kusudama tomoko fuseList of Color Illustrations Page Instructions Works page 106 Sea urchin (short pistils) 50 Flower frame 3 Dice assembly 67 Hydrangea 3 Dice assembly z 40 Chrysanthemum fan (small) 34 Chrysanthemum star 1-A 32 Chrysanthemum flower (large) 30 Chrysanthemum stopper (small) 38 Chrysanthemum star 2 8 48 Flower frame 2 Lantern assembly 9 58 Framed star A Dice assembly 66 Hydrangea 2 Lantern assembly 10 52 Double stoppers Rhombic assembly 52 Double stoppers Dice assembly Double stoppers Lantern assembly a 54 Stopper A Three kinds of assemblies 12 54 Stopper B Dice assembly Stopper B Lantern assembly 13 60 Clustered flower Three kinds of assemblies Lantern assembly Dice assembly 14 64 Hydrangea 1 Three kinds of assemblies 15 44 Framework Rhombic assembly a4 Framework Lantern assembly 16 82 Handball of giganteum 88 Handball of bellflower 7 98 Bouquet of primula (long pistils) 18 98-105 Bouquet of primuta (double flowers) 19 106 Sea urchin (small pistils) 20 92 Bouquet of Lily Janao Burajirujin a www. japaoburajirujin.blogspot.comSymbols and Folding Techniques Crease then open again. Valley |_ “Or Turn over. fold = Enlargement {v. { Fold backward. Mountain | "| vw fl — Rotate. © (The next drawing shows a different position. } > » Insert into pocket. Fold so that the points indicated by the dots meet. } Equal Lengths 7] { o Heat Inside reverse fold Pepeat the fold — ——> behind, the same as the one shown in front. Repeat 2 times. Outside reverse fold 22www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com Preface Unit origami is a method of producing various forms by assembling prepared units without using adhesives. Kusudama origami is different. Its units are joined with threads and glued together with adhesives. This book is a mix of the unit origami and kusudama. With regard to kusudama, those who love origami seem to be divided distinctly into two groups: the one who is eager to try it and the other who is rather reluctant. To tell the truth, I have been thinking that it will be hard to make kusudama. However, once I got to work, I was fascinated with the charm and the delicacy of color arrangements. It is exciting when the kusudama is gradually completed like a blooming flower by fastening threads. I wish to invite you into the magnificent world of kusudama. It will take time to make it, but it will be peaceful time, which you can enjoy to your heart's content, Tomoko Fuse www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com 23BUTTERFLY ORNAMENT The pleated part looks like a butterfly. Use two pieces of paper. It can be used as a mobile or hung under a kusudama. Folded shape @ is called “Square Base”. There are several methods for folding this base. Introduced here is a traditional method. Another method, “all at once,” is illustrated on page 26. Employ your favorite methods. A lot of kusudama start with this square base. © open and squash. Turn to the opposite side. Small <4 www-Japaoburajirujin. blogspot.com ®@ on page 29. @ ae AE mo * way as on page 29. Insert tips of ¥ into slits of the stopper. 30www.Japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com ‘Small (left) and Large (right) Db Large < The largest size of Square Stopper. xX Fold up to step @ on the left page. 31CHRYSANTHEMUM FLOWER b> small © = L t Open and squash. Turn to the opposite side. © x Make creases. 34 Lift upper layer only ané press it down on crosswise crease.4 ‘Twist and squash. ¢ (x 6) Assembly method a Make a cross with the top triangle. tae [ Janao Burajirujin | Burajirujin 4 [Fando Burau | bo”® on page 29. If you turn “A” 45 degrees, you can obtain “B? rAd Insert tips of 9 into *, slits of the stopper. Glue in the same way as on page 29, Liha: Largeetatonpet] The left shows the largest size of “Square”, “Flower”, and “Star” stoppers. x ‘Star Stopper: 1-B. 3637CHRYSANTHEMUM STAR 2 [star 2] Fix this. Fold and unfold.Insert tips of I into slits of the stopper. You may insert other paper in the center. bd ® on page 29. ® Continue folding flat in order. q @ @® @ 4 a + S > 39CHRYSANTHEMUM FAN [Fan] Fix this. This is a pleated fan to be put inside “Chrysanthemum Kusudama” on page 28. This fan is so designed as to fit the kusudama exactly, but smaller one will also > do well. ® on page 29. Let the width of paper INVA match the size of octagon. ANS Inside reverse fold. Make creases as shown. wp < 40 Unfold.