Text-Only Instructions
Credits and Resources:
This is a traditional model.
See, for instance,
or
Paper to be used: Square, any size; use large paper to practice with at first. Thick paper or thin cardstock is strongly recommended.
Folding level: Easy/Beginner
Steps: 12
Description: This is a fairly sturdy, neat square box. A lid can be made by altering Steps 6 and 7 (see "Remarks" below).
Remarks:
This box is easy and quick to fold. Take care not to refold, stretch or tug at the paper too much when folding, or the sides of the box will not be straight and will tend to bulge towards the outside.
Remember, even if you have memorized the folding steps for fairly simple boxes, it might not be easy to fold a perfect box shape at first.
Keep at it. It takes precise creases and a fairly light touch to produce great-looking boxes. Practice makes perfect.
If you are a beginner, consider folding this model with thicker paper or very thin cardstock, which will hold shape better than very thin or soft paper.
decorate with origami hearts or stars, gift bows or by using any other pretty embellishments.
A lid can be made for this box by altering Steps 6 and 7.
Instead of folding the edges in to meet exactly on the center vertical and horizontal crease lines, leave a slight gap when you fold your edges inwards in Steps 6 and 7.
This will result in a lid, identical to, but just slightly larger than your box.
Making a lid that fits perfectly may take some practice and a little guesswork, so experiment with copy or other scrap paper first.
If using two-sided origami paper, lay your paper with the patterned or colored side down before starting to fold..
The color or pattern will be visible on the outside of your box and/or lid.
NOTE: This model starts from the blintz base. If you are able to achieve this without instructions, fold the blintz base once; then go to Step 5.
Step 1
Place a square piece of paper down on a hard, flat surface with its edges to the left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Fold the left edge over to meet the right edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 4
Use the crease lines on your paper to fold all four corners in to meet at the center of the square.
NOTE: This step May require some practice, because the folds should be straight and equal to each other. Try out different ways of folding until you find what works for you.
The best way I have found is to fold the top left and right points inwards to form two top triangles. Turn the model 180 degrees and repeat this last step.
When pressed flat, you should end up with a square-shaped model.
Make sure that, as far as possible, all outside corners are folded neatly at a 90 degree angle and that the crease lines all lie straight and meet precisely in the center of the square.
It is fine to have very small "gap lines" between your triangles, but keep them straight and as small as possible.
Step 5
Position your paper once again as for Step 1 and then repeat Steps 2 and 3 with your folded square.
Step 6
Next, fold the top and bottom edges in to meet at the center horizontal crease line.
Crease well and unfold.
Step 7
Then, fold the left and right edges in to meet at the center vertical crease line.
Crease well and unfold.
The creases made in Steps 6 and 7 above will determine the depth of your box.
The closer your folds are to the horizontal and vertical center of the model, the higher the sides of your box will be, and the other way around, of course.
Step 8
Position your model as for Step 1 and note the 4 triangular flaps meeting at its center.
Open the top and bottom flaps so they lay flat on your folding surface.
Step 9
Gently bring the sides of your box into an upright position with both hands and reinforce the creases a little.
Step 10
Next, concentrate on the top corners of your box.
While still holding the sides of your box upright, locate the two top corners of your box by moving your fingers away from your body until you find the place where the sides start to slope into a triangular flap at the top of the box.
With both hands, fold the left and right corners of the box towards each other and a little towards you until they touch.
Step 11
While holding the corners in position with your thumbs, use your other fingers to find the top flap of the box and fold it towards you, and over the side of the box.
tuck it in neatly so it lies flat at the center of the box.
Make sure that these last folds are straight and the side of the box is secure.
Step 12
Turn your model 180 degrees so the only remaining flap is at the top and repeat the previous step.
If all went well, marvel at your very own masu box!
Making origami accessible to visually impaired crafters through text instructions.
for non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, November 2009
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