One of the advantages of getting to know origami is that you can make beautiful art using a sheet of paper. However, even if you've never folded a paper crane, by following simple instructions and using the right type of paper, you should be able to fold a paper flower yourself in a matter of minutes. It might seem a little messy at first, but with a little practice, you'll soon be good at making paper flowers.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Folding Basic Shapes for Flowers
Step 1. Use a rectangular sheet of paper
Most origami designs require rectangles of paper that are the same length on all sides. You can buy specialty origami paper at a stationery or craft store, or you can make your own.
Step 2. Start by laying the colored side up
Origami paper generally has a certain color on one side and white on the other. If you're using colored paper on both sides or you're using plain white paper, you don't have to worry about which side should be facing up.
Step 3. Fold the paper in half at the top-bottom and left-right
This fold will form a line like a plus sign that divides the paper in the middle. For best results, press down on the line with your thumb until the crease looks firm. The steps you have to take are:
- Fold the paper in half from right to left.
- Press your hand on the line so that the folds are firm, then unfold the paper.
- Fold the paper in half from top to bottom.
- Press your hand on the line so that the crease is firm, then unfold the paper.
Step 4. Fold the paper in an X shape on the back
Turn the white paper face up. The X-shaped line will cut through the center of the paper, just like the previous plus sign-shaped line. To create an X line, you must perform the following steps:
- Fold the bottom right corner to the top left corner.
- Press your hand on the line so that the folds are firm, then unfold the paper.
- Fold the bottom left corner to the top right corner.
- Press your hand on the line so that the folds are firm, then unfold the paper.
Step 5. Fold all the sides inward to form a triangle as the base shape for the flower
In this step, bend the fold in the shape of the plus and X with the white side facing up. Make the basic shape for the flower by:
- Tuck the left and right sides into the middle.
- Pull the top and bottom to flank the left and right sides.
- The results of the folds will form a triangle.
Part 2 of 2: Folding Tulips
Step 1. Fold the outer side inward perpendicularly, parallel to the center line
You will see a vertical crease line in the middle of the triangle. Take a right corner and fold it parallel to the center line. Do the same for the left corner.
- Turn the paper over and do the same on the back.
- Once all the pieces are folded, the paper will now be in the shape of a rhombus with the bottom dot pointing towards you.
Step 2. Fold the outer corner of the top paper inward
You can do this by taking the paper on the left and pulling it to the right. Fold the corners on that side perpendicularly, parallel to the center line. Do the same on the right side of the paper so that the two sides meet in the middle.
Do the same steps on the back side
Step 3. Link the two paper folds that meet in the middle
Linking the two folds will form different sides. Two of the sides will have a fold that forms a pocket, while the other two sides will have a part with an open fold. Link the two paper folds in this way:
Unfold the paper on one side and insert the other side into it
Step 4. Blow out the tulips
Next, you'll need to blow the tulips into bloom. Use your index finger and thumb to hold the folds in the paper from unfolding. Air can find its way out through the folds, so hold on tight. Then:
- Place the X-shaped piece of paper right in front of your mouth.
- Blow gently until the tulips bloom.
Step 5. Open the flower crown for a more realistic tulip flower
Now, the top of the tulip will have a corolla (i.e. a layer of paper) on all four sides of the flower. Open the crown about of the way outward.
- You can slightly fold the ends of the crown strands for a more realistic result.
- Or you can leave the crown strands as they are and curl the ends slightly for a more natural look.
Tips
- You can use a bone folder (a blunt tool used to fold paper) to help define the folds. Some tools that can be used instead of a bone folder include plastic bottle caps, paperweights, rulers, or you can buy a bone folder at the nearest craft store.
- Once you're good at making tulips, try making other types of paper flowers, such as origami flowers, paper roses, or even tissue paper flowers.
