Anisha Riggs
Creating an origami lotus flower is a fun and easy activity that can be done with just one piece of square paper. The paper can be of any size and colour, but it is recommended to use crisp, thin origami paper or copier paper to prevent ripping. If you want to get creative, you can even use wrapping paper or paint streaks of colour on plain paper. The first step is to construct the 'blintz fold, which serves as the foundation for many origami projects. This involves folding the paper diagonally from both directions and then folding each corner into the centre. From there, you will continue to fold and layer the paper, creating an intricate design that will eventually form the petals of the lotus flower. With careful creases and attention to detail, you will be able to fold a beautiful and elegant lotus flower.
Characteristics and Values Table for Folding Lotus Flower Using Incense Paper
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paper type | Incense paper |
| Paper shape | Square |
| Paper size | Any size, but not too small |
| Paper colour | Any colour, but the colour side should be facing down |
| Folding technique | Blintz fold |
| Folding steps | Fold the paper in half diagonally from both directions, unfold, fold each corner into the centre, make another blintz fold, turn the square over and make a third blintz fold, fold each corner of the square inward to form an irregular octagon, pull up each layer of flaps to create petals |
| Additional tips | Crease folds carefully, experiment with different colours and sizes, use a plain piece of white paper and paint streaks of colour, use lined paper for practice |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paper
The choice of paper is crucial when it comes to folding a lotus flower using incense paper. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right paper:
Size: The size of the paper will determine the size of your finished lotus flower. It is recommended to start with a larger square piece of paper, as it makes the final folds less delicate and reduces the chances of tearing. A standard size mentioned in some guides is 20 cm by 20 cm, but you can go for a larger size if you want a bigger lotus flower.
Shape: It is essential to use a square-shaped piece of paper. This is because the square shape allows for equal sides and corners, which are crucial when creating the symmetrical folds of a lotus flower.
Thickness and Type: Opt for thin paper, such as tissue paper or soft paper, as it is easier to work with when creating intricate folds. Thicker paper can be used, but it may be more challenging to fold and requires larger paper to prevent ripping. Textured paper can also be used to add a unique effect to your lotus flower.
Color and Pattern: The color and pattern of the paper will determine the overall appearance of your lotus flower. You can choose a solid color, such as the traditional white or natural color, or experiment with different colors like custard yellow or Christmas red. If you use paper with a pattern on one side, you will achieve a different effect, so feel free to explore this option as well.
Remember, the choice of paper depends on your personal preference and the desired outcome of your lotus flower. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of paper to find what works best for you.
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The initial folds
To begin folding your incense paper into a lotus flower, start with a square piece of paper. The size of the paper can vary, but be aware that smaller paper can be fiddly to work with. If your paper is patterned, you can experiment with different effects by placing the pattern side up or down.
Next, create guidelines by folding your square in half diagonally from both directions, so that one corner reaches the opposite corner. Unfold the paper and repeat with the other two corners. You should now have diagonal folds across your square, with the centre of the square marked where the two folds cross.
Now, take each corner in turn and fold it into the centre of the square. Once you have done this with all four corners, you will be left with a smaller square. Leave these folds in place and repeat the process without turning your paper over. You should now have an even smaller square. Turn your paper over and repeat the step of folding all four corners into the centre. You will be left with an even smaller square.
Turn over your paper and open up the last set of folds that you made. Take each triangle and fold it outwards so that it sticks out beyond your square. Make the crease approximately a third of the way along the triangle from the edge of the square.
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The blintz fold
Start with a square piece of incense paper, preferably in a light colour such as white or cream. If your paper is not already square, fold it diagonally to create a triangle, and then trim the excess paper to form a perfect square.
Now, fold the square paper in half diagonally both ways, opening it up after each fold. This will create a large "X" across the paper, dividing it into four equal triangles. Fold each of the four corners into the centre, creating a smaller square. It should resemble an envelope at this point.
Turn the paper over and fold two opposite corners into the centre, forming a blintz or diamond shape. You will now have a shape with two pointed ends and two flat sides. Fold each of the pointed ends into the centre crease, creating a thinner diamond shape with sharp points at each end.
Finally, carefully unfold the two sides of the diamond, and your lotus petal should start to take shape. You can gently pull apart the layers to create a three-dimensional effect, being careful not to tear the paper. Repeat these steps for as many petals as you require, and assemble them together to form a beautiful and delicate lotus flower.
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Creating the petals
To create the petals, start by folding a square piece of paper in half diagonally from both directions. This will create a blintz fold, which is the foundation for many origami projects. Then, unfold the paper and fold each corner into the centre. You should now have a smaller square. Next, turn the square over and repeat the blintz fold on the other side. You will now have an even smaller square.
Now, gently fold each corner of the square inward so that the shape looks like an irregular octagon. To create the petals, pull up each layer of flaps. You can use your fingers to curl the corner petals slightly, helping them to "rise up" and form the shape of petals. Then, bring each of the triangles from the underneath of the flower and curl them over the sides. Finally, use a pencil or a similar object to curl the petals you have formed, so that they look more like petals.
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Final touches
Now that you have the basic structure of your lotus flower, it's time to add the final touches to make it look more realistic and elegant. Here are some detailed instructions to help you finish your creation:
Firstly, if you want to create a spiral effect, bring up every second petal of the outermost layer. This will give your flower a unique and dynamic appearance. If you want a more uniform look, you can skip this step and simply ensure that all the petals are folded upwards.
Next, carefully separate the petals to give them more definition and create a fuller appearance. This step is important to ensure that your flower looks lifelike and three-dimensional. Use your fingers to gently pull each petal away from the centre, being careful not to tear the paper.
Now, it's time to curl the petals. Start with the corner petals and use your fingers to gently curl them upwards, giving them a more natural and flower-like shape. Then, take a pencil or a similar object and use it to curl the remaining petals. Gently roll the pencil over the paper, working from the base of the petal to the tip, to create a soft, curved shape.
Finally, if you want to add a stem to your lotus flower, follow an online tutorial or get creative and design your own. You can use the same type of paper or experiment with different materials, such as pipe cleaners or thin cardboard, to create a sturdy stem. Attach the stem to the base of your flower using glue or tape, ensuring that it is secure and well-balanced.
Your incense paper lotus flower is now complete! You can experiment with different colours, sizes, and types of paper to create a variety of flowers and even try adding additional decorations, such as glitter or paint, to make your creation truly unique. Enjoy your beautiful paper lotus and feel free to display it or use it as a decorative element in your home.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of square paper, such as origami paper, copier paper, or wrapping paper.
First, you need to construct the blintz fold, which is the foundation for many origami projects. To do this, fold the paper in half diagonally from both directions.
To make the petals, pull up each layer of flaps. You can use a pencil to curl the petals to make them look more realistic.
You can use any colours you like, but the traditional combination is silver for the innermost petals, pink for the middle layer, and green for the outermost petals.
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