How to Make Paper Cubes

You can make a square sheet of paper into a cube without scissors, tape or glue. All that's required is some precise folds and a puff of air. You can put small items inside the cubes during the folding process, making the cubes tiny gift boxes.

Things You'll Need

• Square sheet of paper

Instructions

Folding the Cube

1. Fold a square sheet of paper diagonally to form a triangle, then unfold it and fold diagonally in the other direction.

2. Fold the paper in half, forming a rectangle. Unfold the paper.

3. Maneuver the paper so the creases you created in Step 3 bend toward the center, making two triangles that meet at the top.

4. Lay the paper flat. Fold the left and right corners of the triangle that is on top toward the top of the triangle and make a crease, forming a diamond shape.

5. Fold the left and right corners of the diamond toward the center, forming two triangles that touch in the center. Crease.

6. Bend the two flaps at the top of the diamond down and tuck them into the slot at the top of the left and right triangles. Crease.

7. Turn the paper over and repeat Steps 4 through 6 on the other side.

Inflating the Cube

1. See that the result is a folded piece of paper that resembles a square with two triangles on either side of it. Fold the triangles in so they become part of the square, then unfold them.

2. Find the small hole in one corner of the flattened cube. Hold it to your lips and blow a puff of air into the cube to inflate it.

3. Pinch the edges of the cube slightly to straighten the creases and improve the look of the cube.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a colored or printed sheet of paper, or decorate the paper before you begin folding.

• The better the creases are, the better the cube will be. Use your fingernail to make firm, precise creases.

Resources

• Learn how to make a cube that opens up into a rose.