If you want to expand your origami skills, you can use “Kusudama” – putting together many origami modules to create a work of art. Every flower ball is a real eye-catcher! In Japanese culture, kusudamas are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. This folding technique is not only suitable for origami enthusiasts, but for anyone who wants to discover the world of modular origami. If you or your children are interested in building kits for crafting and playing, then modular origami could be just the right new hobby for you! Give it a try!
How do you make modular origami?
In many ways, modular kusudama origami is simpler thantraditional origami, in which a square of paper is folded repeatedly until the desired shape comes out. However, one wrong movement in the last step can destroy the result. You work with individual modules and relatively small pieces of paper. With a little practice, each additional part works better and better. In addition, you don't need a large work surface or special tools.
Modular origami has been around for centuries, but has not been as popular as traditional origami. Its rebirth and rapid development began with the inventions of Mitsonobu Sonobe and Robert Neale in the 1960s. Since then, the modular folding technology has become increasingly popular and has numerous fans all over the world. Origami expert Tomoko Fuse's books have inspired many people,small works of art made of paperto create.
Kusudama origami is suitable for children and adults. Children ages 12 and up can discover the magic of simple, three-dimensional paper objects, while adults can create true masterpieces. There are definitely ideas with a lower level of difficulty for younger children. A variety of diagrams and folding instructions can be found online on specialized websites such as www.kusudama.me and www.goorigami.com.
Many beginners make the mistake of assuming that this origami art refers to a specific type of flower. The Japanese word “Kusudama” can be translated as “medicine ball”. Kusudama Origami is origami made of several identically folded units (modules) that are glued together to form a ball. Kusudama is often referred to as the forerunner of modular origami. In a kusudama flower pot, each piece of paper is folded into a petal. Then all the petals are glued together.
Making Kusudama balls: It's that easy
Very different kusudama balls can be conjured up from folded origami flowers and stars. And even better: new designs and variations are constantly being invented that are given a different name! Just a few of the most popular designs are listed here, but the list is endless.
- Chamomile Star
- Wood Nymph
- Hoya Flower
- Rainbow
- Nordblumen
- Star sea
- Estrella
- Brightly
- Hanami
- Sakura
Kusudama has so many faces! There are numerous possible uses for these fascinating flower balls: table decoration, window decoration, gift, Christmas tree decoration, pendant light, lucky charm. There are no limits to your imagination. In addition, a bridal bouquet made from self-folded kusudama flowers is a wonderful alternative to fresh flowers. You can adapt it to the wedding theme or wedding colors and decorate it festively with rhinestones and pearls. Another advantage: theBridal bouquet made of paper flowerswill remain beautiful forever!
WhichPapieris good for beginners?
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to use printer paper. It is inexpensive, found at office supply stores and also available in a variety of colors. Sticky notes are also great for origami folding because most origami projects require you to use a square sheet of paper. The sticky notes do not need to be cut and are easy to fold. Sprinkle some starch on the adhesive coated strip and it will no longer be sticky. Another readily available alternative is wrapping paper. It is easy to find and comes in many colors and patterns. Kraft paper is also very popular.
Of course, there is also a large selection of special origami paper that is made specifically for folding work. This paper is more elastic than regular printer or craft paper, making it ideal for folding. Origami paper sheets are mostly square and come in a variety of patterns and colors. The classic origami paper is only printed with color on one side, but many of the kusudama designs look stunning when the flowers are made from double-sided paper.
Tools that are at theOrigami workcan be useful
– It is very helpful to use a bone folder for precise folding. This traditional tool is usually made from real bone or wood. But there are inexpensive models made of plastic. As an alternative to the bone folder, some tools for modeling clay, such as modeling sticks, are available.
– Tweezers also prove to be very helpful when assembling the modules for the actual ball. Use the tweezers to snap the modules together.
– Use a ballpoint pen to roll the origami flowers nicely outwards.
– If the modules fall apart when assembling the ball, you canPaper clips or foldback staplesuse to hold the individual parts together. Decorative wooden clothespins are also a good solution. As soon as the ball is finished, these can be removed.
– Even though glue is not used in classic Kusudama origami, it is simply necessary for some designs. But don't worry about it. This ability comes with experience.
TipsandTricks
– To make the flower balls more beautiful, up to three different types of paper are usually combined. But make sure that they are of the same thickness if possible. Using different types of paper can cause asymmetry or other problems.
– Make sure that each individual module is folded as accurately as possible. It may not be obvious at first, but incorrect proportions can be crucial to the overall effect of the work of art.
– If you don't understand a step in a folding instructions, it is helpful to just look at the next picture and simply test.
Below you will find a collection of simple folding instructions for Kusudama balls. Try folding a flower ball yourself and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of modular origami!
