How to Fold a Terracotta Pot From Paper

Use terracotta-colored paper to make a classic looking paper flower pot.

Terracotta has been used for pottery and sculpture for centuries. The warm, earthy color immediately evokes a sense of history and brings a classic, sun-baked feel to any garden or household. Terracotta-colored paper can provide the same effect when used in craft projects. Instead of searching for a real terracotta pot in the correct shape and size for your project, try making a light, versatile, easily-decorated pot out of paper.

Things You'll Need

• 1 sheet heavy, square terracotta-colored stock paper

Instructions

Folding a Square Base

1. Place the paper front side down. Fold the paper in half diagonally to create a triangle. Make a sharp crease then unfold.

2. Fold the paper in half horizontally to make a rectangle. Make a sharp crease then unfold.

3. Fold the paper in half vertically to make a rectangle the other direction. Make a sharp crease then unfold.

4. Flip the paper over so it is face up. Fold the paper diagonally to make a triangle in the other direction. Make a sharp crease then unfold.

5. Pull the corners at each end of the diagonal crease inward to meet one another and push the paper down flat to form a folded square base.

Folding the Pot

1. Fold the top flap of the open end of the square base down to meet the opposite corner and make a sharp crease. With the flap still folded, fold the tip of the triangle back to touch the fold you just made. Make a sharp crease then unfold. Fold down the tip again, this time to touch the crease you just made. Then fold the paper over at the crease and then over again, flush with the first fold.

2. Flip your square over and repeat Section 2, Step 1 on the other side.

3. Fold each of the flaps of the square base over so the folds you made are now folded in half vertically. Repeat Section 2, Step 1 for the other two flaps of the square base. Your pot should now look like an equilateral triangle, front side of the paper out, with folds at the base and small triangles of the underside of the paper showing on each bottom corner.

Assembling the Pot

1. With the point of your triangle facing away from you, unfold the base of the triangle toward you once to create a diamond shape. Flip the triangle over and repeat on the other side.

2. Fold each end point of your diamond shape in to meet the center and crease sharply. Turn the shape over and repeat on the other side. This will create small pockets on either end of your pot.

3. Fold the bottom flap up while pulling the end pockets outward to line up with the diagonal creases on your pot. Repeat on the other side.

4. Fold the tabs sticking out on either end of your pot under, then tuck them in between the two folds of paper underneath them. Repeat on the other side.

5. Locate the two tabs facing upward on either end of your pot. Fold them under and tuck them into the pockets located directly underneath them. Repeat on the other side.

6. Fold the top point of your pot over to make a flat edge, crease sharply, then fold it over the other way and crease sharply.

7. Open the pot up, pull the sides out and push the point you just creased down on the table gently to form the bottom of the pot.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble tucking the flaps in when assembling the pot, use a pair of tweezers or another rigid object to help you push them in.

References

• Garden Decor Galore: The History of Terracotta Pots

Resources

• Origami Resource Center