Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, can create beautiful and intricate designs using simple folded paper. One popular origami model is the origami bird, which when properly folded can flap its wings up and down mimicking the motion of a real bird in flight. This fluttering movement brings the origami sculpture to life and makes it more realistic and enjoyable to behold and play with. But how exactly do you get the wings on an origami bird to flap? There are a few techniques that can achieve this desired effect.
Make the Wings Loose
The key to getting an origami bird’s wings to flap is to make sure the wings are loose and able to move freely. This means avoiding making the wings too stiff and tightly folded against the body of the bird. When folding the wings, only make crisp folds at the joints. All other areas of the wings should be folded softly allowing room for movement. Also make sure to not fold the wings completely flat against the body. Leave some space between the wings and body so they have room to pivot and flap up and down.
Add Weights to the Wings
Another way to achieve a flapping motion in origami wings is to add small weights to the end of the wings. This could be something as simple as gluing a couple of paper clips or metal washers to the tips of the wings. The extra weight at the ends of the wings causes them to pivot downwards from the upright folded position. Then even a light breeze or quick downward flick of a finger can get the weighted wings fluttering up and down. You can experiment with different size weights to control how easily the wings flap. Too much weight and the wings may not even be able to stay upright.
Use a Loose Paper Fastener
A simple split paper fastener or brad can also be an easy solution for getting wings to flap. Insert the fastener through holes punched in the body of the bird and in the wings close to the fold line. The fastener should be loose enough that the wings can freely pivot, but not so loose that they fall off. The split center of the fastener acts like an axis that the wings can rotate around. Once assembled a light breeze or flicking the wings with your finger should get them spinning around the fastener causing them to flap up and down.
Attach Wings to a Pivot
For more robust and energetic flapping action you can attach the wings of your origami bird to some kind of hinged pivot. This could be something like a loosely pinned paper fastener or strip of paper connecting the wings together. Alternatively you could use adhesive to hinge the wings to a length of thread, string, wire or even a chopstick or stem of grass. The key is allowing the wings to freely swing around an anchor point. Again just a light touch or breeze should start the wings dramatically flapping once assembled on a pivot.
Use Folded “S” Shapes
Some clever folding can allow you to get motion in origami wings using the paper alone without any added weights or pivots. Fold the wings into an accordion style series of “S” shapes. These shapes expand and contract when pulled allowing the wings to flap up and down. Small slits can also be cut above each wing then threaded together centrally with a strip of paper. Pulling the strip makes the slits expand and flap the wings. These methods can take some tricky and intricate folding to execute correctly.
Attach to a Motor
For automated flapping you can attach the wings of an origami bird to a motor. Miniature hobby motors with an offset shaft or cam can physically drive the up and down motion. The motor can be hidden in the body with the shaft attached to an actuator arm connected to the wings. This can produce very natural looking wing flapping. The speed and motion can also be controlled by adjusting the motor’s power supply. Simple switch or touch circuit allows turning flapping on and off. This advanced mechanical solution requires some electrical and engineering skills to implement.
Method | Difficulty | Flap Motion |
---|---|---|
Loose Folded Wings | Easy | Gentle |
Attached Weights | Medium | Gentle |
Paper Fastener Pivot | Easy | Moderate |
String/Wire Pivot | Medium | Dynamic |
“S” Folded Wings | Hard | Gentle |
Motorized Flapping | Hard | Dynamic |
Choose a Simple Flap Design First
If you are new to folding origami birds with flapping wings, start with some of the easier methods first. Making wings loose and supple using soft folds allows some gentle flapping motion. Attaching small weights to the wing tips is also very simple and effective. Inserting a paper fastener pivot point between the wings provides effortless flapping. Focus on these straightforward approaches when beginning to bring your origami birds to life with flapping wings.
Use Stiff Paper or Card Stock
The thickness and stiffness of the paper used impacts how well wings will flap. If the paper is too thin and flimsy, the wings won’t hold their shape or pivot effectively. Using paper that is too thick and stiff prevents the wings from moving freely. Standard copier or origami paper in the range of 60-100 gsm works well. Heavier card stock paper from 100-200 gsm makes very sturdy flappable wings. Avoid using paper lighter than 60 gsm which lacks the required stiffness. Experiment to find the optimum paper weight for each flapping method.
