By folding a piece of paper with dexterity and skill, it is possible to create a delicate origami lotus flower. This article will teach you how to make a foundation for various origami, including the lotus flower. Then you'll see how to turn this base into the flower! When you get more practice, you can try using different shapes, sizes and textures of paper to see what you can do. With a little patience and a lot of attention to detail, you'll soon be impressing your friends.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Making a Foundation for Origami
Step 1. Create lines by folding a square piece of paper in half
Align the ends and edges and fold the paper over, swiping your finger to form a consistent crease.
Step 2. Unfold and repeat the process with the other two edges
Don't forget to align the paper as much as possible.
Step 3. Unfold
You will now have a square piece of paper divided into four equal pieces by perpendicular lines that meet in the center.
Step 4. Fold each end in towards the center
Start with one end, placing its end in the center and aligning it with the creases created earlier in the paper. Align and bend all ends.
- Be careful not to go over the center with one end.
- Do not unfold.
Step 5. Repeat the previous step with all the tips
When you're done, you'll have a smaller square. This is the basis for various origami.
With this small square, it is possible to make several different folds
Part 2 of 2: Making the lotus flower
Step 1. Fold each end of the base (small square) inwards towards the center
Align all ends and edges as you did with the base before.
Leave the creases up when you start
Step 2. Repeat the process with all ends
When it's done, you'll have another square.
In fact, you're basically creating new foundations on a single piece of paper
Step 3. Make another square base
As in the previous step, fold each end inwards, aligning them in the center.
Do each end at once and be patient
Step 4. Turn the square over and make another base
Fold the ends and align them to the center again to make an even smaller square.
At this point, it will be very difficult to fold the paper
Step 5. Make the final folds
This time, you'll just bend the ends a little inward, not reaching the center. Only fold 10 or 20% of the tip.
Step 6. Repeat step with each tip
The paper should now look like an octagon with irregular sides.
Step 7. Pull out the first petals
Keep the paper positioned so you can see the recent folds and feel the top flaps with your fingers. Carefully pull one tab at a time, arranging the little folds you made in steps five and six. Repeat with each flap/petal.
- You will be “inverting” a fold you made earlier to form each petal. This is the hardest part.
- Be careful not to tear the paper. Do it slowly.
- You may need to unfold the lotus a little so that each petal is up. When you're done, the flap you took from the bottom should be almost vertical.
Step 8. Pull out the next section of petals
Again, take the bottom flaps and gently fold them up, reversing the fold so that the petals open on the opposite side.
Step 9. Pull out the last section of petals
Take the remaining flaps and fold them up gently. They will be more horizontal than vertical and it can be very difficult to fold them without tearing the paper.
Tips
- It is easier to make a large lotus flower than a small one. If you start with a large square of paper, the end result will be less delicate.
- Try making lotuses of different colors and sizes, but not too small.
- Be patient. Fold carefully and don't think you can get the hang of it without making some lotus flowers first.
- Give origami to someone as a simple and sweet gift.