@ Rear side} © Front side] oe Assembly method ‘on next pa @® Flatten triangles. Fold in half and let stand pleats. Pinch left and right corners and let stand in the shape of triangle. - ‘After creasing, unfold. (Do not make creases on the rear side.) ® not make creases on the rear side. Pleat like an accordion or a flight of steps. (Don't care about the difference of numbers of pleats on the left and right.) @® on page 29. [Front side] SZ i. Insert. er [Rear side] PND eetesc re, S\N of kusudama. [Assembly method] Put glue on the area marked with oblique lines. Assemble 6 units together. 42jin.blogspot.com ‘Small (left) and large (right) The right model shows the unit made from below paper. Outside : 15 cm (5 6/8") square paper. > Small fan <4 pPaty] 7 Inside : 1/4 of 12. cm (4 5/8") square paper. La 43Square tablet FRAMEWORK (Dice assembly) Let's make several kinds of square tablets as units of kusudama. You can make a “Picture @ P Picture trame uses [] [Assembly method] Assemble 6 square tablets and 12 joints in the form of dice. If glued, it becomes firm. ©, ‘assembly methods. See page 72 and 76 for other As the pad, you can use colorful figured paper or photos or any other paper you like. 45Square tablet www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com FLOWER FRAME 1 (Dice assembly) The “Picture frame” is very useful, because you can place various things in it and enjoy the variety. If you fit a blintz base of “Flower” into it, you can make “Flower frame.” @ You may leave it as it is or put other paper in it. 46Japao Burajirujin www.japaoburajirujin. blogspot.com See page 72 and 76 for other assembly methods. > Assemble in the form of dice in the same way as steps on page 45, 47[Picture frame] on page 44 Stand petals slightly. Assembly method is the same as “flower frame 3” on next page. & Inside reverse fold. Make creases. Intermediary form. : ae : eG Fold toward the center. Make creases as shown. —_Fold toward the center. 49Square tablet FLOWER FRAME 83 (Dice assembly) From @® on page 49 eeee Inside reverse fold Fold the other three parts in the same way. [Assembly method] Assemble in the form of dice in the same way as shown on page 46. 50Japao Bur www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com ‘See pages 72 and 76 for other assembly methods. 51Square tablet DOUBLE STOPPERS (Dice assembly) Cut paper to measure. Insert one by one from small one. @ @® Fold by bending. ; ai N Oy “Ts. x NA] Behe x Make creases. ® x i & Insert paper of suitable size. Make creases. Fold by bending. 52Japao Burajirujin www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com ‘See pages 72 and 76 for other assembly methods. [Picture frame] on page 44 ~ (x12) x (<6) Assemble in the form of dice in the ‘same way as steps on page 45. 53Square tablet STOPPERS A, B (Dice assembly) Insert other paper into the outer frame, a variation of “Frame.” Up to ©) you may fold as steps on page 28. | R ‘Tuck each flap under. oe Assemble on the creases, B Outer frame 1 Insert (x6) 55 Use a quarter of paper as joint to connect square tablets such as “Stopper A” and “Stopper B.” [Assembly method] (X 12) Assemble with 6 square tablets and 12 joints in the form of dice. If glued, it becomes firm. 56Japao Burajirujin www. japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com A A Thread a string from A through B to use as a kusudama. From left, B and A See pages 72 and 76 for other assembly methods => [Skeletal structure} www.japaoburajirujin. blogspot.com 57Square tablet FRAMED STARS A, B (Dice assembly) You may utilize stars used for chrysanthemum kusudama as insertion of “Outer frame 1” and “Outer frame 