Origami kusudama flower is an exquisite creation that may seem complex at first glance. However, you’ll be surprised to discover that it only requires a few simple steps to make. In this easy-to-medium difficulty level project, we will be using a total of five pieces of paper to form the five petals of the flower. To bring them together, glue will be needed. Get ready to embark on this enchanting journey and create a captivating origami kusudama flower that will impress everyone around you. Let’s begin!
Difficulty Level: Easy-Medium
Prepare your materials and let your creativity bloom as we delve into the art of crafting an origami kusudama flower.
Step 1: Preparing the Perfect Square Paper
To begin creating your origami kusudama flower, ensure you have a square piece of origami paper. However, if you only have regular 8.5×11 paper available, don’t worry! Follow these instructions to transform it into a square sheet:
- Start with your regular 8.5×11 paper, keeping the color side down.
- Take the top right corner of the paper and fold it diagonally towards the left edge, aligning it perfectly to create a triangle shape.
- Trim off the excess rectangular portion of the paper along the bottom edge of the triangle, leaving you with a triangular shape.
- Unfold the triangle back to its original rectangular shape.
- Finally, carefully cut along the folded line that connects the top right corner to the bottom left corner. This will separate the rectangular portion, leaving you with a square piece of paper.
Now you have a square sheet ready for the origami kusudama flower folding process. Let’s move on to the next step and bring your creation to life!
Step 2: Creating a Triangle Fold
Now that you have your square piece of origami paper ready, let’s proceed with the folding process. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Take the square paper and fold it in half diagonally, bringing the bottom corner up to meet the top corner.
- Ensure that the corners align perfectly, creating a triangular shape.
- Make sure to crease the fold firmly, emphasizing the triangle shape.
This triangle fold sets the foundation for the subsequent steps in creating your origami kusudama flower. Take a moment to admire the symmetry of your folded paper. Well done! Let’s move on to the next step and continue the journey of crafting your beautiful origami kusudama flower.
Step 3: Transforming the Triangle into a Diamond Shape
In this step, we’ll transform the triangle shape into a diamond. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Take the triangular shape and fold the left corner towards the top corner, aligning them precisely.
- Repeat the same folding motion with the right corner, bringing it towards the top corner as well.
- Ensure that the corners align perfectly, creating a diamond shape.
As you complete this step, you’ll notice the transformation of your origami paper into a diamond form, bringing you closer to the creation of your origami kusudama flower. Take a moment to appreciate the symmetry and clean lines of your folded diamond shape. Excellent work! Let’s move on to the next step and continue the journey of crafting your origami kusudama flower.
Step 4: Folding the Flaps Outward
Now, let’s work on the flaps of the diamond shape. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Take the flaps you folded in the previous step.
- Fold each flap outward to the left and right edges of the diamond, aligning them with the respective edges.
- Ensure that the flaps are folded neatly and lie flat against the edges of the diamond.
By folding the flaps outward, you’re shaping the petals of your origami kusudama flower and preparing it for the next steps. Take your time to make the folds as precise as possible. You’re doing great! Let’s move on to the next step and continue crafting your beautiful origami kusudama flower.
Step 5: Squashing Down the Flap
In this step, we’ll focus on squashing down the left flap of your origami kusudama flower. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Locate the left flap of your diamond shape.
- Unfold the left side of the flap, creating an opening or pocket.
- Insert your finger into the pocket, gently pressing it down to squash the flap flat.
- Make sure to align the creases and edges properly to create a neat and precise fold.
By squashing down the left flap, you’re creating a unique shape for your origami kusudama flower and preparing it for the next stages of the folding process. Take your time and ensure that the creases are well-defined. Fantastic job! Let’s proceed to the next steps and continue crafting your beautiful origami kusudama flower.
Step 6: Squashing Down Both Sides
To maintain symmetry and balance in your origami kusudama flower, let’s repeat the squashing process for the right side as well. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Locate the right flap of your diamond shape.
- Unfold the right side of the flap, creating an opening or pocket.
