Introduction: Kusudama Origami Christmas Trees

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As part of my developing Kusudama collection, I created some Christmas decorations. By cutting the petals of a Kusudama flower into different sizes and stacking them in a reverse order, I created holiday tree arrangements. Enjoy.

Step 1: Folding the Petals of the Flower

I have numerous designs based on the Kusudama flower. So I won't spend too much time reviewing the basic petals. If you need greater detail, take a look at my "kusudama wedding jewelry" instructable. Anyway to make this design, I cut a sheet of origami paper into smaller 2 inch by 2 inch squares. I then took one square and folded it in half diagonally into a triangle. I then folded each outside point up into the top point to create a diamond.

Step 2: Making the Petal Continued.

I then folded the inside edge of the top flap outward so that it ran parallel with the outside edge of the diamond. I did this to both sides so that the diamond looked like it had wings.

Step 3: Continued.

I then unfolded the wings and opened then to the inside. I pressed them down along the fold lines I created in the prior few steps (as demonstrated in the picture). I did this to both sides. I then folded the tips down along the outside edge. I did this on both sides as well.

Step 4: Cont.

I then refolded the flaps over the folded tips and glued them together in the middle by bending the sides inwards. I used clothes pins to hold the sides together until the glue dried.

Step 5: Cutting One Petal Into Many Flowers.

After the petals dried, I cut each petal into many sizes (I tried to be consistent with each petal in a flower so that they match up well).

Step 6: Arranging Each Flower

I then arranged each level of the petals into a flower of different sizes (Note: flowers can have different number of petals. I like 5 or 6 petals). Once arranged, I glued each petal together and let them dry.

Step 7: Stacking the Tree

After creating a string of different sized flowers, I stacked them in reverse order and glued each section down. I plan to put these out for Christmas (though I realize its a ways away). I sprayed the tree with spray coating for paper to enhance its life. Hope you like it.