How to Make Origami Stacking Boxes

Origami stacking boxes are made of paper that is often colorful or printed.

"Ori" is the Japanese word for folding while "gami" is the world for paper. Put them together and you get the ancient art of paper folding called origami. There are thousands of shapes and figures that can be made just by folding paper, including boxes. In fact, you can make boxes that are open, nesting or even stacking origami boxes.

Things You'll Need

• 2 large sheets origami paper
• 2 medium sheets origami paper
• 2 small sheets origami paper

Instructions

1. Lay one of the large origami sheets down flat. Fold each of the four corners into the center of the paper.

2. Fold each of the new corners under so they touch the edge, then flip the piece of paper over.

3. Fold one side into the center, then fold the side opposite that one into the center so they are both touching in the middle to form a rectangle.

4. Fold the four corners under so they are underneath the top layer.

5. Open the center of the paper out so it begins to form a box. Crease the corners hard and flatten the sides so the box is complete. Set it aside.

6. Lay the second large sheet of paper down flat in front of you. Fold all four corners inward, leaving about 1 cm of space in the center so they are not quite touching. Repeat Steps 2 to 5. This will form the box top. Place it on top of the box and set aside.

7. Repeat Steps 1 to 6 for the second (medium) set of papers. Set the medium box aside. Repeat Steps 1 to 6 for the third (small) set of papers. Stack this box on top of the medium box, then stack that one on top of the large box.

Tips & Warnings

• These stacking boxes can also function as nesting boxes. Instead of covering each box with the top, lay the top down and place the box inside it. Each box and top combo will fit inside the other, called nesting.

References

• ThinkQuest; History of Origami; Callie and Jeremy
• The Paper Fold: Box