How to Make an Eight Petal Origami Dish and Picture Frame
Fold an eight-petal origami dish or picture frame from one square sheet of paper.
What You'll Need
- One square sheet of paper, 8.5x8.5 inches or larger (standard or origami paper)
This project uses one square sheet of paper to create an eight-petal dish or a picture frame. The same base folds lead to two different finishes.
Step 1: Make the Foundational Creases
Place the paper colored-side up. Fold it diagonally in half, matching opposite corners precisely. Crease sharply, then unfold. Repeat with the other diagonal. Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, creasing sharply and unfolding each time. You should have an 8-spoke crease pattern.
Step 2: Collapse into a Square Base
Using the creases, bring the horizontal and vertical creases inward while allowing the diagonal creases to push outward. Collapse the paper into a square base (a smaller square with two open flaps on top). Ensure all layers align neatly.
Step 3: Form the Eight Petals
From the square base, fold each of the four flaps upward to create a petal shape. Then, fold each petal in half to create eight distinct points. Unfold slightly to open the petals.
Step 4: Shape the Dish
Gently pull all eight petals outward, away from the center. As you pull, the base will open into a dish. Press the center flat to set the shape. Adjust the petals so they are evenly spaced.
Tip for a Sturdier Dish
Use thicker paper or cardstock for a sturdier dish. Thicker paper is harder to crease, so press firmly along folds.
Step 5: Adapt for a Picture Frame (Optional)
Instead of pulling petals outward, fold each petal tip inward toward the center. Overlap the tips to create a frame opening. Insert a photo behind the overlapping petals, or glue the tips down to hold the photo in place.
Precision Tips
Make sharp, clean creases with a bone folder or your fingernail. Work on a flat, hard surface. If the paper is thick, pre-crease with a light touch before making firm folds.
