Copyright 2025 by accessorigami.com and the authors
Paper to be used: 12 squares, any size; use large paper to practice with at first.
Speciality origami paper is recommended for a nice effect.
Folding level: Easy/Beginner
Steps: 14
Description: This is a modular origami model, meaning that it is made up of different, similar folded units, which are fitted together to form the finished creation.
It is a beautiful large, flat or 2D decoration, resembling a star with fairly long, sharp points.
On one side, the design forms a slightly raised swirling, vaguely circular, pattern, while on the other side, the lines are much longer and smoother, radiating out from the center of the star.
When you have become familiar with assembling the units, you might like to try and use more than one color when designing your modular star.
This model makes a wonderful decoration for all occasions, especially when folded from shiny or metallic colors.
It may be helpful to place your finished model flat on a hard surface under a heavy object like a thick book. This will help to flatten the creases, which will not only result in a better-looking model, but will help the units settle and stay together.
PHASE 1: CREATING THE UNITS
You will be folding 12 similar units to form your star.
It is recommended that you fold all pieces before attempting Phase 3, which will explain how to fit the pieces together to form the finished model.
If using two-sided origami paper, lay your paper with the patterned or colored side down before starting to fold.
Step 1
Place a square on your work surface in the diamond orientation, with the points left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Fold the left point over to meet the right point to create a two-layered triangle.
Crease and leave folded.
Result: The long, folded edge will be on the left with the two raw edges of the triangle on the right.
Step 3
Focus on the upper right edge of the triangle now.
We are going to fold and unfold the top point down to meet the right point, so that we can make a small mark, which will be the halfway point between the top corner and the right corner of the large triangle.
So, bring the top point, both layers, diagonally down to meet the right point of the triangle.
Hold the two points together and make a small fold, only on the edge of the paper.
Then unfold again.
We will now use this mark for the next fold.
Step 4
We are going to bring the bottom point of the triangle, both layers, up and a bit to the right, to reach the mark from the previous step.
This time, make a strong fold at the bottom of the model and leave folded.
Result: We will now have a irregular four-sided or diamond shape of two layers, but on top of it, we have now created a smaller two-layered triangle, which is also a pocket that we will be using for the assembly.
Note that the pocket itself is lying at an angle on top of the unit with its opening to the right.
Step 5
Flip over the module from left to right and rotate it slightly so that the top and bottom points lie in a straight vertical line.
Result: We will still have the lop-sided diamond shape, but now with a smooth surface.
The longer, narrow point of the shape should point away from you and you should have two loose flaps on the left of the module now.
Step 6
Take the left edge, the top layer only, and fold it straight to the right as far as it will go.
Make sure to start at the point nearest you and folding straight all the way to the point of the module. Try to fold as accurately as possible so that the points of your star will turn out really neat and sharp.
Result: You will find that with this last fold, you have exposed a single-layered flap on the left of the unit.
Step 7
Flip the module back from left to right.
Your unit is done. It will still have the same shape as described in Step 4 above, but a small single-layered triangle will also now be present at the left, bottom edge of the shape.
PHASE 2: FOLD MORE SIMILAR UNITS
Repeat steps 1 to 7 11 more times so you have 12 units to work with.
It is a good idea to always measure your folded units against each other or take one unit as your template and measure all others against the template.
If preferred, place your units under something heavy so they are neatly flattened.
PHASE 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR MODEL
Step 8
Position your first module so the long, skinny point is facing away from you. The small single-layered triangle you created last will be at the bottom left corner.
The triangular pocket which we will be using shortly will lie at a slight angle on top of the unit, with its opening to the right.
Step 9
Now, place module 2 in a similar position just to the right of module 1.
Step 10
Lift up the two units from the table.
Step 11
You will be inserting the left point of module 2 into the pocket of module 1.
Notice that, on the left side of your unit, there are actually two points:
a single-layered small corner and just above it, a multi-layered corner that, if you follow it away from you, will turn into the left edge of the triangular unit.
You want to slide in only the single-layered left, bottom corner so it disappears into the pocket of unit 1.
Just make sure this small flap is not bunched up within the pocket.
Check that your second unit is inserted all the way, touching both the left and bottom edges on the inside of the pocket.
Once it is inserted, hold it in position with your left hand.
Step 12
With your right hand, reach behind the assembly and find the loose flap of module 1 that will stick out behind module 2.
The back of unit 2 will consist of a straight, long fold that will run vertically from top to bottom.
Take the loose flap of unit 1 and tuck it around this fold at the back of unit 2. It will disappear between the folds of the figure. Make a strong crease so it will stay securely folded
Step 13
Continue adding units on the right, each time inserting the new unit into the pocket of the one already there and then locking the units at the back by tucking the loose point securely along the fold at the back.
Step 14-
Finally, secure unit 1 inside unit 12 and lock the last fold into place at the back of the star.
Keep in mind that your units are joined by sliding single-layered flaps into pockets. So, to ensure it stays together, check carefully that all flaps have been inserted securely on the front and that the locking flaps have all been tucked in properly on the back.
If all went well, all units should meet perfectly with no opening at the center of the star.
Making origami accessible to those who are blind or visually impaired.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe and Nishi Sakpal, February 2025
This text copyright 2025 by accessorigami.com
Comments
Post a Comment