Credits and Resources:
Designer: David Mitchell (2021)
Instructions with visuals in pdf format can be found at the following link:
justaddcake.pdf
Just Add Cake - Model design, text and diagrams copyright David Mitchell - 2021
origamiheaven.com
This is the website of David Mitchell, which is, indeed, a paperfolding paradise ...
Text-Based Tutorial copyright 2025 by Lindy van der Merwe
accessorigami.com
Paper to be used: 4 squares; any kind of paper will work.
Steps: 10
Folding level: Beginner
Description
This model is what some may describe as minimalist origami. It is a plate, made up of 4 very easy, fairly flat units.
The finished model has a flat, square central area, surrounded by triangular points, forming edges that slant upwards and outwards at an angle.
This is one of the most useful models around, not only easy to remember, quick to fold and assemble in a flash, but it can be folded in any size and the simple, yet elegant, design leaves a lot of options for color and pattern choices that can fit with any type of decor.
Instructions
Phase 1 - Folding a unit
Step 1
Place your square down with the edges on the left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Fold the paper in half downwards, bringing the top edge to meet the bottom edge.
Crease well and leave folded.
You will have a two-layered rectangle now.
Step 3
Fold the top left corner diagonally down so the left edge meets the bottom edge.
Crease well and unfold, but do not press the paper flat.
Step 4
Similarly, fold the top right corner diagonally down, so the right edge meets the bottom edge.
Crease well and unfold, but do not press the paper flat.
You will now have a slightly 3D model with a flat section at its center and two sections that are standing at a slight angle, one on the left and one on the right.
Your angled sections will form the outside rim or edge of the plate, so should be lifted up at around a 45 degree angle from the table.
Your unit is complete. Set it aside for now.
Phase 2 - Folding more units
Follow the above steps to make 3 more similar units.
Explanation
Notice that each unit is a two-layered rectangle that will lay with its open side towards you.
Apart from the flat, central area, the left and right bended corners can be thought of as two flaps on each side of the unit.
At the same time, the two-layered flaps can be opened, functioning as pockets.
As is the case with many modular origami models, we will be inserting flaps into pockets in order to construct a finished creation that is interwoven so that it should stay together without glue.
Phase 3 - Assembly
Step 5
Place units 1 and 2 in front of you with their open edges nearest you. Their closed edges, with their bent flaps or pockets will be on the left and right, furthest away from you.
Unit 1 will be on the left and unit 2 on the right.
Step 6
Lift up the front layer of the right pocket of unit 1 and insert the left front flap of unit 2 into this pocket.
Notice that the back or bottom flap of unit 2 will not be inside unit 1, but underneath it, touching the table.
The two triangles will slide together at a sharp, 90 degree angle, so make sure unit 2 slides in all the way.
You should have a neat, sharp point where your first two units are joined.
Step 7
Rotate the assembly to the left so that unit 2 is now in front of you.
Step 8
Repeat Steps 6 and 7 with unit 3 and also with unit 4, each time sliding the front layer of the unit on the right into the pocket of the unit on the left.
Note: It is likely that there won't be enough space for unit 4, so it may end up laying on top of unit 1.
Step 9
Lastly, while lightly holding down unit 4, bring the front flap of unit 1 from underneath and tuck it into the pocket of unit 4.
Step 10
Your assembly is complete. Make sure that all units are inserted in the same way so that they form a pattern. In other words, the units should all face in the same direction and there should be no opening at the center of the plate.
If necessary, gently press the units inwards so they fit snugly together.
Now: "Just Add Cake!"
This text copyright 2025 by accessorigami.coM
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