MOD16 - MODULAR ORIGAMI - REGAL WREATH (FROM 8 SQUARES)

Credits and Resources:
Design: Lindy van der Merwe/Unknown/Traditional
Text-Only Instructions - Copyright 2024 by accessorigami.com
MOD16 - MODULAR ORIGAMI - REGAL WREATH (FROM 8 SQUARES)
If you are aware of any other source where this model or similar might be listed, please let me know so I can reference it under this heading.
Paper to be used: 8 squares - any kind of paper should work for this model, though very smooth, shiny paper may cause your units to disassemble themselves more easily, in which case you might need glue for the sake of durability.
If you don't like using glue, normal colored origami or craft paper should work fine.
Level: Easy/Intermediate
Steps: 15
Description:  This is a flat, two-dimensional wreath, or an octagon with a fairly round appearance.with smooth edges
One side has a smooth surface,  while the other has a pattern made up of various small triangular and long rectangular areas, that seem to resemble spokes or stripes, dividing the structure into eight equal parts.
If folded from duo paper, one side of the wreath will show both colors in a pleasing cymmetrical display.
You can use 1 or 2 colors for this wreath. If using 2 colors, make sure you alternate them, so that they will make a nice pattern.
This is a fairly small wreath.
The structure does not need glue, but you may want to secure it for the sake of durability.
Remarks:
Wreaths are always beautiful to fold for many different occasions, including religious holidays like Christmas,as new seasons arrive or just for fun throughout the year.
You can use colors like silver, gold, red, green or blue and tie with matching ribbon to hang the wreaths on a door or around the house.
Use on cards or as decorations on gifts.
Make as a project with children and decorate with glitter, sequence or any other embellishments if preferred.
Glue the shape onto a card or other base to make a photo frame or coaster.
If you are using two-sided paper, make sure that the side you want for the outside of the wreath is facing down before you start to fold.
Note that, in the instructions below, the correct positioning of the model during both the folding and assembly process is very important, so take extra care to orient your paper correctly for each step.
PHASE 1: CREATING THE UNITS
You will be folding 8 similar units to form your wreath.
Step 1
Place a square down with its points left and right, top and bottom, or in a diamond orientation.
Step 2
Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point, to form a two-layered triangle.
Crease and leave folded.
Step 3
Make a small pinch mark at the bottom center of the triangle by folding its left point over to meet the right.
Unfold.
Step 4
Take the top loose point of the triangle, the top layer of the paper only, and fold it down to meet the pinch mark you have created in the previous step.
Make a strong crease and leave folded.
Result: Nearest you will be a triangle, with its point towards you.
Furthest away, at the top of the shape, there will be the single-layered triangle we have not yet folded.
Focus on this top triangle for the next step.
Step 5
Take the top point of the top triangle and fold it down and to the left, until it aligns with the edge of the bottom triangle.
Result: The top part of the shape will remind one a little of a kite now, with a very small unfolded triangle on the left and on the right, a two-layered longer triangle.
Step 6
Lastly, we are going to take the left point of our overall shape and fold it diagonally upwards as far as it will go, using the left side of our unit as a guide.
Make sure that your top edges line up nicely when making this fold.
As we fold the left point up, it will be stopped by an already-formed fold.
Result: Once folded, you should have another triangle, on the top left of the overall shape, with its point extending beyond the main body of the unit, .
This completes the basic folded unit.
Phase 2: Fold more similar units
Repeat steps 1 to 6 7 more times so you have 8 similarly shaped units to work with.
If using 2 colors, group your units accordingly and make sure to place them all in the orientation described above.
If preferred, place your units under a heavy book or similar object for a while. This will let the creases settle into place, helping with the assembly and making your creation look neat and tidy.
Explanation:
Note: Place your unit as you have folded it above, with its long, closed side nearest you, running in a straight line from left to right.
The last triangle you had folded up should be at a slight angle, like an arrow that is pointing left.
First look at one of your folded units.
* The unit has various triangular areas. Don't worry about identifying all of them.
* The important area is the large pocket you will be able to access from the right of each unit.
You can find the pocket by sliding your finger from the far right, bottom corner of the shape until you find a diagonal edge, which is the opening of the pocket we are looking for.
*You will be inserting each new unit at a slight angle as far as it will go.
* New units will always be inserted from the right.
* To secure our units, we will be making two small folds along the outer or top edges of our assembly.
* Don't worry. All will become clearer as you start the next phase.
Phase 3: Assembling your model
 Step 7
Take your first unit and place it down on a flat surface in the orientation indicated above.
Step 8
Take unit 2 in your right hand, holding it in exactly the same orientation as unit 1.
Step 9
Now, slightly open the pocket on the right of unit 1 and slide the left point of unit 2 all the way into it.
Unit 2 will slide in at an angle.
You will know you have done it correctly if you can feel almost no movement between the units.
You will also notice that a diagonal band has formed just where the two units are joined. Make sure this band is neat and straight. This will ensure that your units fit perfectly together.
Step 10
Explanation
* To join our units, notice that at the edge furthest away from you, there will now be two small triangular points that have been formed.
* Let's call them A on the left and B on the right.
* Notice that point B also forms a pocket with its opening facing away from us.
*Actually, point A is also the end point of the diagonal band mentioned above.
Step 11
So, first, take point A and tuck it into the pocket of point B.
To do this, you will be making a mountain fold, away from you.
Even though this is a very small point, make sure you tuck it in all the way into the pocket formed by point B and that you make a strong crease.
Step 12
Now, you need to take point B and fold it towards you and tuck it into the small pocket you will find just below it.
This fold will be a valley fold, towards you, and slightly to the left.
Result: Point B will now have folded over into a little triangle with its point that is hidden in the pocket just below it.
In this way, the two points are now intertwined along the outer edge of the wreath.
Step 13
Rotate your figure to the left so you have the pocket of the last unit in front of you, ready for the next unit to be added from the right.
Step 14
Continue adding units until you are able to connect unit 8 with unit 1.
Step 15
You might find that unit 1 is hiding underneath unit 8. Gently switch the two units around so that unit 1 lies on top of unit 8.
You can then join the two units as before, completing the circle.
Place the finished wreath under something heavy to make sure the small points are really pressed flat before hanging your wreath.
Making origami accessible through text instructions.
for non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, July 2024
This text copyright 2024 by accessorigami.com

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