Pink Paper Lotus

Start with a square sheet and crease its horizontal and vertical midlines.

Rotate the square so a corner points upward.

Fold all four corners to the center.

Repeat the corner-to-center folds to make a smaller square.

Following the arrows, fold all four corners inward once again.

Turn over and fold the four outer tips inward along the marked lines.

Press the small corner folds into the shape shown.

Turn over again and begin opening the folded layers.

Gently pull the upper-right folded corner outward as indicated.

Open that layer along its existing creases.

Flatten the opened section without tearing the paper.

Open the corresponding layers around the other corners.

Open the paper into the arrangement shown, retaining its creases.

Lift and curve the upper petal into a cupped shape.

Repeat around the other sides to make four petals.

Turn the flower over as indicated by the arrow.

Gently lift the underlying layer around the edge following the arrow.

Ease the layer over the center to form a rounded bowl.

Work around the underside, drawing the folded layers outward gently.

Repeat around the remaining edges.

Check that the underside forms the shallow bowl shown.

Turn over to reveal the center and layered petals.

Ease the outer petals apart.

Adjust the petals into the finished lotus shape.