How to Make an Origami Seed Packet or Wallet

Make your own packet for seeds.

Until the 19th century, seeds were saved from one harvest to the next, and collecting and preserving seeds was an important part of the gardening year. Today it's easy to buy a packet of seeds, but avid gardeners preserve seeds from one year to the next. Origami seed packets hold the seeds safely, do not fall open and preserve the seeds for the next crop.

Things You'll Need

• 6-inch square of paper
• Marker pen

Instructions

1. Fold the top edge of the paper 1/2 inch down and crease. Unfold. Fold the bottom edge up to meet the crease line. Crease and leave folded.

2. Fold the pre-creased folded edge at the top over the folded up bottom edge. Turn the paper over.

3. Fold both top corners down to meet the bottom edge. Crease.

4. Fold each of the points at the base up toward the top of the figure and parallel to the side. Tuck the points under the folds.

5. Unfold one of the tucked-under points to open the seed packet.

6. Add seeds, fold the packet up and label the packet with a marker pen.

Tips & Warnings

• Add the date to the seed packet.

• Dry the seeds before putting them in the packet.

• The paper does not have to be square. If using rectangular paper, crease the first fold along the top edge.

• Use the packets to temporarily hold small valuables such as coins and stamps. With a secure closure at each end, items are unlikely to fall out.

References

• Page-A-Day-Calendar 2011; Origami; Seed Packet
• Downsizer: Origami Seed Packets

Resources

• Cheap Vegetable Gardener: Make Your Own Paper Seed Packets