Create Serenity: A Step-by-Step Guide to Folding an Origami Water Lily

Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, offers a pathway to mindfulness and creativity. Among its many beautiful creations, the origami water lily (also known as a lotus) stands out for its elegance and symbolic significance. Representing purity, enlightenment, and rebirth in many cultures, the water lily makes a stunning decorative piece and a thoughtful handmade gift. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of folding your own exquisite origami water lily, transforming a simple square of paper into a miniature work of art.

Materials You’ll Need

• Origami Paper: Choose origami paper specifically designed for folding. It’s thinner and easier to crease than regular paper. A square sheet, approximately 6 inches by 6 inches (15 cm x 15 cm), is a good starting size. You can use larger paper for a bigger lily or smaller paper for a more delicate one. Experiment! Double-sided origami paper, with different colors on each side, can add an interesting visual effect to your finished lily. Colors like pink, white, yellow, or purple are popular choices for water lilies.
• A Flat Surface: A clean, flat surface is essential for precise folding. A table or desk works perfectly.
• Patience: Origami requires patience and attention to detail. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Practice makes perfect!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s begin our origami journey! Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you’ll soon have a beautiful water lily blooming in your hands.

Step 1: The Preliminary Base (The Foundation)

The preliminary base is a fundamental fold in origami, forming the foundation for many complex models. We’ll start by creating it.

1. Fold in Half Diagonally: Take your square sheet of origami paper and fold it in half diagonally, bringing one corner to the opposite corner. Make a sharp crease and unfold.
2. Fold in Half Diagonally Again: Repeat the previous step, folding the other two opposite corners together. Make another sharp crease and unfold. You should now have two diagonal creases intersecting in the center of the paper.
3. Fold in Half: Fold the paper in half, bringing one edge to the opposite edge. Make a sharp crease and unfold.
4. Fold in Half Again: Repeat the previous step, folding the other two opposite edges together. Make another sharp crease and unfold. You should now have two creases intersecting in the center of the paper, perpendicular to each other.
5. Collapse into a Square: Now, gently collapse the paper along the existing creases. Push the four corners towards the center, allowing the paper to naturally fold along the creases you’ve made. This will form a smaller square, with the folded edges facing upwards. This is your preliminary base. Ensure all edges are neatly aligned.

Step 2: Forming the Petals (The Bud)

In this step, we begin to shape the petals of the water lily.

1. Fold the Top Flaps to the Center Line: Take the top two flaps of the square. Fold each flap inwards, bringing the outer edges to meet the center line of the square. Make sharp creases. You should now have a shape resembling a kite.
2. Repeat on the Other Side: Turn the model over and repeat the previous step on the other side. Fold the top two flaps to the center line, creating two more kite shapes.
3. Diamond Shape: You should now have a diamond shape with four points.

Step 3: Inside Reverse Folds (Inner Petals)

This step introduces the inside reverse fold, a slightly more challenging technique that creates the inner petals of the water lily.

1. Open One Flap: Carefully open one of the four flaps, starting from the bottom point of the diamond. Gently unfold the crease you made in Step 2.
2. Inside Reverse Fold: As you unfold the flap, push the point inside the flap towards the center of the model. This will create an inside reverse fold, forming a pointed petal. The crease should run from the center of the base to the tip of the petal.
3. Repeat for All Four Flaps: Repeat the inside reverse fold on all four flaps of the diamond. This will create four inner petals that point upwards. Take your time and ensure each fold is clean and precise.

Step 4: Shaping the Outer Petals (Outer Bloom)

Now, we’ll create the outer petals, giving the water lily its characteristic open bloom.

1. Pull Down a Flap: Gently pull down one of the four flaps from the top layer. This will reveal a hidden layer underneath.
2. Petal Fold: Fold the flap outwards and downwards, creating a petal shape. You can adjust the angle of the fold to control how open the petal appears. Crease the base of the petal firmly.
3. Repeat for All Four Flaps: Repeat the petal fold on all four flaps of the top layer. This will create four outer petals that surround the inner petals. Aim for symmetry in the petal shapes and angles.

Step 5: Refining the Petals (Adding Grace)

In this step, we’ll refine the shape of the petals to give the water lily a more natural and graceful appearance.

1. Curling the Petals (Optional): For a more realistic look, you can gently curl the edges of the petals. Use a pencil or your fingers to carefully curve the paper outwards. This adds a touch of elegance and softens the overall appearance of the lily.
2. Adjusting the Angles: Take a moment to examine the angles of the petals. Gently adjust them to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing arrangement. You can slightly bend or reshape the petals to achieve the desired effect.
3. Adding Definition: To further define the petals, you can make small, subtle creases along the edges. This will add texture and dimension to the flower. Be careful not to over-crease, as this can make the paper look stiff.

