When I had started my origami journey, one of the first life-forms that I had folded was Roman Diaz's panda from his book "Origami Essence". Since then, I hadn't attempted to fold any of the other models in the book because they were a little too difficult for me.

Anyway, in recent days, I decided to revisit the models and decided to try out the owl, which is the second model in the book. The owl or the buho requires a square sheet of origami or kami paper, preferably duo-coloured. A square of at least 15 cms (6 inches) is suggested.

Since I wanted something small, I decided to try with a 10 cms (4 inches) square. I used some lovely duo-coloured kami paper, with an animal hide print on one side. I must say, when I saw the final owl. I was delighted both with my choice of paper and with the size I had used. The final owl was about 2 inches in height.

Model Details:

Model: Owl 

Creator: Roman Diaz 

Book: Origami Essence

Author: Roman Diaz

Difficulty Level: Low Intermediate

Paper Ratio: Square

Paper Size: 4 inches

Model Size: ~2 inches in height

Tutorial: Youtube

Tomoko Fuse's spirals has always fascinated me. And since my last Tomoko Fuse origami was this pyramid box in May, I figured I would try out another of her spirals origami.

This origami spiral cube has been on my to-do list for quite a few years now! And finally I managed to do it! The cube is made from strips cut out of A4 paper. Each A4 sheet is cut into 4 strips. A total of 12 such strips are needed, which means 3 A4 sheets will be required.

As with most of Tomoko Fuse's models, the individual modules are fairly easy to fold. Assembly is a lot more challenging. I assembled the first three faces, on a flat surface. And I admit, I glued the tips of the spiral so that it didn't unravel easily. Once the three faces was done, the fourth face was decidedly more difficult but manageable. Then the top and bottom of the cube. Assembling one of the 2 ends was easy, because I could insert my hand inside the cube to hold the arms of the spiral and then continue with the assembly. The true challenge was, as always, in finishing the final face. I didn't have proper support, which meant I was forming the spiral in air! But finally, with a good deal of patience, I succeeded!

While I am happy with the cube, I find it too big for my taste. Hope to make another one from A5 paper. The principle remains the same. 4 strips from each A5, 12 strips in all.

Model Details:

Model: Spiral Cube

Creator: Tomoko Fuse

Book: Let's Fold Spirals

Author: Tomoko Fuse

Difficulty Level: High Intermediate

Paper Ratio: Rectangle

Paper Size: 11.7 inches * 2 inches

Model Size: ~3.5 inches across

Number of Modules: 12

Tutorial: kusuda.ru

After making this origami kusudama, designed by Ekaterina Lukasheva, I have a special respect for people who work with miniatures! For this model, I had some double-sided paper that was left over from a previous origami modular that I had done. So I decided to use that paper.

The size of those squares were 2 inches. Since this kusudama required paper in the ratio 1:2, I cut each of the squares in half which resulted in 30 pieces of 1 inch by 2 inches. And then proceeded with this kusudama.

While making the individual modules was quite simple, assembly was a real challenge, given the small sizes of the folded modules. Patience is of the essence and of course, a toothpick! I finally ended up gluing the modules to ensure that they did not come undone while assembling them.

Overall, an interesting kusudama. But I will think twice if I have to fold this one again! 😆😆

Model Details:

Model: Apricot

Creator: Ekaterina Lukasheva

Book: Modern Kusudama Origami

Author: Ekaterina Lukasheva

Difficulty Level: High Intermediate

Paper Ratio: Rectangle in ratio 1:2

Paper Size: 1 inch by 2 inches

Model Size: ~2 inches in diameter

Modules: 30