Fold Large Wide Wings
Bigger is often better when it comes to flapping origami wings. Long wide wings with more surface area catch air currents better and flap more noticeably. The extra leverage of longer wings also improves flapping around pivots. But don’t make the wings too big relative to the rest of the bird’s body. The proportions should mirror real birds. Shoot for wings about 2 to 3 times the length of the bird’s body for optimal flapping performance. Let the intended flapping technique guide ideal wing size and shape.
Adjust the Wing Forelimbs
Pay attention to the forelimbs when folding the wings. Adjusting the length and angle of the paper folded to form the leading edge of the wings impacts lift and flapping. Make forelimbs longer to increase lift and flapping amplitude. Angle forelimbs slightly upwards from the body for best lift. Forelimb folds also affect center of gravity and balance. Find the sweet spot that enables maximum wing motion without toppling the bird over. Getting the forelimbs tuned right takes some trial and error.
Add Ornithopter Flapping Wings
An ornithopter is a model aircraft that flies by flapping its wings. The ornithopter folding technique uses an ingenious system of paper folds, linkages and pivots that drive a very life-like flapping wing motion. Adapting these mechanical ornithopter wings to an origami bird greatly improves flapping. But the complex folding requires expertise and patience. Successfully integrating ornithopter wings is very challenging but worth the effort for animating extremely realistic flapping.
Use Specialty Flapping Papers
There are specialty varieties of paper engineered specifically for creating movable origami designs like flapping wings. Brands like Japanese Miyuki paper have a laminated construction allowing interior paper layers to slide freely. Other materials like thin plastic sheets or Tyvek can also be folded using origami techniques while enabling movable joints. Seek out these special papers online or in origami shops to make exceptionally dynamic flapping origami creations.
Add A Perch for Stability
Having your origami bird perched on something helps stabilize it allowing the wings to flap freely without toppling over the model. Make a simple stand from a bent paper clip or pipe cleaner. Glue, tape or clip the stand onto the feet to keep the bird anchored in place as the wings flap. The perch should be sturdy enough to hold the bird upright, but small and unobtrusive. For displaying a flapping bird permanently, consider attaching the perch to a base or inside a case to prevent it blowing over.
Consider Internal Supports
For complex origami birds you can add rigid supports to strengthen the body and anchor the flapping wings. Pieces of thick cardboard, plastic sheets, toothpicks or florist wire inserted during folding build internal structure. Supports running through the center fuselage give added stability. Extra strong pivot points for the wings prevent tearing over repeated flapping. But keep supports minimal to allow enough freedom of movement for good wing action. Too much internal bracing can restrict flapping motion.
Best Paper Fastener Locations
When using a paper fastener as a flapping wing pivot, optimal placement improves function. Insert the fastener through the top and bottom of the body horizontally just below the wings’ forward edge. This anchors the wings solidly while allowing maximum up and down motion. Alternatively a vertical fastener through the midpoint of the body with the wings attached at the sides also works well. Experiment with different pivot positions to get smooth natural flapping action.
Crease Wings Evenly
Uneven creases when folding the wings lead to one wing flapping higher than the other. Press each crease fold firmly and precisely to match the wing on the other side. The crease pattern should be identical with all edges aligned for symmetrical flapping. Run your fingernail along creases to sharpen and define them. Sharp crisp folds make wings look neat and promote smooth movement. Take your time folding evenly. Rushing leads to messy weak creases and uneven wobbly flapping.
Add Flapping Sounds
Fun flapping noises make your origami bird seem more lifelike. Attach strips of paper, thin cardboard or plastic (like from soda bottles) to the ends of the wings. The strips rub together making a rhythmic flapping sound when the wings move. Or hang small bells from the wing tips that jingle as they flap up and down. Recording actual bird wing flapping and playing it back while the origami wings move combines sights and sounds for added realism. Get creative augmenting the visual flapping effect with matching sound effects.
Paint Eyes and Other Details
Eyes, beaks, feet and other decorative details make your origami birds more ornate and realistic looking. Use markers, paint or glue on googly eyes for whimsical character. Realistic painted or printed details better mimic a real bird. Apply details at the very end after testing the flapping mechanism to prevent weighing down moving parts. Keep paint and glue minimal to avoid restricting wing motion. Let fully dry before actuating the flapping wings to prevent smearing while still wet.
