How to Make an Origami Jackson Cube Variation

Invented by Paul Jackson, a Jackson cube is a feat of origami that teaches geometric shape, tessellation and geometry. By interlocking the six sides of this paper square, the Jackson cube is fun to make and pleasing to the eye. This is a great craft for those rainy afternoons and a must for the classroom. Read on to learn how to make an origami Jackson cube variation.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Scissors
• Ruler

Instructions

Making the Sides

1. Cut six squares out of ordinary or patterned paper. The size is up to you, but 12 by 12 inches is a good place to start.

2. Take one of the squares of paper and mark the center by folding the paper over gently and making a small crease at the edge of the paper. Folding and scoring the entire length of the paper is not necessary.

3. Unfold the paper and repeat Step 2, folding in the opposite direction. The creases in Steps 2 and 3 will act as markers throughout the side making process.

4. Fold one side of the paper hot dog style to the middle of the paper as indicated by one of the two creases. Score along this fold with a ruler for a perfectly straight edge. Remember to leave this fold intact.

5. Turn the paper so that the unfolded edge is nearest you and mirror the fold in Step 4. This means the square of paper is now a rectangular created by two equal folds to its center.

6. Use the remaining marker crease from Step 2 or 3 and fold the short edges of the folded paper into the center. This means folding the paper on the opposing bias of the last fold and taking the rectangle into a half finished square shape.

7. Mirror the fold in Step 6 on the other short edge of the paper completing the small square shape. Allow the shorter folds to spring back up making the folded paper into a "U" shape if viewed from the side. Repeat Steps 2 through 7 with the remaining squares of paper before moving on to Section 2.

Assembling the Cube

1. Take two of the folded paper sides and interlock along opposing flaps. These means laying one side, folds facing up, on a flat surface and place the other side so that its flap is in the opposite position of the other side's flaps. The finished placement is reminiscent of an "L" shape.

2. Mirror the second placement in Step 1 of this section on the opposite side so that now three of the sides interlock with their flaps laying in opposing positions. You may have to use your spare hand to hold the sides roughly in position until all the pieces are assembled and the square locks itself.

3. Realize that the placement of the sides in Step 2 of this section means that two side sides and a top side are necessary to complete the cube. If this sounds unfamiliar and not similar to the cube you are assembling at this point, go back and retrace your steps.

4. Place side pieces in the same ways as in previous steps making sure that flaps oppose each other as the sides of the cube go into position.

5. Complete the cube by pushing the remaining side piece into the gap on the top of the cube. If all the sides and flaps are correct, the cube should be self-sustaining. If you are worried it will not hold its shape, secure the cube with a little scotch tape.