Make Coloring Pages on the Computer

ON THE COMPUTER:

1. Save the PNG file of the crane that is found HERE.

2. Open up a new document that is 8.5x11 inches in whatever program you want to use.

3. If the program allows you to set the resolution then I would set it at 300 (that’s what I use in Photoshop) so that the crane remains proportional.  The higher the quality means that the picture looks better when printed out.  If you have any issues or need a different resolution of a crane outline please contact me.

4. Create your picture!  (Please don’t use clip-art or images with copyright or anything…)
5. Print out your picture if possible.  Measure the crane from the tip of the wing to the bottom and if it is just under 3 inches then it is the right size.  Go HERE to see an example!

6. Save your picture as a PNG or JPG file, if possible, and e-mail it to me.

How To Fold Origami Cranes

If you are making a coloring page and would like to trace a physical crane you can either e-mail me your address and I can send you one... or you can learn to fold one yourself!

Video instructions:

The video is completely silent but the motions speak for themselves.  IGNORE the final two steps where they fold down the crane wings so the bird looks like it is flying.  (This is not my video.)

Printable instructions:
http://www.origami-fun.com/support-files/origami-crane-print.pdf
Please do not do step #12.

Website instructions:
http://www.origami-fun.com/origami-crane.html
Please do not do step #12.

Making Pictures with Paper and Pen

If you’re here at this page, it’s because you’re not sure how to make coloring pages specifically (although you may have done drawing or art in the past.)

PAPER AND PEN:

Alright, if you are most comfortable using a paper and pen I can help you some, but not a lot, since I don’t actually know how to draw.

1. Print out the crane outline HERE and cut it out.

2. Trace the crane outline somewhere on the paper.  You also may use a real origami crane made from 6x6 inch origami paper (instructions here) Send me your address if you would like me to send you a crane I have made.
3. Measure your crane from wing-tip to the bottom and if it is just under 3 inches then it is the right size.  Go HERE for an example.

4. Draw your picture!

Getting the picture to me (there are several options here):

1. If you have a scanner this would be the best way to get the picture onto the computer and then you can e-mail it to me.

2. E-mail me for my address and if I know you then I will give to you so you may send the coloring page to me in a large flat envelope and I can take copies of it.

3. Try taking a picture of it?  I’m not sure if this would actually work, it might distort the proportions, but if neither of the other options work then you could try taking a photo and e-mailing it to me. 

Coloring Page Suggestions

Want to draw a picture but you aren't sure what to draw?  Here are some suggestions.  I'll gray suggestions out if they are filled.

1. Draw an American flag with a crane outline in the bottom right hand corner (where the stripes are.)

2. A picture of the earth with a crane in the center.

3. The words “Thank You Hero” (not soldier since these will also be sent to marines and coast guards and such) on a banner along with a crane.

4. Something Japanese themed with cherry blossoms, maple leaves, ladies fans, koi fish, bamboo, or ocean waves.  This would be especially good if it appealed to high-schoolers or older students.

5. You could make just a “background” for the crane with cool swirls or something abstract that would be fun for older kids to color.

6. ANIME!  I think older kids would enjoy coloring this type of thing.

I’m up for any design you might want to do!  I just ask you make the crane look like it is actually part of the picture and not just randomly glued on the page.  That being said, if there is any way you can make dinosaurs, horses, butterflies, or tractors mesh together with a crane image then GO FOR IT!

I don’t want to say not to write “peace” on the coloring pages but I also don’t want the pages to be making a political statement or have them seem anti-war.  These are meant to cheer our heroes up – not make them feel guilty or anything.  True, the origami crane is a symbol of peace, but it is also a symbol of honor and loyalty which is exactly what being a hero is about.  Please contact me if you have any questions regarding what would be appropriate to create!

Crane outlines

clear background