Life & Style

Paperwhite Tree

Cover this tree in fluttering paperwhite decorations inspired by papel picados, the popular cut-paper banners and flags used in Mexico for all fiesta occasions. This is a study in texture, using every conceivable paper weight from delicate tissue, embossed rice, and transparent tracing to stretch crepe and heavy cotton rag. Etheral string spheres and origami lanterns defuse the lights. Top this confection with a bouquet finial.

Origami Light Shades

What You’ll Neeed:

1 package of 4-inch white origami paper squares, or rice paper cut into 4-inch squares

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fold a square in half on the diagonal. Unfold. Repeat on the opposite diagonal.

2. Fold in half to make a rectangle. Crease and unfold.

3. Collapse the prefolded square, pinching the centers of the rectangle fold together, resulting in a folded triangle shape.

4. Fold the top layer of the outer-right corner of the triangle up to the center point.

5. Fold the top layer of the outer-left corner to the center point. Turn the square over and repeat steps 4 and 5.

6. You now have a diamond shape. Fold the top layer of the right corner to the center.

7. Repeat the fold on the left side; turn over and repeat the same two folds.

8. Fold each of the top points back onto themselves and dog-ear the points. Tuck each bent point into the pockets of the previous folds.

9. Crease the tucked flaps neatly into the pockets. Repeat on the other side and crease.

10. Blow up the origami shade like a balloon. To string: After the lights are on the tree, place the shades on the lights you choose to cover, inserting the light into the shade hole.