Just a few dayks left until Christmas. The streets are already overflowing with Christmas tree decorations. About a month ago, I got a branch of curly willow. Since it was still lively, I decided to decorate this branch instead of a fir tree this year. I happened to be experimenting with making diamond-shaped objects out of origami paper and thought they might be perfect as ornaments. First, I used red and green Christmas colors. Then, I combined various colored papers to create colorful diamonds. It’s amazing how such beautiful shapes can emerge from just two sheets of paper! Origami truly is incredible! It made me appreciate the beauty of Japanese culture all over again. Simple yet colorful ornaments that look great on the slender, long willow branches. Eco-friendly decorations made from just two sheets of paper.

Instructions for making

Step 1. Fold in Half

Place the origami paper with the back side facing up, and fold it in half like the dotted line. Open it once, then fold the other side in half again, creating quarter-fold creases both vertically and horizontally.

Step 2. Turn Over and Fold in Half

Unfold the paper and return it to the front side. Fold it diagonally into a triangle like the dotted line, creating two creases.

Fold into a square along the creases made in Step 1 and Step 2.

Step 3. Fold Like the Inside Opens

Fold both sides into triangles along the center line of the square, as shown by the dotted line, then open the inside and fold it down to flatten it. Fold all four corners in the same way, including the back side. This completes the first piece.

The other piece of origami paper was folded in the same way, completing the two parts.

Step 4. Assemble the Two Parts

Insert the pointed tip of the other piece of origami paper into the straight section. Once all sides are inserted, your origami diamond is complete. It stays securely in place without glue, held fast by the friction between the papers, so it won’t come apart easily.
Thread a needle through the tip of the diamond, and your ornament is finished.

Paper Size

The size of the paper changes the impression of the object. The photographs were made using paper measuring 15cm from the right, 7.5cm (One-quarter the size of standard origami paper), and 5cm.

For Colorful Ornaments

Using 7.5cm and 5cm paper, I made two sizes of ornaments. With various color combinations, they became vibrant decorations that stand out beautifully on simple, slender branches. String them vertically in a row, mix and match different sizes—how you use them is entirely up to you.

And then just a few days after decorating, the willow has begun to sprout indoors in the warmth, with new shoots popping up everywhere. Watching it grow is such a joy, and it already looks like early spring. I’m thrilled by this unexpected turn of events and plan to leave it decorated even after the holiday season passes. Wishing you a wonderful holidays!

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ARUHI tomoko d.(@_.a_r_u_h_i._)がシェアした投稿