Paper boxes are a simple craft that is easy to make and environmentally friendly. You can use them as beautiful gift boxes, trays, and storage containers. To make it, take any size paper, then fold it in several ways. Paper boxes are practical and have many uses, and can be a fun way to recycle unused flyers and paper.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Creating a Rectangular Box
Step 1. Select the paper to be used
For this method, we recommend that you use rectangular paper. If you are making gift boxes or party favors, use brightly colored paper or have colorful prints. If you just want to practice your paper folding skills, just use old paper.
Step 2. Fold the paper in half vertically
If you are using patterned paper, make sure the pattern is on the outside. Unfold the paper again.
- Make sure to line the crease well. You can define the crease line with a fingernail, a coin, or another hard object.
- If you are using cardboard or other thick paper, make crease lines with a tool called the “scoring tool”. This tool can be a blunt knife, an empty ballpoint pen, the back of a folder, or an embosser (encrusting tool).
Step 3. Fold each side of the paper toward the center crease
Take the edge of the paper and align it with the center crease. Again, the motif should be placed on the outside. Unfold the paper. Now, the paper is divided into four parts wide.
Step 4. Fold the entire paper in half lengthwise
Make sure the motif is outside. Unfold the paper once again. Now, the paper is divided into eight equal parts.
Step 5. Fold each short side towards the center crease
You will do the same as in Step 3 for this longitudinal crease.
- In this way, the newly formed side will have four sections. Now, the paper will be divided into 16 sections.
- This time, don't unfold the paper. Keep it folded lengthwise.
Step 6. Fold each corner
Line up the top corner with the nearest longitudinal crease. Each bent corner will form a straight triangle with a flat base with a longitudinal crease. When you're done, you'll get an asymmetrical octagon.
You'll see a piece of paper between the folded center edge and the edge of the corner you just folded creating a flap
Step 7. Fold the flap in the middle covering the triangle formed from the previous step
This way, you open the center of the paper so you can see the crease in the center of the box.
These flaps will be visible from outside the box. If you want to make a decorative gift or box, you can use paper with a pattern on both sides of the paper to add additional ornamentation
Step 8. Pull both flaps up
You can hold it in the center crease. Now you have a complete box.
You may need to tighten some of the creases so the box can stand up securely
Step 9. Add the finishing touches
Tape a piece of tape to the corner of the box if you want it to stay even. Decorate the bottom of the box with markers or pens if desired. If you are going to put a gift in a box, write a surprise message for the person who will receive it, then cover it with the gift.
Method 2 of 4: Creating Alternate Square Boxes
Step 1. Select the paper to be used
It's a good idea to start with rectangular paper. As with the method above, the purpose of making the box will determine the paper you choose. If you're making them for gifts or decorative items, use patterned or brightly colored paper. If you just want to practice, use scrap paper.
Step 2. Fold the paper in half lengthwise
If you use a patterned bag, make sure the motif is on the inside. This is the opposite of method 1. So make sure you pay close attention to it. Unfold the paper.
Step 3. Fold the long side towards the center crease
Make sure the motif is inside. Take the outer edge of the paper and fold it to the center crease. Unfold the two folds you just made.
Now, the paper has four vertical sections. At this stage, the paper is still folded in half. So you should see two parts, no motive
Step 4. Fold back the edges of the paper along the nearest crease
Now, the paper has two flaps and you can see the pattern.
- Each flap should be three layers folded on top of the other forming a Z pattern.
- Do not unfold the paper.
Step 5. Turn the paper over and fold the edges towards the center crease
When you turn the paper over, you see only the center crease and both sides of the paper. Fold the paper toward the center crease so that it lines up with the two outer folds. Unfold the paper partially so that the outer fold returns to the edge.
There should be two longitudinal sections before you unfold the paper and two after doing so
Step 6. Fold the bottom left corner towards the third crease towards the right side
Align the bottom outer edge with the crease.
The newly formed triangle will have a flap in the middle
Step 7. Fold the bottom right corner of the flap to the top edge
This step will result in a new flap in the shape of a symmetrical trapezoid.
Step 8. Fold the bottom right corner up to meet the flap edge
The bottom right corner will be on the other side of the third fold.
The section you just created will be in the shape of a triangle with a pointy end. The top should have a flap
Step 9. Insert the section you just created into the flap below it
Lift the newly folded piece and carefully insert it into the flap at the bottom. The flaps and folded corners of the triangle will be visible.
Step 10. Insert the tip of the triangle inward
Take the corner of the triangle and fold it under the flap. You may need to define the crease line.
You should see a straight edge along the bottom. The flaps that have just been folded will form a trapezoid. The sides of this section will be parallel to the second larger trapezoid
Step 11. Repeat steps 6-10 with the other end
It is recommended to rotate the paper 180 degrees before starting.
When you're done, the two sides will look identical. Now, the paper will have an elongated octagon shape
Step 12. Lift each flap
This is the final step to finish the square with all four sides upright. You may need to define the crease lines so that all sides of the box stand up better. Just like Method 1, you can decorate the bottom of the box if you want to use it for a special occasion.
