Here are a few tips to help you get the most from this kit:
◆ Preview the entire video segment to see what you are about to do.
◆ Study the diagram symbols key (opposite), and be sure to refer back to it as needed.
◆ Glean all of the information depicted in each diagram. Mountain or valley fold symbols may appear in more than one place on a diagram, indicating critical folds that you don’t want to miss. Watch for any “repeat” arrow symbols, because this small mark may direct you to do additional folding before you advance to the next step.
◆ Look ahead to the next diagram to see the desired, resulting shape. Think of the next diagram as a powerful clue!
◆ View the same sequence on the video that relates to the step you are learning from the diagrams. Use your DVD pause and replay controls as often as needed.
NOTE: The diagrams show the model as it changes throughout the folding sequence, but is generally shown in a fixed orientation for continuity’s sake. (When you are comparing your model to the shape shown in the diagram, always orient your model as shown in the diagram.) However, you will not keep your model in the position shown as you execute each fold. Rather, you should turn the model so it is comfortable for you to make accurate and precise creases—typically by folding the paper away from you as we demonstrate on the DVD.
Categories of Origami Flowers
Flowers have long been favorite origami subjects because of their innate beauty, elegance, vivid colors, capacity to cheer, and symbolism. Origami flower designs span the full range of styles and techniques, and can be folded from nearly every type of paper, foil, and film. Whether folded small and in exacting detail, or constructed as huge assemblies for giant floral displays for retail store windows, origami flowers are guaranteed to dazzle and enchant.
Floral origami models may be just the blossom, or perhaps a blossom with accompanying calyx, or even the entire plant with leaves, stems and roots. Matthew Gardner, an origami designer, author, and folding friend of ours in Melbourne, Australia, has even created a window display featuring his robotic origami “flowers” that open and close, changing form and color based upon wireless prompts supplied by passersby!
These lilies (page 16) are beautiful examples of single sheet design.
Origami flower designs may be described in many ways. Here are some simple classifications.
Single sheet designs—Flower blossom or even an entire plant, always folded from one piece with no cuts and no glue. Highly complex designs may require a huge sheet
to produce a small model when the folding is complete.
This Rose for Irene (page 80) is an example of a single sheet design.
Multi-piece designs—Individual elements (such as petals or leaves) are folded and assembled—some styles use cleverly folded locking systems, and others need glue. These models often require small squares. Multi-piece designs are further defined by two sub-categories.
Modular—These designs are usually assembled from identically folded elements that are attached with folded tabs and pockets—not glue.
These Modular Blossoms (page 44) are an example of a modular multi-piece design.
Compound—These designs use components folded into different shapes, which are often assembled with glue.
This rose with leaves and stem is an example of a compound multi-piece design.
In the origami flower and plant universe, many blossoms have three, five, or six petals, so using non-square papers is not uncommon. Triangular, hexagonal, and pentagonal starting shapes have all been prescribed for greater folding efficiency, and long rectangular strips are commonly used to make leaves and stems.
Origami Flower Materials
Your vision (and purpose) for origami floral creations will influence which materials you select. Your success depends upon your “designer’s eye” for seeing interesting colors, patterns, and combination effects. The following table provides several tips about selecting materials for folding the origami flower designs in this kit.
Most flowers can be folded successfully from a wide range of materials, so feel free to experiment. However, if the piece you’re creating is intended to last, be sure to select fine-art-quality materials, papers, and pigments that won’t fade. Usually, the thickness of the paper determines how well it will work at a certain size (or scale). Generally, thinner papers work best for more complex designs. Thicker stock may require that you use larger squares.
Candy wrappers can serve as a fun recycled material for constructing floral origami. Try all sorts of materials!
Foil and foil backed papers fold well, and come in many colors, textures, patterns, and finishes. Also try colorful magazine paper, candy wrappers, and gift wraps. Do not overlook trying the highly patterned insides of security envelopes. Various types of packaging, especially with bright graphics, or shiny, metal-coated layers, can be attractive and may work well for floral subjects, but plasticized films may be hard to crease. If so, use that quality
to its advantage, forming loose, free-form, wild petals.
Foil backed papers provide an attractive dimension with their metallic glint and an added level of malleability.
Pretty fabric also makes great origami flowers, particularly if large blooms are needed as table decorations or public art displays. Use adhesive to apply paper to the fabric before cutting it square. Bond larger pieces with a fusible web and hand iron.
The high cotton content of US dollar bills qualifies them as a fabric of sorts. Check out our Money Origami kits and LaFosse & Alexander’s Dollar Origami (Tuttle Publishing) for a host of great money folding projects.
Floral tape—a waxed, self-adhesive, crepe-paper strip—can enable you to assemble your origami components onto floral wire, or other stem or branching forms. (Floral tape is generally wound from the top down for a more natural look.)
Floral tape makes quick work of attaching flower and leaf components to a floral wire stem.