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To make an origami lily pad, you fold a square piece of paper into a series of precise creases that form a flat, rounded, and gently veined leaf shape.
It’s a surprisingly simple project that looks incredibly impressive, and once you learn the basic folds, you’ll be able to create a whole pond full of these paper pads in minutes.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned folder, this guide will walk you through how to make an origami lily pad step by step, with all the tips you need to get perfect results.
In this post, we’ll cover the exact folds for making an origami lily pad, the best paper to use, and common mistakes to avoid so your lily pad comes out looking clean and beautiful.
Let’s get folding.
How to Make an Origami Lily Pad: The Basic Fold
The core method for how to make an origami lily pad begins with a simple base called the blintz fold.
This is where you fold all four corners of your square paper into the center point, creating a smaller square.
From there, you’ll make a few more strategic folds to open up the pad and give it that iconic notched and rounded appearance.
Let’s break down the full process step by step so you can master making an origami lily pad.
1. Start With the Right Paper
To make an origami lily pad that holds its shape, you’ll want a square sheet of paper.
Standard 6×6 inch origami paper works perfectly, but you can use any square paper, including printer paper cut down to size or even wrapping paper.
The color matters too; green paper gives you a traditional lily pad look, but you can get creative with any shade you like.
Thinner paper is easier to fold and creates crisper creases, while thicker paper makes a sturdier, more durable lily pad.
If you’re just starting out with origami lily pads, use thin paper so the multiple layers don’t become too bulky to fold cleanly.
2. Make the Blintz Base
The first step in most versions of how to make an origami lily pad is to place your square paper color-side down on a flat surface.
Fold the paper in half diagonally in both directions, then unfold it so you have an X-shaped crease on your paper.
Next, fold each corner of the square into the exact center point where the creases meet.
Press each fold down firmly to create a smaller square shape.
This is called the blintz base, and it’s the foundation for your entire origami lily pad.
3. Fold the Corners to the Center Again
Once you have your blintz base, you’re going to repeat the same process on this smaller square.
Take each of the four new corners and fold them into the center point again.
This second set of folds will make the paper even smaller and thicker, but this build-up is exactly what gives an origami lily pad its layered, textured look.
For a more classic lily pad, you’ll actually repeat this step one more time, folding all four corners to the center a third time.
It might feel a bit repetitive, but each layer brings you closer to the finished origami lily pad.
4. Open Up the Flaps to Form the Pad
Now for the magic part of how to make an origami lily pad.
Turn your folded square over so the smooth side is facing up.
You’ll see four distinct flaps or pockets at each corner.
Gently lift one of these flaps and pull it outward while pressing down on the base to flatten it.
As you pull, the paper will unfold slightly, creating a petal-like or leaf-like protrusion.
Repeat this same step for all four flaps, working your way around the square.
5. Shape and Flatten Your Lily Pad
After you’ve opened all four flaps, you’ll notice your origami lily pad is starting to take shape, but it will look a bit messy at this point.
Use your fingers to gently press down on the center of the pad to flatten the entire structure.
Smooth out any wrinkles and make sure the four leaf sections are evenly spaced.
If you want a more rounded lily pad, you can curl the edges slightly upward with your fingers.
For a classic flat lily pad, simply press everything down firmly and flip it over to admire your work.
Why Your Origami Lily Pad Isn’t Working
If you’re still struggling with how to make an origami lily pad, you’re likely running into one of a few common issues.
The most frequent problem is that people don’t fold their corners precisely to the center, which causes the whole pad to be lopsided.
So make sure you use the center crease as your exact guide for every fold.
Another issue is that people skip the final unfolding step or don’t pull the flaps far enough out to create the distinct leaf shape.
Here are a few more troubleshooting tips for perfecting your origami lily pad.
1. Use a Bone Folder for Crisp Creases
To make origami lily pad folds that stay put, you need sharp creases.
Use a bone folder, the back of a spoon, or just a firm fingernail to press down on each fold as you make it.
Crisp creases will hold the paper in place and make the final shaping much easier.
2. Keep Your Paper Flat While Folding
Don’t hold your paper up in the air while you fold, because it will make your creases uneven.
Always work on a flat, clean table so you can press down evenly and accurately.
This single habit will dramatically improve how your origami lily pad turns out.
3. Be Patient With the Layers
Your paper will get thick after folding the corners in three times.
Don’t rush the final flaps open step, since you might tear the paper if you pull too hard.
Work slowly and carefully, opening each flap one at a time and pressing it flat as you go.
Creative Ways to Display Your Origami Lily Pad
Once you’ve mastered how to make an origami lily pad, you’ll want to show it off.
A single origami lily pad is pretty by itself, but it looks stunning when you make a whole set.
You can use different shades of green to create a realistic pond scene right on your desk or shelf.
Try placing a small origami flower, like a lotus, in the center of your lily pad for a beautiful paper wetland display.
You could also string a few lily pads together to make a paper garland for a summer party or classroom craft project.
The possibilities are endless once you know how to make an origami lily pad.
1. Make a Paper Pond Scene
To create a full scene, fold several origami lily pads in varying sizes.
Use larger paper for big lily pads and smaller paper for the baby ones.
Place them on a blue sheet of cardstock representing the water, and add a few folded paper frogs sitting on top.
This is a fantastic group activity for kids, and everyone can contribute their own origami lily pad to the scene.
2. Use Them as Table Decorations
For a nature-themed table setting, you can scatter decorative origami lily pads around plates and centerpieces.
You could even write guests’ names on the lily pads to use as place cards.
Making origami lily pad decorations is a charming and affordable way to bring a touch of the outdoors to your table.
So, How Do You Make an Origami Lily Pad?
You make an origami lily pad by folding a square piece of paper into a blintz base three times, then opening the flaps to create a flat, four-pointed leaf shape.
It’s a straightforward process that takes less than five minutes once you get the hang of the basic folds.
The secret to a great result is precise corner alignment and crisp creases on every single fold.
Because you can make an origami lily pad from any square paper, it’s an accessible craft for all ages.
We hope this guide has given you the confidence to master making an origami lily pad and enjoy the relaxing art of paper folding.