2.” ® or on page 35. A B Ix @ @ % O/ D> Outer frame 2 Assemble in the form of dice in the same was as steps on page 56. Try to work out some other combinations. (x6) (x 12) 58Japao Burajirujin www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com 7° PO pe 59Square tablet CLUSTERED FLOWER (Dice assembly) @ > Outer frame 3 < This outer frame is a variation of “Framework” - = on page 44. It is a sister of “Flower frame” on 60@ - > Outer frame 3 You may insert other paper here. Open petals of two inside layers one by one. ‘Assembly method 7| | onnext page (x6) 61 Quarter paper and use it as a joint to connect the square tablet of “Clustered flower.” % [Assembly method] [Skeletal structure] Assemble in the form of dice with 6 square tablets and 12 joints. If glued, it becomes firm. See pages 72 and 76 for other assembly methods. 62Dice assembly Lantern assembly (See page 72 for the method.) 63Square tablet HYDRANGEA 1 Make square tablets by Inserting a hydrangea flower into the “Outer frame 3” on page 60 and then assemble them into a kusudama. Make preparation creases as shown. ® Dent the point marked A and assemble so that it comes under the centerO. Unfold left and right folds and upper three folds. 64> Outer frame 3 << (page 60) [Assembly method] - cs - ‘See page 68 for the e. an 7S Be Repeat stey : oer soa Inside reverse fold.Square tablet HYDRANGEA = 2 From @ of “hydrangea 1” ‘on page 65. eh | ‘Squash triangles. Inside reverse fold. @ ‘See page 68 for [Assembly method] eae (Page 60) 66Japao Burajirujin ‘www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com quare tablet HYDRANGEA - 3 From (0 of “hy megs " @ ® @ => Fold to center. ® oO Ped B A Inside reverse fold. ‘Assembly method 9 hii oma P Outer frame 3 ¢ (Page 60) 67DICE ASSEMBLY OF HYDRANGEA Quarter paper and use it as a joint to connect framed hydrangeas. “Hydrangea 3” is used here as the example. > [Assembly method] [Skeletal structure] Assemble in the form of dice with 6 square tablets and 12 joints. If glued, it becomes firm. See pages 70 and 74 for other assembly methods. 68www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com Hydrangea 1 Hydrangea 2 Hydrangea 3 69REGULAR TRIANGLE UNITS The units are used for “Lai a Assembly” (page 72) and “Rhombic Assembly" " (page? 6). They function as joi Make a small crease. AD \ NY & Fold @ to @ onaxisA\ Unfold, Fold at the intersection. ep / La x Repeat step @ on the other side. 70ssembly method =, n next page. © RK ® Zs ini gie LUSH Fold at the intersection aS sat ne otoJapao Burajirujin LANTERN ASSEMBLY ™2r:0bursiirafnbiogspotcom Using regular triangle units and square tablets, assemble them into a multi-faceted lantern. Square tablets are illustrated on page 52, “Double Stopper.” Try to work out a variety of combinations. _ (Page 70) (Page 52) [Assembly method] (X6) You may glue the ‘elements to make them firm. [Lantern assembly: skeletal structure] Assemble as illustrated to complete the form. Wy Assemble with o™ 6 square tablets and 8 regular eh Q triangles. (X68) (x8) 72Japao Burajirujin www. Japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com (Page 45) (xe) 3 (Page 70) (x6) (Page 46) (x8) (Page 70) (X6) 73 (Page 48) (x8) = | (Page 70) (x6) (Page 52) 2 (x8) “Sy | (Page 70) (x6) Japao Burajirujin www.japaoburajirujin. blogspot.com 74 (Page 54) eo Ms : (Page 70) (x6) (Page 66) Lex A co (x8) (Page 70) (x6) Japao Burajiru 78 www. japaoburajirujin.blogspot.comRHOMBIC ASSEMBLY The solid assembled by this method is called “Rhombioctahedron,” but we call it simply “Rhombic Assembly” of kusudama. We use square tablets, regular triangle units and side joints. Let’s enjoy the combination. (Rage 78) (Page 44) (X 18) (x8) Connect square tablets. ® [Assembly method] ® LO Assemble as illustrated to complete the form. Ss You may glue the elements to make them firm.Janao Burajirujin www.japaoburajirujin. blogspot.com Assemble with 18 square tablets, 8 regular triangles and 16 side joints, O+OQA+O (X18) (X8) (X16) Japao Burajirujin n