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Modular Origami, Kusudama & Stars by Maria Sinayskaya

Cherry Blossom Ball

Cherry Blossom Ball by Tomoko Fuse
I have already made Cherry Blossom Ball twice, but somehow I found myself folding it again. And not just folding but even decorating it, which I have to say doesn’t happen too often. Turned out quite nice!

This is a great model indeed and I’m always sorry to hear that many people have trouble assembling it.  The secret to easy and flawless assembly is to unfold and open up pockets before trying to tuck flaps inside! Just open the pocket, put the flap in place and close the pocket. That’s it. No struggle at all.

Name: Cherry Blossom Ball
Designer: Tomoko Fuse
Units: 30
Paper ratio: square
Assembled with: no glue
Paper size: 5 cm
Model size: ~ 6 cm
Paper: Harmony origami paper (Korea)
Diagram: “Unit Origami Fantasy” by Tomoko Fuse, p. 144
also in Tanteidan Origami Magazine 72, p. 4

I also watched a few videos trying to find a good one to link to, but with no luck. Well, at least this one is an excellent example of how NOT to do it.

Cherry Blossom Ball by Tomoko Fuse
Cherry Blossom Ball by Tomoko Fuse
Cherry Blossom Ball by Tomoko Fuse

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25 Comments

  1. Hi Maria. Beautiful job! This is one of my favorites to fold. One questions…did you glue the beads on or is there another way to do it?

    • Thank you! I never use glue for the beads because I’m always afraid to ruin the whole work with it. I prefer to sew the beads on with a thin nylon thread (or fishing line) and a long beading needle. I do it as the very last step, after I’m finished with a hanger.

      • Wich colours did you use?

  2. Hi, this is a really beautiful model. I love it <3 but I was wondering how you get the amazing color variations. Are you using a some special paper?

  3. Hi, Maria!! I liked everything! how do you make these beautiful knots?

    • Hi Carla! It’s a macrame knot called Celtic Button Knot. You can learn it here!

  4. beautiful, i want to know how you make the shape of the flower. i made one but i cannot made it the same.

    • To shape the petal I push it from behind to open it up, and then I curl the tip backwards to fix it in this position. No tools needed, just a bit of practice.
      I also recommend doing it after assembly.

  5. why can you NOT recommend the mentioned video?

    • You can still use this video and succeed. But my main advice is do not form petals as shown there because it locks the pocket from opening and makes assembly either very painful or just pretty much impossible in case of small paper. Skip all steps from 3:50 to 4:40, leave all petals long and completely flat (doesn’t look nice at this point, yes), assemble the ball and only after that shape flowers. Hope it helps! :)

  6. thanks for your answer. and where can i see the video?,

    • Hi Maria,

      I am new in origami, would like to make this for the upcoming Chinese New Year deco for the Malaysian Parkinson’s Community. Appreciate your help.

      Thanks

      Pat

  7. Hi I dont have the book so is there any where else where I can find the instructions for this?

  8. Hi Maria!
    I am wondering where you buy the origami paper from because I folded this project with sticky notes. I am just a kid but you inspire me a lot:) You are very talented.
    Thnxx
    Cordilea

    • kimscrane.com is a good place to start.
      If you’re in Europe check out origami-papier.eu

  9. Thank you Maria I will search that up

  10. Hi Maria,
    Can you show me a picture of the paper you used UNFOLDED?
    Thanks,
    mazzamizzamooza

  11. Hi Maria!

    I know I’m almost six years late to write this comment but I would like to let you know how much I appreciate that you take the extra mile to make your work pure perfection by sewing on the beads and tying knots on the hanger instead of using glue.

    Inspired by that I would like to improve my skills, but unfortunately I couldn’t find any (video-/picture-)tutorial on how to sew on beads to kusudama balls like you do, could you help me with that?

    Ps. Keep up your excellent work :)
    (Pps. I truly wish you had a youtube channel ^_^ )

  12. Maria, what is the name of a silk cord you use for tassels for kusudama balls? Thank you for making diagrams available and for your wonderful website.

    • Hi Irina! I used YarnArt Tulip, 100% microfiber thread — but this is the only variety I’ve tried, so I can’t compare it with other options.

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