Method 3 of 4: Creating a Square (Square)
Step 1. Select the paper to be used
Think about your purpose for making the box. If you want to make gifts or decorative items, use patterned or colored paper.
For this particular method, square paper is the right choice. Origami paper is ideal for making gift boxes. Make sure the paper has sides that are the same length. You can use a square of paper or cut the paper so that each side is the same size
Step 2. Fold the paper in half diagonally, then unfold it
If you are using patterned paper, make sure the pattern is on the inside. Rotate the paper 90 degrees and repeat this step. Now, you have four equal parts.
Step 3. Fold each corner to the center
You should start by placing the patterned side of the paper face down, then fold each corner to reveal the patterned side. The plain part will now be covered. Now, the paper will look like a smaller square made up of four identical triangles.
Step 4. Fold the two parallel sides towards the center
The newly folded part should cover the top of the corner crease you made in Step 3. Now, the paper will be in the shape of a rectangle. Once fully folded, you'll only see two rectangular flaps that meet in the middle.
Step 5. Fold the shorter edge towards the center
The crease should be made on top of the crease you made in Step 4. Now, you will have an even smaller square. At this stage, the only visible parts are the two rectangular flaps that meet in the middle.
Step 6. Unfold the paper partially
U-turn. Stop unfolding once you have the square made up of the triangles you made in Step 3. Fold the two parallel sides back toward the center in the crease you made. There are two sets of edges you can choose from, but they are identical. You will not create new folds. Leave the crease in a vertical position as this edge will be the start of the side of the box.
Step 7. Lift the paper
You can do this by pulling the triangles across. This step will partially open the shorter end of the square. Do not pull too hard so that the paper does not tear. You may have to emphasize crease lines that are less sharp. Now, you have three triangles facing out, two of them with a center crease. The base of each triangle forms the three sides of the square that will form the later sides of the box.
Step 8. Press the two folded triangles inward
Pinch the center folds together to flip the triangle and press it down. Press the fold inward and align the triangle with the center crease of the new side. The paper will begin to bend, lifting up the new side.
Step 9. Fold the remaining triangles into a square
The base of the last triangle is the fold that will form the inner bottom edge of this side. After folding in, the last triangle will now be at the base of the square, forming a square with three other identical triangles.
Step 10. Repeat steps 7-9 with the other side
The four triangles should fit snugly at the bottom of the box. The base of the box will look like a square formed from the four triangles in Step 3. If you want the triangle to stay stuck to the bottom of the box, use tape to secure it.
Method 4 of 4: Making a Pillow Box
Step 1. Prepare the materials needed
Unlike the squares mentioned above, in this Method you have to cut and glue. Don't let this aspect discourage you. Pillow boxes are actually the easiest type of paper box to make. It is recommended to use cardboard or other thick paper to make it. In addition to paper, you will also need scissors, a ruler, and glue.
You will also need a scoring tool if using cardboard
Step 2. Print the pillow box template
Search the internet for a template you like. You can choose a minimalist or complex design.
- You can even print blanks that you can decorate yourself. If you decide to decorate the paper, do so before you fold the paper. Decorating a folded box is not only difficult, it also carries the risk of collapsing.
- You can also print blank templates directly on decorative paper.
Step 3. Cut the template
Use scissors to cut the paper along the lines specified on the template. The standard pillow box template has two parallel straight sides and four curved sides. The shape is similar to a wide hourglass. Some may be more complicated, but still tend to retain their "cushion" shape.
Step 4. Sharpen the crease line
For straight lines, align the ruler near the edge marked on the template to guide you. Curved folds will be more difficult to do because you have to do it manually. Use the scoring tool carefully along the line until an indentation is formed. Don't do it too hard as it can tear the paper.
Step 5. Fold the square in half along the center line crease
If the template is designed to face outward (like most decorative templates), turn the paper over first. Fold it in so that the motif will be on the outside. Use the ruler again to help you if you run into problems.
Step 6. Fold and glue the flaps
Fold the second straight line inward. This thin flap will serve to hold the box together. Turn the box over and apply the glue evenly over the entire surface of the flap.
Step 7. Assemble the main body of the box
Fold the box in half again with the decorative side facing out. Insert the flap under the far edge of the box. Align the flap so that the crease is now parallel to the far edge of the box. Rest the box with a heavy book while waiting for the glue to dry and the edges to adhere tightly.
Step 8. Fold the curved edges inward to finish working the box
Once the glue is dry, fold the curved line toward the center of the box with your finger. Now, this section will form two parallel sides, each in the shape of a pointed oval. Because of its concave shape, the edges will stick together without the aid of glue. If using thin paper, you may need glue.
Tips
- Paper boxes are not as strong as other boxes. Do not put heavy objects, glassware, or liquids in it.
- If you find the instructions difficult and complicated, don't give up because they really aren't. Keep trying until you can follow the steps well or try again with a new sheet of paper.
- Don't expect it to be perfect the first time you try. This skill takes practice.
