How to Make an Open Origami Box With Legs

The exact origin of origami is a topic that's still debated. The origin of paper itself is even debated. Because paper is biodegradable, it is impossible to know whether origami preceded what we know now. It has been narrowed down to China and Japan. We also know that it later became popular in Spain and other parts of Europe. Origami in the twenty-first century varies from a simple, children's craft to a serious and complex art form.

Things You'll Need

• 1 square piece of paper, colored on one side

Instructions

1. 

   With the white side face up, fold the paper square in half, then unfold it. Fold in half the other way.

2. 

   Open the square. Pull one corner down the middle point of the paper. Repeat until all four corners are folded.

3. 

   Fold the new square you've made in half.

4. 

   With the fold facing away from you, pull the top right corner down to the bottom, middle of the rectangle.

5. 

   Flip the paper over, then fold the top right corner down to the middle.

6. 

   Flip the paper, so the point is facing downward and the triangle is vertcal. Begin to pull open the middle of the triangle.

7. 

   Push the top side down to the bottom side. Make sure to press the folds on both sides so they are as flat as possible.

8. 

   Grasp the bottom point of the top layer. There will be two points in the middle and another on the bottom.

9. 

   Pinch the bottom point and top point toward each other. This will begin to form a rectangle shape.

10. 

    Flatten the rectangle. Flip over your paper and repeat Steps 8 and 9.

11. 

    Take hold of the top layer of a rectangle in the middle. Fold it toward the bottom of the rectangle.

12. 

    Push each side of the rectangle toward the middle, so it folds into a small triangle. Take your time. This part can be tricky. Flip the paper over and repeat.

13. 

    Open the sides of the heart-shape you have now. You will be folding the top in half and the bottom in half. The shape will be the same, but now you won't be able to see any white paper.

14. 

    Grasp the right side, top layer and fold it to the middle crease.

15. 

    Pull the left side into the middle crease and flatten it.

16. 

    Flip the paper over. Repeat Steps 14 and 15 on this side.

17. 

    Open the two flaps you just made. Inside fold the extra flap down to form a point sticking out the top.

18. 

    Continue folding each of the four flaps--two on each side of the paper--to form one point in the middle of the top.

19. 

    Turn the paper so that the white point you just created is pointing down. Fold the top flap down in the middle. Flip the paper and repeat.

20. 

    Pull each folded down flap outward. The middle of the box will begin to open.

Tips & Warnings

• Smooth out with your fingernail or the flat side of a ruler each fold you make.

• Making sure every fold is compressed will make the process easier when you have to make secondary folds.

• When you open the box the first time, you may need to use your finger to push down the bottom so it stays open.

Resources

• Origami Resource Center