How to Fold an Origami Gift Box
Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, can be both functional and beautiful, especially when used to create a gift box. Although there are many types of boxes, a simple "masu" box with lid works well for holding small presents of jewelry or candy, as well everyday items such as paper clips, rubber bands and sewing notions. The box and lid may be crafted using any size paper, as long as both sheets are squares of the same size. The sturdiness of the completed box depends on the thickness of the paper used.
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Instructions
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Creating the Box
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1
Working on a hard, flat surface, fold one square of paper in half both vertically and horizontally. Unfold and turn the paper so that the folds form an X.
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2
Using these lines as guides, fold all corners to the center point, forming four triangles. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center line, then unfold. Unfold the top and bottom triangles.
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3
Fold the left and right edges to center line. Unfold the edges so that they are perpendicular to the rest of the paper. This will form two sides of the box.
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4
Grasp the top corner of left-hand triangle along folded edge and pull gently toward center, creasing along the original guideline (the raw edge of the triangle). This will form one corner of the box.
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5
Repeat Step 4 for the top of the right-hand triangle. Using the two completed sides of the box as guides, fold the top corner over the side of the box into the bottom so that it meets the corners of the left- and right-hand triangles in the center of the box.
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Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to form the fourth side of the box. If desired, secure the edges of the triangles in the bottom of box with glue.
Crafting the Lid
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7
Fold the second sheet of paper in half both vertically and horizontally. Unfold and turn the paper so that the folds form an X.
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8
Fold all corners to the center point, using the fold lines as guides, forming four triangles. Fold the top and bottom edges almost to the center line, leaving approximately 1/8 inch between the folded edge and the center. This will ensure that the lid is slightly larger than the box. Unfold the edges and the top and bottom triangles.
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9
Fold the left and right edges to approximately 1/8 inch of the center line. Unfold the edges so that they are perpendicular to the rest of the paper. This will form two sides of the lid.
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10
Grasp the top corner of left-hand triangle along folded edge, and pull gently toward center, creasing along the original guideline (raw edge of the triangle). This will form one corner of the lid. Repeat for the top of the right-hand triangle.
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Fold the top corner over the side of the lid so that it meets the corners of the left- and right-hand triangles in the center of the lid. Use the two completed sides of the lid as guides.
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Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to form the fourth side of the lid. If desired, secure the edges of the triangles with glue.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice creating both the box and the lid with scrap paper before attempting the final project.
When selecting paper, take into consideration the size and weight of the object(s) the finished box will hold.
If desired, attach a bow or large bead to the lid with glue to form a handle.
