Instead of simply throwing paper scraps from your previous craft projects into the recycling bin, consider turning some of this scrap paper into lovely origami flowers that can be used as festive party decorations or gift toppers.
For this project, you’ll need origami paper, scrapbook paper, or a square of paper cut from a magazine, brochure, or old book page. The size of your square doesn’t matter, although squares of at least four inches are the easiest to work with if you have minimal origami experience.
1. Make a Waterbomb Base
This easy origami flower begins with a waterbomb base. Also known as a balloon base, this is a common origami form used in a variety of models.
To make a waterbomb base, start with the side of your paper you want to use for your flower petals face up. Fold the paper in half horizontally. Unfold. Fold the paper in half vertically. Unfold. You now have a cross shaped crease pattern.
Flip the paper over so the flower petal side is face down. Fold the paper in half diagonally so you have a large paper triangle. Unfold. Fold the paper in half diagonally from the other direction.
Unfold the paper completely. Using the middle vertical folds, collapse the paper into a layered triangle shape. This is your waterbomb base.
2. Start the Petals of Your Flower
Turn your paper so the point of your waterbomb base is facing you. Fold your waterbomb base in half along the middle vertical crease. Take the first of the four layers and fold it towards the left side of your work space as shown in the photo below.
3. Finish Creating the Petal Flaps
Flip the model over. Fold the top layer over to the right side, using the same technique as the fold in the previous step of the project. Flip the model over. Fold the top layer over to the left side. Flip the model over one last time and fold the last layer to the right side.
4. Open the First Petal
Hold your paper by the pointed end that will be the stem of your finished flower. Open one four flaps you’ve created. Push the bottom of the flap inward slightly and run your thumb along the crease. This will make the flap pop out into a petal shape.
5. Finish Shaping Your Easy Origami Flower
Open the remaining three flaps using the same technique. This completes your easy origami flower.
