Start with a square sheet of paper (colored side up if desired)
Fold the paper in half diagonally, then unfold
Fold the paper diagonally the other way, then unfold
Fold the paper in half horizontally, then unfold
Fold the paper in half vertically, then unfold
Turn the paper over so the opposite side is up
Fold the paper along the diagonal creases to form a triangle (bring the top corner down to meet the bottom corner)
Fold the left and right corners inward along the diagonal creases to form a smaller triangle
Fold the top layer of the bottom point up to the center crease
Flip the model over and repeat the previous fold on the other side
Lift the two side flaps and fold them inward so the model becomes a diamond shape
Fold the bottom point up to the center crease again
Flip the model over and repeat on the other side
Pull the upper layers outward to open the body and flatten the model into a kite/diamond shape
Fold the left and right edges inward to the center crease
Fold the top point down to the center crease
Flip the model over and repeat on the other side
Create the wings by folding the left and right corners outward and then slightly inward to sharpen the wing tips
Fold the wings down along the creases so the crane has a defined head and tail
Form the neck and head by folding one top section forward to create the beak
Flatten and adjust the tail and wings so the crane stands upright
Gently pull and reshape the wings and tail to finish the paper crane