Technically this isn't a pure origami project because we are cutting the paper and using other techniquest that are not used in origami.

But something I really like about this project is that it kind of touches upon two different disciplines: Origami and Bonsai.

You just need a few basic supplies to make this project and I have a video that shows you exactly how to do all the various parts including the pot, trees, flowers and leaves.

One clever thing about this project is that the tree is made from a brown paper lunch bag.

In this web tutorial I will not take you through the whole process step by step. It is a bit too complex. I will give you an overview of what to do. If you want to make this you can watch the video.

The completed project

There are four different main parts to this project: The Tree, the pot, the flowers and the leaves. I show you how to make all these.

Materials Needed:

• 1 - 12 inch square of paper for the pot
• 1 - small brown paper lunch bag for the tree
• 1 sheet of green paper for the leaves. We will cut it into one inch squares
• 1 sheet of colored paper for the flowers. We will cut it into one inch squares
• Some kind of glue for attaching stuff together
• 1 piece of green paper that goes under the tree roots
• Mod podge or white glue to seal things.

A brown paper bag is perfect for the tree. We make a series of cuts in it. Some initial cuts are then crumpled and twisted to make the trunk and major branches.

Ok, this is how it is starting. The flat bottom part of the bag is the flat bottom part of the tree where the roots are. We have twisted the trunk and have started the branches.

Ok, as we move up the tree you cut it some more and crumple smaller and smaller branches. Then you would also do some cutting and crumpling with the roots.

The pot is folded, traditional origami style from a twelve inch square of paper.

The only thing remaining to make is the flowers and leaves.

The flowers and leaves are folded from one inch squares of paper. You can use the same colors as we use or you can mix it up. Also, if you want some real variety you can vary the one inch size a bit. Make a few that are a bit larger and make a few that are a bit smaller than one inch.

The video has step by step instructions on how to fold the flowers and the leaves. And we use larger paper to make it easier for you to see.

The leaf pattern.

Watch the Video here:

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