Cranes are a mystical creature in Japanese culture, and the gift of 1,000 origami cranes to expectant parents is said to bring long life and good luck.

I don’t know about you, but folding a thousand cranes just doesn’t fit into my schedule this week. However, folding 12 of them to make a striking photo-clip mobile for my clients’ nursery is doable.

Here are the instructions for folding origami cranes. Take your time and line up the edges carefully as you fold. I also dig using paper that’s white on one side and colored on the other; it makes it easier to see what step you’re on. My pal, Iggy, and I made the the whole sedge (you like my fancy word for “group of cranes”?) in less than two hours!

Browse before and after pictures of this modern nursery remodel

I love this simple mobile. For now, it holds our gift. But as their twin daughters grow up, their dads, Adam and John, can tuck in special memories, cards or photographs.

What do you think? Would you fold 1,000 paper cranes to welcome a new baby, or is a dozen more your speed?