orchid stem?

legendver2 · Post by **legendver2** » March 13th, 2009, 3:39 am

Hi, I'm new here. Been doing alot of research into origami lately, especially in the ryujin area, but that's another story.

I just wnted to know, from robert lang's orchid denndrobium, what's a good way to make the stem of the orchid. From his site, i don't think that stem looks kinda authentic (as in it doesn't look like it's folded from paper). the stems of these flowers tend to curve downward as it its closer to the flower, and was wondering how it's able to hold the weight of the flower at the end? thanks alot!

Black-Shadow_Hawk · Post by **Black-Shadow_Hawk** » March 13th, 2009, 3:45 am

Can I have the link so I can give you a good answer?

legendver2 · Post by **legendver2** » March 13th, 2009, 3:56 am

http://www.langorigami.com/art/gallery/ ... ame=orchid

from robert langs site

http://web.mit.edu/lavin/www/origami/bo ... gm-lge.jpg
http://www.robogumby.com/papercrane/art ... rchids.jpg

also, what type of paper would u suggest?

Black-Shadow_Hawk · Post by **Black-Shadow_Hawk** » March 13th, 2009, 4:04 am

Oh! I believe that stem is wire!

legendver2 · Post by **legendver2** » March 13th, 2009, 4:41 am

how would you attach it to the wire? I'm sorry for asking so many questions, but i just want to limit the use of glue or any outside substance to make this as raw as possible. Also what type of paper would you suggest?

Wizmatt · Post by **Wizmatt** » March 13th, 2009, 9:38 pm

Most of the origami flowers that include stems are multi-piece. The leaves and blossom from paper and the stem from wire.

In Michael Lafosse' latest book, Origami art, he suggests using florists wire and a long strip of paper. Then apply paste to the strip and wind it tight around the wire to make it look more natural. Then use glue to attach the flower and leaves. He also says to use paste and paper to make a ball to put on the end of the wire and pass the bottom of the wire through the middle of the flower so it looks like a stigma, and it also stops the flower sliding off.

Hope this helps.

legendver2 · Post by **legendver2** » March 13th, 2009, 10:04 pm

thanks alot! much appreciated =)

mrsriggins · Post by **mrsriggins** » March 20th, 2009, 7:47 am

one thing would be to roll the florists wire in tissue paper an coat it in methyl cellulose to get all the parts to stick then when dry you should be able to bend the wire a bit and position the stem how you want it and that way it can be any color you want and shape, I wouldn't use florists wire alone it's way too thin to look real or at least the kind that I have is.