Uniya Filonova's Cassiopeia Kusudama has been on my to-do list for quite some time. Finally, this Mother's Day seemed to be the right occasion to try out this eye-catching design.

Did you know that Cassiopeia is actually the name of a constellation? Yep! And in the kusudama, the stars do stand out, but this modular reminds me more of a flower than a constellation. What do you think?

Getting back to the kusudama, it is made from 30 modules, with each module folded from a rectangle in the ratio 1:3. So one square will yield you 3 modules. I had used 3 inches (7.5 cms) squares that I cut into 3 rectangles. So each rectangle measured 1 inch (2.5 cms)  by 3 inches (7.5 cms). The end result was a ball about 3 inches (7.5 cms) in diameter.

While I did find both the instructions and the tutorial (links below) a little confusing initially, once you get the hang of it, the modules are very easy to fold. And even with the size I had chosen, it was not difficult to fold the individual modules.

Double sided paper works best to bring out the star. I had used some very precious paper that I absolutely love - red with white dots on one side and yellow on the other. Very happy with the selection and with the result.

The assembly is interesting - you have to try it out to appreciate it. It does not involve the usual pocket and flap assembly that you usually see in modulars, rather, one petal is folded into the adjoining petal. Very interesting and very robust. Assembly is without any glue.

Finally, a happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Little Miss has decided that this modular is going to be her gift for me!! 😆😆

Model Details:

Model: Cassiopeia Kusudama 

Creator: Uniya Filonova

Difficulty Level: High Intermediate

Paper Ratio: 1:3

Paper Size: 1 inch by 3 inches

Model Size: ~3 inches in diameter

Modules: 30

Instructions: Stranamasterov.ru

Tutorial: Youtube

The Just Twist Twirls are these beautiful modular flowers created by Krystyna Burczyk. These twirly creations, when curled correctly and tightly, hold together very well and form quite sturdy structures.

This flower is made from 10 triangles cut out of a square on the diagonal. And there is absolutely no folding involved; only twirling :) The twirls come out much better when the paper is coated with a dab of water. The water helps the paper to bend much better and once it is dry, the shape is also held better.

Thick paper is recommended, since regular origami paper will not be sufficiently strong to hold the shape. I have used 120 gsm paper in 2 different colours and am very happy with the way these flowers turned out.

Model Details:

Model: Just Twist Flower 

Creator: Krystyna Burczyk

Difficulty Level: Low Intermediate

Paper Ratio: Triangle cut along the diagonal of a square

Paper Size: 3.5 inch squares

Modules: 10

Tutorial: Youtube