Having international connections with folders continues to be a gift. Connecting via my Instagram account, I was approached by a new Kusudama designer Syed Faraz approached me regarding his new design “Blooming Bow”:

He asked if I could diagram it for him. I insisted on folding it first.

In folding it, I got a better appreciation for the steps (from a rough photo diagram sequence), and helped me refine the shape of the unit, capturing more accurately the sequence.

This kusudama is of the “curler” variety – it differs from others in that rather than a tab-pocket unit connection it relies on the interlinking of paper curls.

I have folded a couple of “curlers” and note that construction is generally more difficult – the units tenuously interlock until you “triangulate” and they stabilise. Getting the curl right is really important – the centre of the kusudama gets very dense as you add more 5-3 groups.

After much faffing about, I selected a blue/green duo Tuttle 15cm page, split into 2x 1:2 rectangles as my paper choice. Folding the units is pretty straightforward – landmarks are easy to hit, accuracy easy. I agonised about the curling – the angle and tightness matters but after some test folds I settled on what worked best and pre-shaped all units prior to assembly.

The floral nature of this ball is just lovely – you get these 5 petalled flowers all around, and the colour change other side nicely sits deep in the ball, suggesting foliage.

Diagram done, not sure where/when/how Syed with publish them but it was an interesting journey, and may lead to others.