Folded origami decoration // Accordion folding

I finally got around to finishing these origami decorations. I’m really pleased with the way they turned out.

I’ve started stringing them on to some fairy lights but they would look just as great as Christmas tree decorations. They are surprisingly sturdy too!

If you want to have a go then you will find the how-to after the jump.

As I said in my previous post if you want to explore more of these folding techniques then you can buy a fantastic book called ‘Folding Techniques for Designers‘ by Paul Jackson. I had it as a present last Christmas and love it. (If you are strapped for cash then do try your local library ^_^)

YOU WILL NEED:
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A4 Paper
Scissors
Ruler
Needle (for scoring)
Double sided tape/glue (I used loctite all purpose glue)
Printable templates (all files are at the bottom of the post)

HOW TO MAKE MODEL A (Orange & bright-blue decoration)
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1. Print the ‘Model A’ template onto A4 paper. Cut around the outside of the template.

2. Score along ALL of the solid and dotted lines using a ruler and compass (or needle).

3. Push a needle through all of the dots (along either side of the template).

4 & 5. With the printed lines facing towards you fold along all the horizontal lines as shown

6. Flip the paper over and start to press in the central zig-zag.

7. You should be able to start slowly collapsing the paper, as shown. This is the trickiest bit and requires a bit of patience.

8. Carry on collapsing the paper until you reach the end of the strip.

9. Sew some thread through the holes running along one side of the piece of paper (but NOT the first two holes and the last two holes). Repeat on the other side of the paper.

10. Flatten the strip of paper at either end as shown.

11. Bring the ends together and glue into position.

12. Sew your thread through the remaining holes. Pull tight and tie!

HOW TO MAKE MODEL B (All except for the bright-blue and orange decoration)
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1. Print the ‘Model B’ template onto A4 paper. Cut around the outside of the template.

2. Push a needle through all of the dots (along either side of the template).

3. Follow steps 1-8 in my other accordion paper folding tutorial

4. Follow steps 9-12 in the ‘Model A’ tutorial.

TEMPLATES
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Model A (pdf)
Model B – Large (pdf)
Model B – Small (pdf)