August 31, 2008

Origami Box - super easy!

I have been making these little boxes for as long as I can remember! They are so easy and you can do any size and use any paper you want. My kids like to stamp and color card stock and then fold the box. This creates a really personal effect and the creative possibilities are endless!
* First begin with a square piece of paper...any size
* Fold paper from corner to corner in both directions
* Fold outer corner up to center of paper - repeat on all 4 sides
* Now fold up again aligning the fold with the horizontal center line * Unfold and move to next corner - continue with all 4 corners
* Open your paper - You will see the center square which will be the underside of the top of your box. (I have marked it in blue just for a clear picture of what we are looking at)
*The 4 black lines indicate where you will CUT. (these are the only cuts you will make) Only cut up to the center square (marked in blue)
* After cutting all 4 lines - Start working with the large wings first. Fold corner into center just as in the beginning but then fold in the flaps on top of each other to create nice crisp corners. I then fold the whole piece in toward the center and make a nice crease again. Now repeat on opposite side. I use a little piece of double sided tape to help keep things in place while folding.
* Next stand the large wing fold up on its end with the flaps extending toward the other side to create walls. Repeat on opposite side. You will see your box begin to take shape! I use a little tape here too help keep everything in place.
* Now with the 2 smaller sides you will fold them up and over the 'walls' you have created. I tape under the center triangles to hold everything in place. (use good sticky tape - I don't use glue because it will warp the paper and it looks funny)
There it is!
Now time to create the bottom portion. Its done exactly the same way but start with a square of paper just SLIGHTLY smaller than the one you just made.
OK I hope you can understand what I am trying to explain! My brain is mush - so if you have questions please send me an email.

No comments:

Post a Comment