Make your own Origami Tulips

Get crafty and create yourself, or a valentine, some origami tulips! For this project you will need two pieces of origami paper, one large and one small (if you don’t have origami paper you can cut a piece of paper into a 8in x 8in square and second piece of paper into a 12in x 12in square) some tape or glue if you want to add extra structural support to your final product. To begin, grab your larger piece of paper (this is going to be the stem of your flower). Then, fold your paper diagonally to create a triangle. Open up your paper and you should have a crease down the middle. Now, fold each corner to the center of your paper (lining your corner with the crease in the middle of your paper) making crisp folds. Repeat this step again with the new edges you have just created. At this point your paper will look like a thin kite. Now you will bring your attention to the top of your paper that has not been folded yet and take those edges and fold them into the center to bring the top and bottom corners together. Fold your shape in half bringing the skinny end towards the top. Fold in half again from left to right and tada! you did made your stem! Run your fingers all over your stem securing all your creases. Adjust your stem as you see fit. Now lets make your blossom. Grab your smaller piece of paper and fold it diagonally, making a triangle. Adjust your paper so the point of your triangle is on the top. Fold in half again and then unfold to create a crease in the center. Now, take the right point of your triangle and fold it at a slight upwards angle (not right towards the center) and repeat on the left side. You’re almost there! Flip your blossom over and fold in your right and left corners and wow! You’re done! now grab your tape or glue to attach your blossom to your stem or, you can cut a small hole in the bottom of your blossom and feed your stem into that hole. Make one or a few to create a whole origami bouquet! If you’re a visual learner like me, watch the video tutorial below or click here for additional support.

This weeks project is inspired by the rich history of the craft of origami, and Swiss and South African contemporary artist Sipho Mabona. The word ‘origami’ comes from the Japanese words ‘ori’ meaning fold and ‘kami’ meaning paper. This art form was brought to Japan around the 6th century with the arrival of the buddhist monks. At the time, paper was seen as a luxury and origami was known to be used in Shinto ceremonies. Moving from Japan, origami became a popular way to express geometric shapes in many different Asian and European countries and eventually became a world recognized craft. Today there are many contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of origami such as Sipho Mabona. Mabona’s interest in paper folding began at an early age while creating paper airplanes in primary school. Now, Sipho Mabona is one of the spearhead artists in the field; known for his thought provoking work that forces viewers to expand their understanding of origami as a craft. See pictures of Mabona’s work below. To read more about origami, Sipho Mabona and other ‘cutting-edge’ origami artists click here.

Suggested Materials:

-Origami paper (one small one large)

-If you do not have origami paper you can cut paper into a square

making one piece about 8in x 8in and one 4in x 4in.

-Tape or Glue

Below see pictures to accompany directions, Sipho Mabona’s work, and my final product. Happy making!