Origami Flower Blossom

Once upon a time in the 8th grade I was extremely bored in math class when I took a small piece of paper and began trying to make my own origami design from scratch. I knew enough about origami to know the basics, and after a while, ended up with this cute flower blossom. I retraced my steps to make sure I could remember how to make them, and ever since then I love this design and can proudly claim it as my own. These are perfect for paper bouquets, decorations, gift box toppers, and more. I hope you enjoy making this pretty little blossom!

Terminology:

• Valley fold - Fold the paper to where the crease faces down
• Mountain fold - Fold the paper to where the crease faces up
• Preliminary base - The base that serves as a starting point for many traditional origami models
• Bird base - The base that serves as a starting point for many traditional "bird" origami models
• Squash fold - Push the paper down onto itself flat

1 piece of 15x15 cm square paper, any color

Note: Any size square works, but smaller than 15x15 can be difficult to work with. Use larger dimensions if you like to have more material to work with!

• Make sure your paper is color-side down and fold two diagonal valley folds

• Fold two horizonal valley folds across both sides of the paper

• Fold the paper back into a triangle using one of the existing diagonal creases

• Squash fold the right and left points. Fold the flaps over to their designated sides
• You now have the Preliminary Base

• Fold both sides of the tabs to meet the center. Repeat on the back

!!! Make sure the open part of the model is facing downwards !!!

• Fold the triangle at the top down along the line at the top of the tabs

• Unfold both tabs on one side. Open the model from the bottom.

• Collapse upwards along the crease you just made

• Repeat Steps 6-8 on the back
• You now have the Bird Base

• Fold the top edges of the model down to align with the bottom of the triangle crease. Squash fold the top half to make a "diamond" shape

• Repeat on the back

• Fold the entire right-side flap of the model to the left. Flip the model over and repeat

• Fold the bottom triangle up along the existing crease. Repeat on the back

• Repeat Steps 9-10

You should now have a "diamond" shape with a small triangle at the top

• Fold the right side of the model flap over to the left and squash flat. Repeat on the back

• Putting your finger under the colored part of the paper, pull up and squash the model (the same way done to create the Bird Base)

• Repeat on the other 3 sides of the diamond

• Carefully unfold the model from the top, pulling out the "petals"

• OPTIONAL: Use your finger to twist the middle of the flower for an interesting spiral-design. You can also fold back the corners of the petals to look more rounded

Congrats!! You're finished!