A kusudama is a traditional Japanese paper ball created by joining together multiple identical units. In Japan it was common to join these units with glue or thread.
This particular kusudama design –named IvaMia, is made without cutting and assembled without glue. It is a perfectly elegant example of contemporary modular origami.
The IvaMia kusudama design is one of a series of kusudamas created by Andrey Hechuev. Andrey created this particular model for one of his friends, Iva, honoring the birth of her baby girl, Mia. Now Mia is growing healthy, happy, and fast!
According to Andrey, the idea for this kind of module and connection came as he studied the crossovers of basic forms, using the Fröbel/ windmill base. His search for simple, easy, and strong connections between modules led to the discover of symmetrical flaps and pockets that perfectly matched each other.
On Andrey’s flickr page we can see many different examples of his kusudama and modular origami creations. The following video shows the step-by-step process to make the IvaMia kusudama along with an additional variation.
What I love about this kusudama, made only with six modules, is the economy of design and the clever system of flaps and locks that firmly connect the modules together.
Tips and recommendations
- For a kusudama 5 inches in diameter, you’ll need six square pieces of paper measuring 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm).
- Use thin paper such as ‘Kami’.
- Clips or clothes pins help to hold the modules in place during assembly.
- The modules are assembled following the basic structure of a cube.
- You can use the IvaMia as a holiday or Christmas ornament.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel?
Click here to subscribe and receive notifications of new origami videos via e-mail.
. . . . . . . . . . .
ES UNA MARAVILLA EL ORIGAMI Y SOBRE TODO UNA OPORTUNIDAD DE MUCHO APRENDIZAJE RELACIONADO CON GEOMETRÍA Y MATEMÁTICA