Star Shaped Kusudama
This Kusudama model is another popular one that you might have come across on Google and other Origami blogs.
What you need:
- 30 sheets (multi – colored) of origami paper. Wrapping paper can be used here, too. Size of the paper can be 6” to 8” – square shaped.
- The sheets of paper you use can be printed / colored on one side only or on both sides.
- Glue stick (optional)
Please remember:
- You can use glue to stick the flaps together, if you are comfortable with that idea. Else, manual interlocking of the units will work just fine, too.
- If you would prefer the “Star Shape” you see in the midst of the 5 unit interlocking to be plain white in color, start folding your units with the white side of the sheet facing you.
How to fold the unit(s):
Fold each of the 30 sheets in the manner explained in this 2 part video:
Part 1:
Part 2:
How to assemble the units:
- You need to make patterns of 3 units and 5 units repeatedly to get the “globe” look to the model.
- Therefore, first connect 3 units as shown, and then connect 3 more, to give a pattern of a “star” (5 units) and the adjoining 2.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Ancella:
I would like to do this “simple” kusudama – I tried many months ago and although I didn’t have any trouble making the modules, I just don’t get how to put it together after the first five are joined. I watched another video on this (making the module was a little different) and the slit to join each piece is on the back not on the side. Does this make a difference in ease of joining? This particular video also says you can do it with 12 modules in a four around base. I would prefer to do the 12 and then maybe the 30.Do you know if this can be done and do you have any hints as to the assembly. I have watched your very helpful video 1,2 and the short one on assembly but am still bumbling along.
Just susbcribed to your site as it is very interesting
Regards
Helen
Hi Helen!
Thanks for your comment and subscription! The 12 module kusudama will definitely be easier than this 30 module design. However, assembly for most modular designs are the same – tricky and requires a lot of patience…and maybe sometimes glue, too!
You can definitely try the 12 module design as a first step to folding this 30 module design. When assembling, you need to pay attention as to where to insert the next module after you have put together your ’4 around base’. To start, you can place your ’4 around base’ as how you see it in the instructional video you are referring to. Then see where and what angle the 5th module is inserted. You can use glue to hold the modules together. This is a ‘sin’, I know… but it really helps in assembling those stubborn modules!
I hope this helps! Do let me know how yours turned out in the end
Thanks Ancella-I will give it a try! I don’t mind using glue at all.
Helen
Hi Ancella,
thank you very much for this tutorial! I knew this star as a one coloured model and always wondered how to get the colour of the backside of the paper in front. Thanks to your tut I know now
)
bye Tine
Hi Tine!
Glad you found the tutorial easy to follow!
Happy Folding!
Hi Ancella, this is a quite nice way to fold the kusudama. Thanks for the excellent tutorial.
Previously I knew the model in plain paper but not this variation. And I also thought it was a traditional because the book where I’ve learned it from kind of says so, but I recently came across the information that this model is by Hachiro Kamata, please check here:
David Mitchell’s Origami Heaven – Modular Origami – The All Time Modular Top 10
http://www.origamiheaven.com/
I wonder why the book (by Rick Beech) doesn’t say anything about this author, I actually never heard of Hachiro Kamata before.