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Origami is a wonderful pastime many people enjoy. Many shapes can be created by just folding paper. This article will show you how to make a water lily in origami. It is simple and good for beginners, if you aren't very skilled yet.

Steps Download Article

  1. 1

    Use a square piece of paper. Fold it diagonally one way and then the other diagonal way. Unfold.

  2. 2

    Fold in the corners to the middle where the diagonal creases intersect.

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  3. 3

    Fold in the corners two more times.

  4. 4

    Unfold the outermost flaps partway. Do the same with the 2 more sets of flaps. You may have to crease the flaps to make them stay up.

  5. 5

    Enjoy your simple (but squarish) origami water lily.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    Can I use a sticky note?

    Community Answer

    Yes. Any paper works.

  • Question

    Can it be any color?

    Community Answer

    It can be any color that your heart desires.

  • Question

    Does it float on water?

    Community Answer

    No; it's paper and will get wet and fall apart.

  • Question

    Can I use cardboard?

    Community Answer

    No, because folding it would be too difficult, if not impossible.

  • Question

    Can a 4 year old do this?

    Lavender_babylon

    Lavender_babylon

    Community Answer

    Possibly- it depends on their patience. This model isn't too hard, so as long as they don't give up they should be able to. Give them plenty of help and supervision and reward each thing they get right.

  • Question

    How can you make a bigger lily?

    Lavender_babylon

    Lavender_babylon

    Community Answer

    Just use bigger pieces of paper. This will work on any size as long as it's square-shaped and not too big for you to fold. You could even get a friend to help fold if the paper size is really big.

  • Question

    Can I curl the flaps to make it look more snazzy?

    Savannah sullivan

    Savannah sullivan

    Community Answer

    Yes, you could try curling the flaps. Just be aware that your other folds may not hold as well if the flaps are curved. And it may not work if your piece is made with cheaper paper.

  • Question

    How could I put it on a lily pad?

    Elizabeth Bolster

    Elizabeth Bolster

    Community Answer

    You could tape it to a round piece of paper that has some creases in it to make it look like a lily pad.

  • Question

    Can this lily float in water?

    Community Answer

    If it is laminated or wax-coated paper, then yes. But otherwise no because the paper will soak up the water and sink or fall apart. However, it might float for a little way before that happens.

  • Question

    Would it make a good gift?

    Chia Shi Ning

    Chia Shi Ning

    Community Answer

    Yes, it would make a good gift because it is nice looking for someone you love.

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  • Try making one of these, coloring the folded flower the way you want, unfold it, copy the pattern on another piece of paper and then fold according to the instructions.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

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  • Paper cuts can hurt quite badly so be careful.

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Things You'll Need

  • A square piece of paper.
  • Something to color the paper with (optional)

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