Crafting an Origami Spider Lily Flower

This instruction set will guide you through creating a handmade origami spider lily to bring a touch of elegance and creativity to your space. These stunning paper flowers are inspired by the curling petals of real spider lilies and make perfect gifts, decorations, or desk accents. Each spider lily features curved petals and can be customized with assorted colors if you want to go beyond the traditional red.

Even if you’re new to origami, don’t worry! Each step builds on the last, and with a little patience, you’ll watch your flower bloom beautifully in your hands. Simply take a deep breath, gather your materials, and get ready to fold something extraordinary. By the end, you’ll have a unique paper lily that captures the beauty of the real flower, no watering required!

Before You Begin

1. Choose your paper colors (traditional red will mimic real spider lilies)
2. Clear your workspace and have all materials ready and organized
3. Put on a podcast or your favorite movie/show to make the process more enjoyable

Materials Needed

1. 7 pieces of red origami paper sheets
2. 1 piece green origami sheet
3. Toothpick
4. Scissors
5. Craft glue
6. Pencil or Pen

(Paper can vary depending on size as I’m using 6x6-inch paper but remember for best results use origami double sided paper!)

1. Select one square of origami paper and fold it in half diagonally from corner to corner.

1. Fold that half in half corner to corner once more, then unfold again.
2. Should see crease lines forming an “X” across the paper. (this will guide your base fold)

1. Lift one side of the fold and open it up to fold inward.
2. Flatten lifted corner gently and press along the edges to match the fold. (fold should form a square)

1. Flip over to pick triangle edge to fold towards other side. (use crease in 1^st image to guide fold)

1. Lift fold once more to gently fold inwards aligning the corners. (should form a square again)
2. Results should look like last image when you peak inside the folded square.

1. Place down and lift one fold towards you. (I chose the left fold)
2. Gently press inward to have corners align. (should make pocket inverted triangle)

1. Fold following the crease in the middle to fold towards both right and left. (both halves are folded on each side)

1. Repeat step 6-7 with remaining folds. (not the ones just made but the bigger ones you have left!)
2. Make sure to keep folds aligned with edges

1. This should be the result of folding all the big triangle flaps.

1. Now find the opening gap on top and pick a fold up towards you.
2. Then take the middle edge and fold inward to align with the vertical crease.
3. Once complete repeat process to the other half. (Think of a paper airplane as the result)

1. Then you will keep finding the all the gap sections at the tip to repeat step 10 (remember to keep the edges aligned)
2. The 4th image should be your result.

1. Place it down like before and find a side with the gap in the middle of the tip once more.
2. Unfold it and open up the pocket a little.

1. Then you will press to make a horizontal line where the corners align with the edges.
2. From here you will make a tiny triangle by pressing downwards and folding it upwards.

1. Repeat step 12-13 on all sides with the gap at the tip.
2. Once complete open it up and it should look like the 2^nd image.
3. Then you will close it back inward following the folds with the triangles you just folded facing up and flat.

1. Fold the small triangle inwards so they point towards the center.
2. Repeat this step for all the triangles.

1. Following the creases and folds, flatten your petal on the table once more.
2. Then similar to step 10, you will take each side and fold inward towards the vertical crease.
3. Try your best to align as it can affect your petal curls later on.

1. Repeat step 15 for all the peaks so you are left with 4 spikes (petals) pointing upwards.
2. Their crease should be pointing inwards and the halves outwards.

1. Starting from the tip, gently curl the top edges outward using a pencil.
2. Be mindful of your last folds as they can rip due to them being thin
3. If there isn’t significant curl you can roll it outwards and place petals facing down the table to gently push against it to fluff it up!

1. Repeat that process for remaining 3 petals.
2. Repeat steps 1-18 with 5 other pieces of paper (each will form a petal cluster as you need 6)

1. Find opening fold between 2 petals and apply glue to bottom half only.
2. Next grab other petal cluster and squeeze opening fold together to place in cluster with glue.

1. Attach the 2 clusters then allow to dry and hold firmly before moving on.
2. For 5^th petal cluster add glue to both sides and attach the 2 ends of the base to form circular bloom.
3. Glue final petal cluster pointing upwards in the center of circular bloom.
4. Ensure to hold firmly to allow glue to dry before moving to next step!

1. Cut 12 thin paper strips. (about ¼ inch wide as these will form the spider lily’s curling petals)
2. You won't use whole paper, so save rest for later use!
3. Take two strips and glue them together at one end to create a slightly thicker, flexible strand. (this helps them hold their curl)

1. Glue each strip pair in each petal cluster to complete the flower.
2. Use a pencil, scissors or your fingers to curl each strip outward for a natural, wispy look. (similar to how you curl balloon ribbon)
3. Adjust spacing so the curled strips radiate outward in all directions, giving the flower its signature spider-like shape.

1. Grab your green paper and toothpick for the stem.
2. Place the toothpick on a corner and gently roll in inwards using the toothpick as a guide. (be firm and gentle)
3. Keep rolling it slow and steady while maintaining a firm hold on the stem as you roll.
4. Then leave a small corner to line it with glue and hold firmly in place for glue to dry.

1. Look for the wider end and cut 4 even slits downwards to support the flower. (length depends on how supported you flower needs to be)
2. Apply small amount of glue on each wedge.

1. Place flower facing down and carefully attach stem to bottom point of flower.
2. Hold together firmly to allow it to attach properly as the glue dries.
3. Now, you should be all done, so I hope you enjoy your origami spider lily!