How to Make an Origami Kusudama Flower Ball (Step-by-Step)

A kusudama (“medicine ball” in Japanese) is a sphere made from identical folded flowers glued together. They look like something from a museum gift shop, but I promise the folds are simple. It’s the repetition that makes it magic. Put on a good podcast and let your hands take over.

What you’ll need

• 60 squares of paper, 3”–6” each (double-sided origami paper is easiest)
• Craft glue or a mini hot glue gun
• Clothespins or small binder clips
• Optional: ribbon or a tassel for hanging

Each flower uses 5 squares, and each ball needs 12 flowers. I like to fold in batches of five while watching TV.

How to fold one petal

1. Fold a square in half diagonally to make a triangle, point facing up.
2. Fold the left and right corners up to meet the top point, making a small diamond.
3. Fold those two flaps in half outward so their edges line up with the center line.
4. Open each flap and squash it flat into a kite shape.
5. Fold the top triangles down so they’re level with the top of the kite.
6. Fold the kite flaps in half along the existing crease.
7. Curl the two sides together into a cone and glue them. That’s one petal!

Assembling the flowers

Glue five petals together side by side, point to point, to make one flower. Hold them with clothespins for a few minutes while the glue sets. Repeat until you have 12 flowers.

Building the ball

• Glue six flowers together to form a half-sphere (one in the center, five around it).
• Repeat with the remaining six.
• Add a loop of ribbon to one half if you want to hang it, then glue the two halves together.

Tip: Let each half dry completely before joining them. Patience here keeps the ball perfectly round.

Ways to use your kusudama

Hang one over a nursery crib, cluster three at different heights in a window, or tuck a mini version into a gift box. They also make beautiful wedding and baby shower decor. Just choose paper in your party colors.

Once you’ve made one, you’ll want to make ten. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!