- Insert your finger into the pocket, gently pressing it down to squash the flap flat, just as you did in Step 5.
- Ensure that the creases and edges align properly, creating a neat and precise fold.
By squashing down both sides of the diamond shape, you’re reinforcing the structure of your origami kusudama flower and bringing balance to its overall appearance. Take your time to make the folds as precise as possible. Your origami kusudama flower is taking shape beautifully! Well done! Let’s move on to the next steps and continue the creation process.
Step 7: Folding Down the Left and Right Corners
In this step, we’ll fold down the left and right corners of your origami kusudama flower. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Locate the left and right corners of your diamond shape.
- Take the left corner and fold it diagonally downwards, aligning it with the center of the diamond shape.
- Repeat the same folding motion with the right corner, bringing it diagonally downwards and aligning it with the center as well.
- Ensure that the corners are folded neatly and create a clean, symmetrical shape.
By folding down the left and right corners, you’re further refining the petal-like structure of your origami kusudama flower. Take your time to make the folds as precise as possible, matching the image provided. Marvelous work! Let’s move on to the next steps and continue crafting your stunning origami kusudama flower.
Step 8: Folding the Left and Right Triangles in Half
In this step, we’ll fold the left and right triangles of your origami kusudama flower in half. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Identify the left and right triangles of your folded shape.
- Take the left triangle and fold it in half horizontally, bringing the top edge down to align with the bottom edge.
- Repeat the same folding motion with the right triangle, folding it in half horizontally as well.
- Ensure that the folds are crisp and create clean, symmetrical halves.
By folding the left and right triangles in half, you’re adding structure and dimension to your origami kusudama flower. Take your time to make the folds as precise as possible, matching the image provided. Wonderful progress! Let’s move on to the next steps and continue crafting your exquisite origami kusudama flower.
Step 9: Bringing the Left and Right Sides Together
In this step, we’ll bring the left and right sides of your origami kusudama flower together without creasing the paper. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Without making any new creases, gently bring the left and right sides of the folded shape towards each other, aligning them.
- Ensure that the edges meet neatly and form a petal-like shape.
- Once you’re satisfied with the positioning, apply a small amount of glue to securely attach the left and right sides together.
- Hold the glued parts for a few seconds to allow the glue to set.
By bringing the left and right sides together, you’ve successfully completed one petal of your origami kusudama flower. Take your time to position and glue the sides accurately, ensuring a strong bond. Fantastic job! Let’s proceed to the next steps and continue creating the remaining petals of your beautiful origami kusudama flower.
Step 10: Creating Four Additional Petals
To complete your origami kusudama flower, let’s make four more petals following the same process. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Repeat Steps 1 to 9 four more times, creating a total of five petals.
- Each petal should be made using one sheet of paper, folded, glued, and brought together without creasing.
- Take your time to ensure that each petal is well-crafted and securely glued together.
By creating four more petals, you’re building the foundation for the complete origami kusudama flower. Embrace the process, and let each petal reflect your attention to detail. You’re doing a fantastic job! Let’s move on to the next steps and bring your origami kusudama flower to its final form.
Step 11: Assembling the Petals
In this final step, we’ll bring all the petals together to complete your origami kusudama flower. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Apply a small amount of glue to one side of a petal.
- Carefully attach it to another petal, ensuring that the glued edges align neatly.
- Continue gluing and attaching the remaining petals together until all five petals are connected.
By gluing the petals together, you’re creating a stunning origami kusudama flower that beautifully showcases your craftsmanship. Take your time to position and attach each petal accurately, allowing the glue to set and secure the connections.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed your origami kusudama flower. Admire your creation and appreciate the effort and skill you’ve put into making this captivating piece of art. Well done!
Feel free to experiment with different colors or sizes of paper to create unique variations of the origami kusudama flower. Display it in your home, use it as a decorative item, or share it as a thoughtful gift. Let your creativity bloom!
Thank you for joining us on this origami journey. We hope you enjoyed the process and feel inspired to explore more origami creations in the future. Keep folding and discovering the wonders of this ancient art form!