Preserving Paper Cranes

Traditionally, paper cranes should be made without glue and scissors.  I have been trying to Google different preservation methods of paper cranes and found nothing. 

My questions:

1.  Will the folds stay together?

2.  Will the cranes get damaged under the weight of other cranes in the jar?

3.  Does stringing the cranes help them keep their shape?

4.  Should I spray each crane with a mat finish lacquer?

5.  Should I only use acid free paper?

At this stage I will go with the traditional method.  If I keep asking questions, I will never start making them!  I do want them to be perfect and last forever, but I guess more importantly it is the thought and meaning that is most important.

And if I go ahead and photograph each one and scrapbook it in an album as a keepsake, if they DO get damaged over time, there is still this record.  Plus I can add photos of us, share my favourite memories and more!

What Size Paper Should I use

This is a very good question because the size of the cranes will determine how much space is required for displaying them.  One website recommended three inch squares.  This makes a wing span measuring approximately two and a half inches.  This is quite an efficient size, and it's not too small to make the origami fiddly.

Different Sizes of Cranes 

However, if I am to fit one thousand cranes into a single container, perhaps I need to perfect my fine folding and use the two inch squares.  I will start with small cranes and see what happens.  There is no reason why I can't have multiple sizes.  

I've also learned that the measurement of the square needs to be absolutely accurate or the final product will be slightly off balance.  The thinnest paper was much more versatile.

Unfortunately, these cranes won't be included in my one thousand beautiful paper cranes.  When I start making, you will be the first to know!