Kusudama origami

The modular folding technique is surprisingly intuitive once you get the rhythm going, and the finished sphere has a satisfying geometric weight to it. I hung mine as a subtle decor piece and it instantly became a conversation starter.

The history behind it as a medicine ball for incense or potpourri adds a nice cultural touch while I fold, and the modular pieces fit together snugly enough to hold their shape without glue. The finished sphere has a lovely, intricate look that’s surprisingly sturdy for paper.

Folding each module into the sphere was oddly meditative, and the way the pieces lock together without glue feels almost magical. It took me a couple evenings to finish, but the finished kusudama looks stunning on my shelf.