www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.comA LIST OF SQUARE TABLETS Here is a list of all the square tablets used. Try and enjoy a variety of combinations such as “Dice Assembly,” “Lantern Assembly,” and “Rhombic Assembly” by making use of “Side joints” and “regular triangle units.” > Square tablets ——_ (Page 44) (Page 46) (Page 48) (Page 50) aA (Page 52) (Page 54) (Page 54) (Page 64) (Page 66) , , (Page 67) P Regular triangle unit Side joint Regular triangle unit (Page 52) (Page 45) (Page 70) Jano Burajirujin www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com 79‘Three kinds of kusudama, which use "Stopper A.” Side joint Regular triangle unit (Page 54) (Page 45) (Page 70) Japao Burajirujin www. japaoburajirujin.blogspot.comThree kinds of kusudama, which use “Hydrangea 1.” Side joint Regular triangle unit (Page 64) (Page 45) (Page 70) Japao Burajirujin www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com 81HANDBALL OF GIGANTEUM The end of this kusudama is joined with threads. > Petal < One unit consists of petals with a pistil inserted among them. The flower looks like an onion head. Dent the center and assemble on the creases. Pull the upper layer upward and fold both sides. Open the pocket and squash. Do the same on the other side. 82Rotate flaps. ® ae ®@ Ac® Fold the four flaps ‘Assembly method in the same way. on next page. ® VV Repeat the steps on the other sides. Fold on the creases. Tuck the triangle inward. S C | Open the bottom slightly, fight and left. t Fold the other 9 in the same way as steps ©) oe> Small pistil (to be inserted) <4 << oS Dent the center and assemble on the creases. Stand the eight pleats evenly. P Large pistil <4 [Petals seen from above] Petal Insert the eight pleats of pistil x% into the eight pleats of petals. Ce wap above and fold the pistil on page 90. g | “ 84www.japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com [How to join flowers} ‘Small pistils are used in this example. 2. Make three balls like this. Connect the ends in a loop. with a thread. ‘See the next page for the assembly method of the flower and hanging > thread. [How to make a hanging thread] Tie two threads at the center. You may hang a tassel at the knot. 85[Assembly method] Place the ring of flowers on the cross of threads. Put the thread through flowers evenly. (in this case, one flower, two flowers, one flower and two flowers) www. japaoburajirujin.blogspot.com Put the thread through the other rings of flower in the same way. Lastly, adjust so that the whole becomes a globe. Pull each two of the four threads tightly until the knot comes to the center.wwiw.,japaoburajirujin. blogspot.com, ull each two of the four threads tightly until the knot comes to the center. 87HANDBALL of BELLFLOWER @ “*”& © Open the pocket and'squash. Do the same on the other side. J & Wa Dent the center and assemble 4 ‘on the creases. Open and flatten the front and back pockets again. ‘Turn over. 88® Make an inside reverse fold on two triangles. \ N Make an inside reverse fold on the other two triangles Joining method and adjust the form. on next page. Repeat step (3 on backside. @ | Ratio te. Repeat the same fold on backside. @ + Japao Burajirujin ‘www.japaoburajirujin. blogspot.com i Fold by making an inside Repeat step {) on @ reverse fold. @ + the other three sides, 89> Pistil (to be inserted inward) ‘on next page. Inside reverse fold Making an inside reverse fold, turn the flap over. Rotate flaps. ® | t 93Japao Burajir > Pistil (to be inserted inward) Long pistil Attention Short pistil Long pistil O ‘Open the ar and squash. t Repeat the same fold on backside.D> Inside petal Fold down 8 flaps in the same way. Fold the other 7 corners in the same way. Fold edge so that it aligns v ® ; ®@ with the left oblique line. Open the pocket and squash. Assemble on the creases. yy Make preparation creases, . which will make fold easy Make preparation instep ®. creases as step @. 107> Long pistil Short pistil Attention Attention J | \ | a MBLBE996 Pri 0 9