Ten Steps to Make an Easy Origami Box

Find two rectangle sheets of paper of the same type and not too thick. Two magazine pages would be okay. I am using a free calendar with colorful trains. Any old calendar of the lesser quality would work. The pages of pricier calendars are a thickness that would be hard to handle.

Use newspaper for your first boxes, if you like.

Before you come back with your paper, cut both sheets into identical sized rectangles. Any size is okay, but since it is your first project don't make it too small: ex. 9 X 12, 7 X 8, 8 x 11 inches is fine.

Take one sheet of the rectangles and cut (1/2 inch) off one of the short sides. Cut 3/8's inch off one long side. This rectangle will be your bottom. The bigger one is your lid. The picture here illustrates the trimming of one sheet.

Okay, now come back and follow these instructions.

Note: I switched to safety envelope paper because I got better photos.

The other sheet of paper needs to be folded in the same way starting with Part One.

Fit the slightly smaller box into the bigger one.

I took a square box pattern and discovered I could modify it for a rectangle box and have no creases on the top or bottom of the box. This is my version and if a step is not clear let me know below. There is always room for an improvement tweak.

Why did I have to have a rectangle? Inside it seems more functional.

I wanted an origami pattern because the preference was no template to cut and no gluing. Hope this is of some use to you.

I have old calendars I am using to make small boxes for gift tags and business cards.

Cute kids paper can be a little box to give to bigger kids with some M&M's or even veggie sticks.

Use the instructions for a rainy day project for older kids. Teachers can use the pattern for a math lesson.

Use to box items in a big purse or backpack.

Come back and let us know what you use handmade boxes for.