners of the small square with the center and crease them.

Open up this square and flatten it.

Then, fold both sides in half.

Push the paper to one side to make it easier to cut.

Next, make a slit at the bottom to form the neck and tail.

Fold up the neck and tail.

Next, fold the beak.

Now you have the main part of the crane.

Fold the left side.

Let’s make the wrapping part

Fold the left edge to the desired size.

It should be about 2 centimeters.

Then, open the left and top edges and refold the paper.

First, fold the left side, then fold the top.

yurari

Now it’s time to wrap it up neatly and securely.

Now, fold it in half.

Fold it back to the halfway point of the crane.

Unfold it and refold it.

Unfold the left side and fold down the bottom part.

Fold the left side and unfold the right side.

Fold the bottom part again and bring the right side back.

Insert the top section into the folded edges at the bottom.

By the way, if you’re putting in New Year’s money or similar items, this is the time to do it.

Here is the finished gift envelope featuring a crane as the focal point.

Other crane-themed lucky envelopes

There are other lucky money envelopes featuring cranes as well.

This one is a tall, vertical crane-themed lucky money envelope.

This is a small envelope featuring a crane with a decorative ribbon.

Watch the video to see how to make it

You can watch a video tutorial on how to make it on Instagram.

Why not use Pochi-bukuro for your small gifts?

Although traditionally used for New Year’s money, these tiny envelopes are perfect for any occasion! You can use them to give a small thank-you note, a gift card, or even tiny accessories.
Using a handcrafted origami Pochi-bukuro adds a layer of “Omotenashi” (hospitality) that makes any small gesture feel truly special.

投稿 A lucky envelope with a crane design は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

I’m excited to share how to fold this beautiful Crane Envelope. While it looks sophisticated and impressive, it is surprisingly simple to make. Why not add a personal touch to your gifts with this elegant crane?

To create this envelope, we’ll make a small snip with scissors. As you fold the paper back and forth, wondering if a crane will truly appear, a perfect square suddenly reveals itself.

I was deeply fascinated when I first learned that a crane could be folded from this simple square. Even now, every time I reach this step, I feel a little spark of joy thinking, “Here it is—the magic square!”

How to Fold a Crane-Shaped Envelope

I used origami paper that is pink on one side and yellow on the other. When finished, the bag portion will be pink and the crane portion will be yellow.
Please choose which side to use based on how you envision the final result.

Please also have a pair of scissors ready.

First, fold it in half to form a triangle.

Then, make creases to divide it into roughly three equal parts.

Next, make a crease at the center of the right fold to use as a guide.

Fold the left side.

Then, align the center line with the fold on the right and fold it.

yurari

Now we’ll make the square that will become the crane.
This is my favorite part of the folding process.

Make a cut all the way to the center at the top, and leave a gap of 1 or 2 centimeters from the center at the bottom.

Next, align the star marks and fold.

A triangle has appeared.

Fold along the dotted line.

Then, a square will appear.

Now, let’s fold this square into a crane.

First, fold both sides toward the center.

Fold along the dotted line and unfold.

Open it one page up.

Next, fold both sides to form the neck and tail.

Next, fold the neck and tail upward.

Fold the neck to form the beak.

The crane is done.

Now, let’s flip it over.

Fold the bottom, then fold the top.

Finally, insert the top part into the star-shaped notch at the bottom.

And there you have it—your crane-shaped envelope is complete.

By the way, it looks great if you fold the wings down, too.

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

Using chiyogami and origami

It looks like the New Year spirit is really picking up.

Just changing the decorations makes things feel so much livelier.

In Conclusion

yurari

I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation.
Happy folding!

投稿 How to Fold a Crane Envelope with a Single Sheet of Paper は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Let me introduce the Kamon-tsuru, a stunning member of the origami crane family. It’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to celebrations like New Year’s, birthdays, weddings, or longevity milestones. This ornate crane is sure to brighten the festive mood.

The Kamon-tsuru is actually a beautiful variation of the “Fan Crane” (Ougi-tsuru). It’s a joy to fold, so why not try making one for your next special occasion?

What You’ll Need

You will need origami paper, scissors, wire, and double-sided tape.

If you don’t have any wire on hand, you can also tie it together with string.

Similarly, you can substitute glue for the double-sided tape.

How to Fold a Kamon-Crane

扇鶴を折ってから花紋鶴にしていきます。

First, fold the paper into quarters.
Then fold it in half again.

Check the orientation of the bag and the fold before making the cut.

Open it so that the fold runs horizontally.
Fold the bottom half in half, then fold it in half again, and fold it one more time.

