Introduction: Origami Flower Blossom

Once upon a time in the 8th grade I was extremely bored in math class when I took a small piece of paper and began trying to make my own origami design from scratch. I knew enough about origami to know the basics, and after a while, ended up with this cute flower blossom. I retraced my steps to make sure I could remember how to make them, and ever since then I love this design and can proudly claim it as my own. These are perfect for paper bouquets, decorations, gift box toppers, and more. I hope you enjoy making this pretty little blossom!


Terminology:

  • Valley fold - Fold the paper to where the crease faces down
  • Mountain fold - Fold the paper to where the crease faces up
  • Preliminary base - The base that serves as a starting point for many traditional origami models
  • Bird base - The base that serves as a starting point for many traditional "bird" origami models
  • Squash fold - Push the paper down onto itself flat

Supplies

1 piece of 15x15 cm square paper, any color

Note: Any size square works, but smaller than 15x15 can be difficult to work with. Use larger dimensions if you like to have more material to work with!

Step 1:

  • Make sure your paper is color-side down and fold two diagonal valley folds

Step 2:

  • Fold two horizonal valley folds across both sides of the paper

Step 3:

  • Fold the paper back into a triangle using one of the existing diagonal creases

Step 4:

  • Squash fold the right and left points. Fold the flaps over to their designated sides
  • You now have the Preliminary Base

Step 5:

  • Fold both sides of the tabs to meet the center. Repeat on the back

!!! Make sure the open part of the model is facing downwards !!!

Step 6:

  • Fold the triangle at the top down along the line at the top of the tabs

Step 7:

  • Unfold both tabs on one side. Open the model from the bottom.

Step 8:

  • Collapse upwards along the crease you just made

Step 9:

  • Repeat Steps 6-8 on the back
  • You now have the Bird Base

Step 10:

  • Fold the top edges of the model down to align with the bottom of the triangle crease. Squash fold the top half to make a "diamond" shape

Step 11:

  • Repeat on the back

Step 12:

  • Fold the entire right-side flap of the model to the left. Flip the model over and repeat

Step 13:

  • Fold the bottom triangle up along the existing crease. Repeat on the back

Step 14:

  • Repeat Steps 9-10

Step 15:

You should now have a "diamond" shape with a small triangle at the top

  • Fold the right side of the model flap over to the left and squash flat. Repeat on the back

Step 16:

  • Putting your finger under the colored part of the paper, pull up and squash the model (the same way done to create the Bird Base)

Step 17:

  • Repeat on the other 3 sides of the diamond

Step 18:

  • Carefully unfold the model from the top, pulling out the "petals"

Step 19:

  • OPTIONAL: Use your finger to twist the middle of the flower for an interesting spiral-design. You can also fold back the corners of the petals to look more rounded

Step 20:

Congrats!! You're finished!