Step 6: Adding the Sepals (The Supporting Structure – Optional)

This step is optional but adds a touch of realism to your water lily. Sepals are the small, green leaves that support the flower at its base.

1. Folding the Bottom Points Outwards: Turn the water lily upside down. You’ll see four points at the bottom. Gently fold each point outwards, creating small, triangular shapes. These will represent the sepals.
2. Adjusting the Sepal Size: You can adjust the size of the sepals by folding the points further outwards or inwards. Experiment to find the size that looks best with your water lily.
3. Color Choice: If you are using double-sided origami paper and the other side is green this step will automatically add the green sepal. If you are using a single colored paper you can use another green paper to create smaller sepals and glue them onto the flower for enhanced realism.

Tips for Success

• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Origami takes practice. Keep folding, and you’ll improve with each try.
• Use Sharp Creases: Sharp, precise creases are essential for a well-formed origami model. Use a bone folder or your fingernail to create crisp creases.
• Take Your Time: Origami is a relaxing and meditative activity. Don’t rush the process. Take your time and enjoy each step.
• Watch Video Tutorials: If you’re having trouble with a particular step, watch a video tutorial. Seeing the fold demonstrated can be very helpful.
• Experiment with Different Papers: Try different types of origami paper to see how they affect the final result. Experiment with different colors, patterns, and thicknesses.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Improvise: Once you’re comfortable with the basic steps, feel free to experiment and add your own creative touches. Origami is a form of art, so let your imagination guide you.
• Use a Bone Folder: A bone folder is a tool used to create sharp, clean creases in paper. It’s a valuable addition to any origami enthusiast’s toolkit.
• Proper Lighting: Ensure you have adequate lighting to see the creases and folds clearly.
• Storage: After the folding is completed it is important to store the flower in a safe and secure location away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Variations and Embellishments

Once you’ve mastered the basic origami water lily, you can explore various variations and embellishments to create unique and personalized designs.

• Multiple Layers: Create a water lily with multiple layers of petals by repeating the petal folding steps with different sizes of paper.
• Adding Beads or Gems: Embellish the center of the water lily with small beads or gems to add sparkle and visual interest.
• Floating Water Lilies: If you want to create floating water lilies, use waterproof paper or coat the finished lily with a sealant.
• Arrangements: Arrange multiple origami water lilies in a bowl or vase to create a stunning centerpiece.
• Color Combinations: Experiment with different color combinations to create unique and eye-catching water lilies.
• Adding Stems: Create paper stems to attach to your water lilies, making them look even more realistic.

The Symbolism of the Water Lily

The water lily, also known as the lotus, holds deep symbolic meaning in many cultures around the world. It is often associated with:

• Purity: The water lily grows in muddy water but emerges clean and beautiful, symbolizing purity of heart and mind.
• Enlightenment: In Buddhism, the water lily represents enlightenment and spiritual awakening.
• Rebirth: The water lily blooms every day, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
• Love and Compassion: The water lily is also associated with love, compassion, and empathy.
• Resilience: Overcoming challenges and remaining strong in the face of adversity is another symbolism of the flower.

Uses for Origami Water Lilies

Origami water lilies can be used in a variety of creative ways:

• Decorations: Use them to decorate your home, office, or event venue.
• Gifts: Give them as thoughtful handmade gifts to friends and family.
• Centerpieces: Create stunning centerpieces for weddings, parties, or other special occasions.
• Jewelry: Incorporate them into earrings, pendants, or other jewelry pieces.
• Scrapbooking: Use them to embellish scrapbook pages or greeting cards.
• Meditation Aids: Use the folding process as a form of meditation and mindfulness.
• Teaching Aids: Origami can be a useful tool for teaching geometric concepts to young children.
• Party Favors: They can be customized and used as memorable party favors.

Conclusion

Folding an origami water lily is a rewarding and creative activity that offers a pathway to relaxation and mindfulness. With a little patience and practice, you can transform a simple square of paper into a beautiful and symbolic work of art. Whether you use them for decoration, gifts, or personal enjoyment, origami water lilies are sure to bring a touch of serenity and elegance to your life. So, gather your origami paper, find a quiet space, and embark on your origami adventure today! Enjoy the journey of creation, and watch as a beautiful water lily unfolds before your very eyes. Happy folding!