How To Make a Bird Base

Repeat with the two other opposing corners. You should now have two diagonal creases on the colored side of the paper.

Turn the paper over to the white side. Fold one edge of the paper to the opposite edge, then unfold.

Repeat with the other two opposing edges, but this time do not unfold.

Position the paper so that its folded edge is along the bottom. There should be creases on the paper that form a “V.” Hold the paper with each hand on either side of the “V.” Slowly bring your hands together, allowing the four corners to meet at the top.

Place the model flat onto the table in a diamond shape, making sure there are two flaps to the right and two flaps to the left of the vertical crease running down the center. This is a Preliminary Base.

Rotate the paper so that the closed point is at the top.

Fold the bottom right and bottom left edges of the uppermost flap to meet on the center vertical line.

Fold the closed point over the two flaps as far as it will go. Unfold.

Unfold the two flaps back to the Preliminary Base.

Carefully lift up the top layer of paper as far as it will go. Bring the sides in, toward the middle, using only existing creases in order to flatten the flap. Note that no new creases are made during this step. You should now have created a long diamond shape.

Turn over and repeat Steps 8-11. You’ve made a Bird Base—now you can really start to spread your wings.