Paper-based boxes (masu boxes) made with the origami technique or the art of paper folding are quite interesting because they are useful and easy to make. You only need to prepare a square sheet of paper. When the box is ready, you can store small things in it. By making two boxes, one box can be used as a container and the other as a wrapper. Read this article to learn how to make a box out of paper.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Making the Box Base
Step 1. Prepare a square sheet of paper
In addition to using origami paper, you can use other paper. Make a diagonal fold and then cut off the excess paper because this box can be made only with square paper.
Step 2. Fold the paper in half
Press the folds of the paper firmly with your fingers and then open them again.
Step 3. Fold the paper along the other side
Use your finger to press down on the fold and then open it again. Now, there are two intersecting folds in the middle of the paper.
Step 4. Fold the corner of the paper to the center
Point the four corners of the paper toward the center so that the edges touch each other. Press the crease with your finger. Lay the paper in a square shape, but don't open it.
Step 5. Fold the top and bottom to the middle
Press both folds with your fingers.
Step 6. Unfold the paper you just made
Unfold left and right, including the triangle under the fold. Keep the two triangles on the top and bottom folded together.
Step 7. Fold the longer side to the middle
Fold the two sides (the one with the triangular crease) into the center of the paper. Press the crease with your finger. At this point, you will see a paper shaped like a tie with corners at both ends.
Part 2 of 2: Creating a Square Wall
Step 1. Press the folds of the paper with your finger
As a guide, the diamond shape on the top of the paper will be called the "head" and the diamond on the bottom will be called the "foot". Point the bottom corner of the “leg” toward the bottom corner of the diamond shape on the “head” and press the folds of the paper with your finger. After that, do the same for the top corner of the “head” section.
Step 2. Make a box wall
Unfold the two sides of the "tie" to form two side walls of the box.
Step 3. Make the top wall of the box
Once you've unfolded the "head" section, there are two triangles at the end of the fold you made earlier that need to be folded inward. Fold this triangle inward before continuing. To make the top wall of the box, fold the "head" part right at the corner of the triangle so that the triangle at the top of the "head" area covers the bottom of the box neatly. After that, press this fold against the wall of the box to make it even more solid. Once pressed, you will see a triangle at the bottom of the box.
Step 4. Repeat the same steps for the bottom wall of the box by folding the “legs” inward
Make sure you make neat, crease-free folds.
Step 5. Done
Tips
- For best results, fold the paper neatly. Each time you make a fold, point each side or corner so that it meets the other side, fold, or whatever needs to be joined and then press down on the paper fold with your finger.
- To make it easier, make two diagonal folds before you start making the square. These folds will be very helpful later.
- Apply glue or use tape to stick the triangular folds at the bottom of the box so they don't lift.
- Make another box for the lid in the same way.
- If you are using paper that has one colored side, start folding it with the colored side down.
Warning
- Do not use this paper box to store items that are too heavy so they don't fall over because this box is made of plain paper.
- Be careful not to hurt your hands by the edges of the paper.
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