The dahlia is a showy, layered paper flower that looks far more intricate than it is. In this medal-style version, a single square of origami paper is pre-creased into a grid, then shaped with a series of crush-folds and squash-folds that fan the paper into a rounded, petal-like bloom. It takes thirteen steps and a bit of patience at the squash-fold stage, but every move is shown in a photo, so you can follow along fold by fold. Once finished, the dahlia makes a lovely flat decoration, a gift topper, or the centerpiece of a paper flower bouquet.

How to fold a dahlia (medal)

STEP 1. Fold the paper in half along the dotted line.

After making the crease, unfold it again.

STEP 2. Fold toward the center along the dotted line.

The same is true on the other side.

STEP 3. Fold it in half along the dotted line.

After making a crease, put it back.

STEP 4. Fold toward the center along the dotted line.

The same is true on the other side.

After making a crease, put it back.

STEP 5. Fold it in half again along the dotted line.

STEP 6. Fold along the dotted line.

STEP 7. Do the same on the other side.

After making a crease, put it back.

STEP 8. Open it out using the creases you made.

STEP 9. Crush-fold so the ☆ marks line up.

The same is true on the other side.

STEP 10. Lift the flap up as shown by the arrow.

Open the lifted flap and squash it flat.

Do the same at the other three points.

STEP 11. Fold toward the center along the dotted line.

Do the same at the other three points.

STEP 12. Open and squash it flat as shown.

Do the same at the other seven points.

STEP 13. Fold it to the back along the dotted line.

Fold the remaining corners to finish the dahlia!