Figure 1: The completed Fireworks action model.
Designer: Yami Yamauchi
Text Tutorial: Copyright 2026 by Bilge Ozel
Editing: Gemini 3
This model consists of a total of 12 Units. To make things easier at the beginning, 21cm paper can be used; however, larger or smaller sizes are also suitable. While the model can be made with a single color, a combination of different colors—using yellow, red, blue, green, or orange—is recommended to reflect the vibrant colors of fireworks.
One could use colors as follows: Units 1 to 4 could be yellow; Units 5 to 8 could be orange; Units 9 to 12 could be blue. You may need a few paper clips during the assembly of the Units. All 12 Units must be ready before you begin the assembly.
Part 1: Unit Construction
Step 1
Form a Waterbomb Base.
Step 2
Open the Waterbomb Base and position the paper so that the peaks of the diagonal creases are facing upward (mountain folds). Orient the paper so the edges are at the top and bottom, left and right (square orientation).
Step 3
You will now perform 4 cupboard folds (closet folds). First, fold the edge nearest you to meet the horizontal valley crease running through the center.
Step 4
Fold the opposite edge to the center horizontal valley crease. This completes two "cupboard doors" and creates a rectangular shape.
Step 5
Unfold these two cupboard doors. Fold the right and left edges to the vertical valley crease in the center. Another rectangular shape is formed, this time with the short edges at the top and bottom.
Step 6
Unfold the flaps you just made. Fold the edge nearest you to meet the horizontal valley crease that was created by the previous cupboard fold.
Step 7
Fold the edge furthest away from you to the horizontal valley crease created by the previous cupboard fold. Repeat the same process for the right and left edges.
Result: You will now have created 5 horizontal and 5 vertical valley creases.
Step 8
Unfold all creases and reform the paper into a Waterbomb Base using the existing folds.
Step 9
Position the Waterbomb Base with the open ends facing you. On the top surface, you will see two horizontal lines and vertical lines near the right and left edges. Now, fold the edge nearest you towards the opposite side. This fold should occur at the horizontal line furthest from you. When this edge is folded away from you, it should align perfectly with the closed tip of the Waterbomb Base.
Step 10
Flip the paper over and repeat Step 9 on this side. The main shape of the model is now a pentagon with 4 wings (two on the right, two on the left).
Step 11
We will now perform a "squash fold." Focus on the right section. Fold the bottom-right corner of the pentagon into a triangle up to the closest horizontal line. Fold only the top flap.
Step 12
Unfold the triangular fold and turn the newly formed valley crease into a mountain fold. Fold the edge facing you towards the opposite side along the horizontal line closest to you. Press down on that small right-facing edge to turn it into a valley fold.
Step 13
Repeat the squash fold on the left side of the pentagon. You will now have two "hat" shapes pointing in opposite directions.
Step 14
Flip the paper over and repeat Steps 11, 12, and 13 on this side.
Step 15
Unfold all the squash folds you made. Press firmly on all creases first. Once unfolded, the model returns to its pentagonal shape.
Part 2: Assembling the Pieces
Step 1
Position the pentagonal Unit so the open ends are nearest you.
Step 2
Insert your fingers into the vertical center slit and gently spread the top layers. You should find a triangular pocket. The triangular point of the 2nd Unit will be inserted here.
Step 3
Focus on the 2nd Unit. Lift the upper flaps together in the center. Squeeze them between your thumb and finger to create a triangular point facing away from you.
Step 4
Pry open the pocket of the 1st Unit and insert the triangular point of the 2nd Unit. The upper layers of the 1st Unit should "swallow" the flaps of the 2nd Unit.
Step 5
Once nested, you will see three triangles facing away from you. The middle one (which is thicker) hides the tab of the 2nd Unit.
Step 6 - Step 7
Repeat this process for the remaining Units. The flap count increases by one with each Unit added.
Step 8
When all 12 Units are complete, there should be 13 flaps on each side. Attach a paperclip to the 12th Unit to mark it.
Step 9
Place the model with closed ends facing the ceiling. We will now perform "inside reverse folds" on the flaps.
Step 10
Holding both layers of the 2nd flap, press down on the hinge to collapse it inward, making the slanted lines become "peaks."
Step 11
Repeat this up to the 11th Unit on both the right and left sides.
Step 12
Position the model so the "Y" shaped folds face upward. Grip the forks of adjacent Y-shapes and fold them toward yourself along the horizontal line.
Step 13 - Step 14
Continue this process to the right until the model curves into a crescent shape. Repeat on the other side.
Step 15 - Step 16
Connect the ends. Insert the triangular tab of the 1st Unit into the pocket of the 12th Unit. The model will now form a ring.
Step 17 - Step 18
Apply the final reverse folds and Y-fork folds to the joint. The model is complete!
This text is copyright 2026 by accessorigami.com and the author.
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