Cut Out + Keep

Sakura Blossom Lampshade

Crease and fold a sakura lampshade.

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/sakura-blossom-lampshade • Posted by Sok Song

I designed this light fixture as a kusudama—a type of modular origami that creates a ball, star, or orb from many different pieces. I’ve found that with large-enough units, the open sides of this kusadama make it a great lampshade for LED bulbs. Most LED lights give off no heat and are safe to use with paper, but double-check before installing any light inside a paper fixture. Do not use this model with a regular lightbulb! It will heat up and create a fire hazard. Paper Information You can find paper that has been treated to be heat- and fireproof online or at specialty art supply shops. Folding from 7" (18cm) squares will make the lampshade shown here, which is about 13" (33cm).

You will need

Project Budget
Cheap

Time

2 h 00

Difficulty

Nice & Simple
Medium screen shot 2011 03 18 at 14.11.44 1300457722 Medium screen shot 2011 03 18 at 14.22.16 1300458308

Description

I designed this light fixture as a kusudama—a type of modular origami that creates a ball, star, or orb from many different pieces. I’ve found that with large-enough units, the open sides of this kusadama make it a great lampshade for LED bulbs. Most LED lights give off no heat and are safe to use with paper, but double-check before installing any light inside a paper fixture. Do not use this model with a regular lightbulb! It will heat up and create a fire hazard. Paper Information You can find paper that has been treated to be heat- and fireproof online or at specialty art supply shops. Folding from 7" (18cm) squares will make the lampshade shown here, which is about 13" (33cm).

Instructions

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    SAKURA UNIT (MAKE 30) Start with the Windmill Base. Fold the left and right flaps in the opposite direction.

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    Mountain fold in half. Note: Make sure the points are separated and not trapped inside.

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    On the front layer, fold the left and right corners up.

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    On the front layer, fold the top corners down.

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    Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other side.

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    Gently open by pulling the 4 corners apart.

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    FINISHED SAKURA UNIT! Note: Fold 29 more units before starting assembly.

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    SAKURA BLOSSOM LAMPSHADE ASSEMBLY Insert top right flap of one unit into top left pocket of another unit to join. Note: The full triangle flap will slide in the pocket. Once the flap is inserted make sure to push up the joint slightly to reinforce.

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    a Continue joining units until 5 2.b units are connected.

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    b

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    c

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    Connect a sixth unit to act as a “bridge” between the two clusters of 5.

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    e

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    Continue to connect more clusters as shown to create a sphere.