origami lotus flower

I have long been intrigued by the ancient art of paper folding. Nimble fingered souls smoothing fine, starchy papers into knife edge creases. Under a code like pattern of folds creatures evolve from their stagnant two dimensional beginnings to life like masses. Perhaps it is the intricacy; the neatness of such a craft that draws in this haphazard, helter skelter soul. The meditative qualities of order and structure are also appealing in this random often chaotic Mumma business. 

The task was to marry the meticulous and disciplined world of origami with my organic, raw and spontaneous approach to most all things I touch. With much cupboard scrounging, you tube watching and patience; oh so much patience a lotus bloom in crumpled brown paper grew. A folded, papery bloom to serve as a reminder that a methodical approach to life is one to be embraced at times. It's faded crimps and puckers to herald that perfection is not a necessary path to beauty.

What art forms inspire you?

Steph x


Cut 12 sheets of 13.5cm x 7.5cm crumpled brown paper (or perhaps a vintage pattern)
1. Take a piece of paper and fold it in half length ways. Unfold.
2. Fold all four corners toward this centre crease.
3. Fold both straight edges in to meet the centre crease.
4. Turn the paper over and fold it in half at the centre crease. This is one flower petal.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 to make another 7 petals.
6. Repeat steps 1-3. Do not turn the paper over instead fold the paper in half at the centre crease to make a leaf.
7. Make three other leaves.
8. With one leaf resting on the table stack two flower petals on top.
9. Repeat to make 4 stacks.
10. Join all stacks together in the middle with a rubber band.
11. Spread them out to form a flower shape.
12. Start by gently pulling up one petal at a time. Repeat til all the petals are upstanding.
13. Open the leaves gently and shape them upwards .

Joining in with these creative souls.