Origami Page:
rosebud

Mary Ellen Palmeri

Welcome to our monthly "Origami Page". Origami is folding paper and ending up with delightful figures and models, such as flowers, boxes and animals. This feature will showcase a different origami model in each monthly issue, with diagrams and photos to help readers learn how to fold them. Most models use one square of paper, some use a rectangle, and others use more than one piece of paper.

Click for printable file.

There are so many ways to make paper flowers - yet I have a hard time finding ones that are flat enough to be used on greeting cards that I want to mail. So I developed my own! This origami rosebud requires only a few folds, and you can make 2 buds from each square of paper.

I find that 2.5" squares work best for my cards; try different sizes to see what suits you. I also use different kinds of papers for this little model, origami papers as well as colored copy paper, and sometimes gift wrap. I also use white or yellow papers and customize them with colored pencils and/or markers.

To use these rosebuds on greeting cards, I often add stems and leaves. These can be cut out from colored papers or punched out using decorative paper punches. Other embellishments are fun to add; for example, I've used small crystals to represent dew drops on the flowers. If you assemble a bouquet of several rosebuds, a small ribbon bow adds a nice accent.

When folding this origami rosebud, don't worry if it doesn't come out exactly as you'd like the first time. Experiment with the angles and sizes of folds, and you'll come up with several that work. Also, trim off excess paper on the parts that fold to the back if it makes it easier to get good results! A little dot of white glue will hold it all together when completed.

Happy folding!

Origami originated in ancient Asian cultures and has been adapted by contemporary artists worldwide to reflect their own cultures. Local artist Mary Ellen Palmeri has incorporated paper folding into many of her mixed media art paintings, and teaches origami classes locally and nationally. Some of her work can be seen in a Tucson Happenings feature here: Artist_Profile

Ms. Palmeri's original origami models have been published in books and magazines, she has been featured on broadcast media, and her mixed-media fine art works often include various original origami models. Origami LAFF (Lyric Arts Folding Fest) is a Tucson based club founded by Ms. Palmeri to provide a venue for sharing this art. The group meets monthly at a local library; for more details please contact the artist at info@lyric-arts.com