How to Make Origami Paper Balls
Modular origami involves folding several units, or modules, of paper identically, then fitting them together to form some three-dimensional shape, usually a polyhedron. It is a fascinating way to become familiar with geometric shapes, such as a regular icosahedron (20 triangular faces), a truncated icosahedron (like a soccer ball), or a geodesic sphere (like Spaceship Earth at Epcot Center in Walt Disney World). Simple or complex, it is always amusing to see the final result. Use decorative or metallic paper to make even a regular icosahedron into a stunning ornament.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 20 sheets of paper 6 X 6 inches
- 30 sheets of paper 3 X 3 inches
- Glue (optional)
- String (optional)
Instructions
-
-
1
Fold and unfold a 6-by-6-inch paper in half, making a center crease. Keep center crease in the vertical direction throughout steps 1 - 3. Fold the bottom right corner to the center crease, making a sharp point at the bottom left corner. This folded section will have the center crease running through it about half way up. Fold the right side of the paper down to this crease, making a sharp point on the right. Unfold paper.
-
2
You will see a small "X" at the top of the paper made from creases in step 1. Fold the bottom edge up towards the top and to the center of this "X" to make a horizontal crease. Unfold. Again using the top "X" as a guide, fold the top edge of the paper down so that a crease runs along the center of the "X." Do not unfold. On the right side of the paper, you will see a place, "P", where all the creases cross. Fold the bottom left corner to "P," making a sharp point at the top left corner. Unfold. Fold the top left corner to "P," making a sharp point at the bottom left corner. Do not unfold. Flip paper over, keeping the last fold along the right side.
-
-
3
Fold the bottom edge up and flush with the top. Fold the upper right corner down along the crease made from step 2, making an equilateral triangle on the right side. Fold the top left corner down to the bottom right corner. Tuck the bottom flap inside, making an equilateral Triangular Unit. Each side of the triangle should have a pocket. Repeat these first three steps 20 times.
-
4
Make a Joint Unit by folding and unfolding a 3-by-3-inch paper in half, making a center crease. Fold each corner down so that all four corners meet at the center, resulting in a smaller square. Repeat this step 30 times.
-
5
Arrange five of the Triangular Units in a circle so that their points meet at the center, making a pentagon. Join each unit by sliding half of a Joint Unit into the side pocket of one Triangular Unit and the other half into the side pocket of the Triangular Unit next to it. Insert the Joint Unit so that its crease is between two joined Triangular Units. Glue the pieces together (optional). Repeat with another five Triangular Units and five Joint Units. This makes the top and bottom of the icosahedron.
-
6
The remaining 10 Triangular Units, arranged alternately up and down, fit around the body of the icosahedron. Join them to the top and bottom using 10 Joint Units. Glue the pieces together (optional). Attach a string for hanging (optional).
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make smaller or larger balls simply by using smaller or larger sheets of paper.
Gluing the Triangular and Joint Units together makes construction easier.
Keep hands moisturized while doing origami to prevent hideous pain and blood loss from paper cuts.
