Buzz
The beauty of origami paper boxes, also known as masu boxes, stems from their simplicity. All you need is a square piece of paper. Once folded, the box becomes an ideal storage container. With two boxes, you can use one to store items and the other as a lid to wrap small gifts. Keep reading to learn how to fold a paper box.
Steps
Create the Folds
Start with a square sheet of paper. You can use origami paper or any square sheet. Fold it diagonally from one corner to the opposite edge and cut off the excess. It's crucial to use a square paper to fold the box.
Fold the paper in half. Use your finger to press down on the crease, then unfold the paper.
Fold the paper in the opposite direction. Press down on the new crease with your finger, then unfold the paper. Now, you should have two intersecting creases at the center of the square paper.
Fold the corners to the center. Bring each corner to meet at the center so that the points touch each other. Use your fingers to create creases. Rotate the paper to form a square in front of you, but keep the paper folded.
Fold the top and bottom edges to the center of the square. Create two creases to secure them in place.
Unfold the recent creases. Open half of the folds and the triangles underneath those creases. Leave only the triangular creases on the two sides.
Fold the long edges to the center. Bring the paper to the bottom tip of the triangle crease. Fold both edges. You will end up with a shape resembling a tie with two sharp ends.
Form the Box
Create more creases. In this guide, the sharp diamond-shaped end of the 'tie' furthest from you is called the 'head,' and the diamond shape closer to you is the 'tail.' Fold the sharp bottom tip of the 'tail' diamond into the bottom peak of the 'head' diamond. Then, fold the sharp top tip of the 'head' diamond into the bottom tip of the 'tail' diamond. Fold along the crease to ensure a neat line.
Shape the Box. Raise the crease along the long edge to form the box's two walls.
With the box walls formed, continue folding to create the remaining two walls. When you lift the other two sides, the crease lines from earlier will create triangular folds that should be folded inward. Be sure to fold these triangles in before continuing. The box walls are formed by folding the paper over the triangle corners, and the top triangle paper will fit neatly into the bottom of the box, securing it. After folding, you will see a triangle in one corner of the box.
Repeat the process for the other end. Ensure that the creases are neat and wrinkle-free.
Complete the Process.
Tips
- For the best results, fold the paper carefully. With each fold, align the edges or corners precisely before pressing them down firmly.
- You can apply a small amount of glue to the triangular crease at the bottom of the box to hold it in place, or use tape.
- Start by folding the paper diagonally in the first step, along with the straight crease. This will be very helpful in later steps.
- Create a lid for the box by folding an additional box in the same manner.
- If you're using paper with color on one side, begin folding with the colored side facing down.
Warnings
- Avoid placing heavy items in the box as it may collapse. Remember, the box is made of paper.
- Be careful not to cut yourself with the paper.