Test Flapping Slowly at First
When first assembling a flapping mechanism, test slowly and gently. Rigorously flapping unfinished models risks damaging them. Check that wings have free range of motion before high-speed flapping. Tweak positions and make adjustments to optimize movement. Confirm all folds, glue, tape and fasteners are secure. Watching the test flapping helps identify any imperfections to improve. Check for unanimated areas like wingtips and forelimbs and stiffen them for better performance. Take your time perfecting the mechanism fully before flapping at maximum speed.
Make a Folded Stop to Limit Flapping Angle
Folded stops built into the wings prevent them hyperextending and damaging while flapping. Place diagonal creases at the peak extension point to stop each wing from flexing too far vertically. The folded ridges contact the body securely stopping the wings before they overextend. Stops protect the thin wing edges from tearing and increase flapping longevity. But position the stops carefully to allow a wide enough flapping arc and avoid limiting motion. Adjust and test fold placement until reaching the optimum flapping angle limit.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Applying lubricant to the pivot points and movable joints cuts friction and maximizes flapping freedom. Oils like sewing machine oil or light oils work well. Avoid grease which can pick up dirt over time. Put just 1-2 drops on paper fastener axles and wing fold joints after assembly. Test flapping before and after lubricating to see the improvement. Reapply lubricant periodically if flapping motion starts to slow down as the parts wear. But don’t over lube which can stain the paper. Just a little helps maintain smooth slick flapping.
Troubleshoot Flapping Issues
Getting perfectly smooth natural looking flapping action takes experimentation and refinement. Here are some common problems and solutions to check if your origami bird’s wings aren’t flapping right:
Stiff or Sticky Wings
– Loosen wing folds to increase flexibility
– Use thinner or softer paper
– Lubricate creases and joints
Uneven Flapping
– Refold wings carefully matched in size
– Realign and repair uneven crease folds
– Add weights/pivots symmetrically
Wings Detached or Damaged
– Strengthen attachment points
– Repair torn edges with tape
– Limit flapping angle with stops
Flapping Too Loose or Violent
– Tighten pivot point allowance
– Use thicker, stiffer paper
– Add stops to limit motion
Won’t Stay Upright While Flapping
– Widen base of feet for stability
– Lower center of gravity
– Add stabilizing perch
Safety Tips
Here are some safety tips when creating flapping origami birds:
– Use blunt scissors and fold carefully to avoid paper cuts
– Don’t flick wings with excessive force to avoid strains
– Supervise younger children and assist with tricky steps
– Avoid materials like uncoated metal fasteners that can pinch
– Position motorized flappers stably to prevent tipping
– Check moving parts for wear and repair before reusing
– Keep faces and eyes clear of violent wing motions
Fun Ways to Use Flapping Origami Birds
Decorations
Use flapping paper birds as cute desk or shelf decorations. Let them sit or hang on fishing line and flutter in the breeze. Make strings of origami birds to hang as DIY window garlands, mobiles, or holiday tree ornaments.
Toys
Origami bird flappers make great toys for kids. Have them create their own flappers for fun active play. Race self-propelled foldable ornithopters. Use them as puppets to tell stories and perform. Make a flock to reenact everything from Angry Birds to the movie Rio!
Gifts
Give homemade flapping origami birds as memorable gifts. Include customized details like the recipient’s name. Teach kids to fold them as gifts for parents, grandparents or friends. Use them as affordable party favors, stocking stuffers, or add-ons to gift baskets. Seeing the handmade paper bird flap will put a smile on any recipient’s face.
Kinetic Art
Flapping origami makes visually striking kinetic art. Create abstract sculptures that slowly flap from breeze or motors. Use origami techniques on unexpected materials like metal sheets or acrylic. Add colorful patterns. Install indoor pieces that contrast and complement surrounding architecture and decor. Origami offers infinite possibilities for moving artwork.
Science Projects
Exploring the physics and engineering of flapping origami birds makes great science fair projects. Study how paper thickness, fold placement, wing shape, pivot types, etc affect flapping. Build testing apparatuses to measure lift, speed, angles, force, noise levels, etc. Use motors for precise control. Discover the aerodynamics secrets hidden in simply folded paper.
Conclusion
Making origami birds with wings that realistically flap up and down brings them to life. Basic methods like loose folds, paper fasteners and added weights give a gentle flapping motion. More complex pivots, folded actuators and motors create dynamic wing action. Pick a design matched to your skill level, patience and purpose. Take inspiration from nature, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Mastering movable origami flapping wings gives satisfaction and endless enjoyment whether used for play, display or scientific curiosity. With some persistent folding practice your origami birds will soon be gracefully flapping away!