In short, fold it a total of three times.

Unfold it, then fold it into an accordion fold.

Next, fold it in half.

yurari

The key here is to check the orientation.

We’ll make an origami crane using these two overlapping layers.

Fold it into a triangle along the cut line.

Fold it in half again to make a triangle.
Then unfold it to make a square.

It’s difficult to fold the fan from the side with the fan attached, so try turning it over, creasing it, and then unfolding it.

On the other side, open it as if lifting a fan.

Next, we’ll make the neck and tail.
Fold the back side in the same way.

Open the fan part, and you’re done.

あわせて読みたい

Fan Crane: The Elegant Fan Crane for Auspicious Occasions

From here, I’ll turn it into a Kamon crane.

Wrap the wire around the middle of the fan to secure it.
Next, separate the bottom part of the fan into two pieces and cut them apart.

Once you’ve cut them apart, apply double-sided tape to the left, right, and center sides to stick them together, and you’re done.
Of course, you can use glue if you prefer.

A fan-shaped crane facing forward

I unfolded the fan-shaped crane facing forward—which I’d made by chance—and took a closer look.

After folding it accordion-style and then in half, it looks a little different.

With the sideways crane, the cut was on the left side, but this time it’s on the right.

Then, fold down the pouch-like section to form a triangle.

After that, fold it the same way as the sideways crane.

However, I found it a little tricky to fold when making the crane’s neck and tail.

When the crane is facing forward, it looks really dynamic.

Displaying the Kamon Crane

I stuck a toothpick into the Sunrise Crane to make a party pick.
This opens up more ways to display it.

Watch the video to see how to fold it

On Pinterest, we show you how to fold it in a video.

In Conclusion

That concludes our introduction to the “Flower-Patterned Crane,” a member of the origami crane family perfect for celebratory occasions.

Why not add a touch of elegance to your celebrations with this beautiful crane?

yurari

I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation. Happy folding!

投稿 Kamon-Crane: A Festive Floral Crane for Special Celebrations は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Why not decorate your home with a Fuku-crane for the New Year or other celebrations? It’s a simple and wonderful way to bring traditional Japanese charm into your life.

The most distinctive feature of the Fuku-crane is its plump, rounded wings. It is said that these wings are filled with happiness, and that the crane “invites” good fortune into your home.

This crane is perfect for festive occasions, and the unique folding process makes it a delight to create.

How to Fold a Fuku Crane

Let’s get started right away.
First, gather the four corners toward the center like this, and then fold the paper into a crane.

Fold it into a triangle, then unfold it to make a square.
Next, crease it, fold it back into its original shape, and unfold it to form a diamond.

yurari

This is where it differs from a paper crane.
That’s what makes the lucky crane so interesting.

Right now, they’re stacked in two layers.
Gently open them and pull out the overlapping parts.

Gently open it, being careful not to tear this overlapping section.
To do this, pull it out gently.

yurari

Were you able to pull it out?

Next, fold along the dotted lines.

Fold along the creases.

Next, pull out the other side in the same way and fold it.

Fold along the dotted line and fold it toward the right.

Next, you’ll fold along the dotted line on the blue section, but you need to be careful.
This is because you’re folding it forward, not backward.

Once you’ve folded the other side, lift it up so that the blue part is visible.

Fold up the neck and tail.

Fold the beak, and you’re done.

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Finally, puff out the wings to finish.
Since the wings are pouch-shaped, you can insert your finger to puff them out.

Watch the video for folding instructions

Displaying the Lucky Cranes

I tried making this using traditional Japanese-patterned origami paper.
Since the small origami paper is double-layered, it was difficult to shape the head.

But the little lucky crane is cute, isn’t it?

The “Fukutsuru” (Lucky Cranes) motif for married couples is lovely, too.

For example, it would be a wonderful gift to give as a wedding present, with the wish that the couple will be blessed with abundant happiness.

I folded this using origami paper that’s silver on the front and red on the back.
That said, this origami paper is really stiff.
I pulled it out slowly, my heart pounding.
But I’m happy with how it turned out.
Thanks to the stiffness of the paper, the wings puffed out beautifully.

In Conclusion

That was a tutorial on how to fold a cute, plump-winged lucky crane.
To be honest, I struggled quite a bit because I couldn’t figure out how to pull out the inner part.
Now that I’ve learned how to fold the lucky crane, I’m really happy.

yurari

I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation.
Happy folding!

投稿 Fuku-Crane: The Lucky Crane that Brings Happiness は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。