Little origami box

A square box folded from a single sheet, no glue or scissors, with its own lid — to give with a little treasure inside.

Age : age 7+, or younger with a grown-up guiding the folds

Materials

• Two squares of light card, e.g. 15 × 15 cm and 15.5 × 15.5 cm : The bigger one makes the lid. Plain paper works but tears more easily.
• A ruler and a bone folder, or the back of a spoon : For crisp folds.
• Markers or stickers : Optional, to decorate.

Steps

Fold the box

1. Fold the square along both diagonals, then unfold: the creases cross in the middle.
2. Fold all four corners into the centre.
3. Fold the top edge to the middle line, then unfold. Do the same with the bottom edge, then left and right.
4. Unfold the left and right corners: you're left with a long shape with two points folded in.
5. Stand the two long sides upright along the creases: these are the first two walls.
6. Lift one open end: its creases form the third wall. Fold its point over the wall, into the bottom of the box.
7. Do the same on the other side, then flatten the points well at the bottom.

The lid

1. Fold the slightly bigger square exactly the same way.
2. Put it on the box: it should slide on without forcing.

Three boxes in increasing sizes nest like Russian dolls: a surprise inside a surprise.

If it goes wrong

• Walls won't stand : Go over each fold with the folder before building the box.
• Lid won't fit : Use a square 5 mm bigger for the lid.
• Paper tears at the corners : Light card (around 160 gsm) or origami paper.

Safety

• No particular risk: no glue, no scissors if the squares are cut in advance.

Sources

• Laetitutos, boîte masu traditionnelle

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