Mourning Dove Craft

Since this week’s animal of the week is the Mourning Dove, we are going to make an origami dove. I’m going to be honest, it might be a bit of a challenge for younger kids but it’s definitely worth it because it’s pretty cool. If you need more help, check out the video on our social media pages!

 

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To start, let’s go over supplies:

  • a square piece of paper
  • coloring utensils to make the bird the correct colors

 

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Step 1:

Fold the paper in half, corner to corner.

 

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Step 2:

Take the triangle you just made, then take where it splits and fold the one corner to the other corner. Then flip it over and do the same thing to the other side. It will look like you have a triangle football.

 

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Step 3:

Then you’re going to point that triangle down and take the bottom corner and fold it to the top. You separate the sides so you do this twice. Do it on one side and then flip it over and do it to the other side.

 

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Step 4:

Now you have a long, weird shaped, almost diamond. All of these folds are going to be used to fold this next fold. It’s kind of confusing so bear with me. Unfold the tiny triangle, then unfold the bigger triangle. Take the lines from the smaller triangle and push them in. It might take a bit of messing around with it but the folds should give and it should fold almost like an accordion. You’re going to have to do this to both sides. It took me a few tries to figure it out but don’t give up.

 

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Step 5:

Now, it gets easier. You have a weird shape and you’re going to lay it down so the long side is up. Take the left corner and fold it under. This makes the head of your dove which means we’re getting closer to being done!

 

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Step 6:

Take the side that separates, without the head, and you’re going to flip it open. This will be the first wing. Then flip it over and do it again.

 

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Step 7:

Then you’re going to take the tail, fold the point to an angle, unfold it, then open it up and fold it down the middle.

 

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Step 8:

Then you’re going to unfold it, and pinch the tail at the top and fold it like you’re folding a hot dog in a bun.

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I hope you enjoyed that craft and show us what yours looks like! I used my colored pencils to add detailing so the colors matched a little better but you can use whatever colors you want. If you want a demonstration, check out the video on our social media pages!