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A kusudama ball is a modular origami model made out of 12 kusudama flowers. In ancient Japanese culture, kusudama balls were used for incense or potpourri[1] .

While the kusudama ball looks extremely intricate, it is not as complicated as it looks. This model would make a good table decoration, or, if you thread it on some string, you can hang it from the ceiling. Read on to learn how to make this impressive model.

Steps

  1. 1

    Collect the "Things You'll Need", listed at the bottom of this article.

  2. 2

    Take one of the flowers. Glue along the middle line of one of its petals.

  3. 3

    Take a second flower and press the middle line of one of its petals on the glue on the other flower. Press firmly so that the glue can set.

    • Secure with a very small washing peg, a paper clip, or even a bobby pin, if you wish.

  4. 4

    Glue along the petals indicated with red lines on the previous picture. Take a third flower and press two adjacent petals onto the glue. Secure with pegs.

  5. 5

    Repeat with a fourth and a fifth flower, as indicated on the picture.

  6. 6

    Take the sixth and final flower. This one will be the most difficult one to add, for you will have to glue three petals at the same time. Glue the petals indicated with red lines on the picture.

    • Press three petals of the sixth flowers onto the glue on the rest of your model. Secure.

  7. 7

    Repeat the previous steps with the other six kusudama flowers, so that you end up with two identical halves of six flowers each.

  8. 8

    Turn both halves over.

  9. 9

    Glue along the lines indicated in red on the picture. Press these two lines on glue together, so that your halves start to form a ball. Secure.

  10. 10

    Glue between all the petals that are now pressing against each other. In the end you should have glued 12 pairs of petals together.

  11. 11

    Secure all the pairs of petals. If you are using pins, you should end up with a ring of pins all round the ball. Beware that the flowers at the bottom do not press those at the top out of proportion.

  12. 12

    Let the model dry thoroughly for about a day. Remove the pegs or pins. You're finished - now find a spot to display your new decoration!

Add New Question

  • Question

    What kind if glue should I use so that it sticks together properly?

    Community Answer

    Elmer's glue should be fine, but you can use different school or paper glue if you want.

  • Question

    What kind of paper should I use, thick or thin?

    Community Answer

    Thin is a lot easier to fold, but if you want to use thick paper you can. Origami paper is the best, though.

  • Question

    Do I have to do with 5 petals only or can I do 6 petals?

    Community Answer

    Using five petals will be better as you may face problems while sticking six petals together.

  • Question

    Do I need paperclips?

    Community Answer

    You do not need paperclips, but using them is recommended.

  • Question

    How many flowers do I need?

    Community Answer

    You will need 12 kusudama flowers. If you search online, it will tell you how to make them.

  • Question

    How you do I add a stem?

    Community Answer

    Fold a green piece of paper into a tube. Glue the paper so it stays as a tube. Glue the stem to the flower.

  • Question

    Should I use more glue if it keeps falling apart?

    Community Answer

    You could, but instead, I would recommend trying to clip it together with paper clips for more stability.

  • Question

    Why does mine break?

    Community Answer

    Maybe because it's too small, so the glue won't stick. But if it's big enough, it's might be because the glue is too much on the edge. Or because it didn't have enough time to dry. If it still doesn't work, try taping it or using better glue.

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Video

  • Experiment with different colours!

  • Make the kusudama flowers at least a day before you make the ball, so that the glue has time to set properly.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

  • This model takes a long time to make! Do not attempt it if you are in a hurry.

  • This model is not recommended for people with little or no origami experience for it is of quite an advanced level!

Things You'll Need

  • Twelve kusudama flowers
  • Clear glue - the kind that comes in a tube with a nozzle - a school glue stick or a stapler simply won't cut it.
  • Very small washing pegs or paper clips

References

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