MOD38 - MODULAR ORIGAMI - FORTUNE COOKIE (FROM 3 SQUARES)

Text-Only Instructions copyright 2025 by Lindy van der Merwe
accessorigami.comCredits and Resources:
A search for the term "fortune cookie" brings up various designs, including those from a single square, as well as a 3-unit modular design, that is listed as traditional by renowned authors, Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander. See 

this page on the Gilad's Origami website 

this tutorial is based on a post and downloadable instructions in PDF format by Zofia Highet, that can be found at
zofiahighet.wordpress.com
Slight adaptations were made so as to make the instructions easier to follow and the model easier to fold without sight.
Paper to be used: 3 squares, any size; thicker paper or thin cardstock is strongly recommended.
Folding level: Beginner to Intermediate
Steps: 17
Description: This model, known by various other names, is a very interesting, closed three-dimensional creation that can serve as a decoration that does not only look unusual, but that can hide a surprise inside. 
The geometric shape, resembling a fortune cookie, has 6 sides and 5 pointy ends, forming a finished structure that is remarkably stable and will not fall apart easily.
As a bonus to recipients, it opens using a satisfying snapping action that will reveal what is hidden inside.
Remarks:
This is a great project for those who would like to start making models using modular origami.
It attempts to introduce the basic concepts, methods and phases of folding and assembling a modular origami project.
The units are fairly easy to fold.
However, assembly of this model is accomplished by sliding tabs into pockets at an angle, so take your time with Phase 3 of this project.
When you have become familiar with assembling the units, you might like to try and use more than one color when designing your modular fortune cookie.
This model can serve as an interesting substitute for a closed box to hold small items like jewelry or notes.
It can be used to hide party favors or numbers for a party game or lucky draw.
Showing the opening snap by pressing the two opposite points of the figure inward will usually impress party goers.
PHASE 1: CREATING THE UNITS:
You will be folding 3 similar units to form your fortune cookie.
It is recommended that you fold all 3 pieces before attempting Phase 3, which will explain how to fit the pieces together to form the finished model.
If using two-sided origami paper, lay your paper with the patterned or colored side down before starting to fold.
Step 1
Place your square down so that it forms a diamond shape, with the corners at the top and bottom, left and right.
Step 2
Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point to form a two-layered triangle. Crease and leave folded.
You should have a triangle with the closed long edge nearest you and the open points facing away from you.
Step 3
Fold the bottom left point of the triangle over to meet the bottom right point. Crease well and unfold.
Step 4
Now grasp the left bottom corner of the triangle and fold it upwards and inwards to meet the top point of the triangle.
Step 5
Repeat with the bottom right corner.
You should have a diamond-shaped figure with two triangular flaps that are meeting each other along the vertical center of the model.
Step 6
Next, unfold both triangular flaps you have just created. Notice that a two-layered
diamond shape has now been revealed at the center of the model and three valley creases have been formed.
Step 7
Turn over the triangle from left to right, so that the three valley creases are now mountain creases.
The long, closed base of the triangle should still be nearest you. Press the mountain creases as flat as possible.
Step 8
Now, fold down the top point, top layer only, of the triangle, so it meets the bottom center point of the model.
Crease and leave folded.
Step 9
Fold the point you have just placed on the bottom edge of the model up again, but this time, tuck it inwards so it comes to rest on the inside of the model. Crease well and leave folded. The diamond shape at the center of the model will now have a straight, folded edge dividing it in two. It will look as if a single-layered point is sticking out from behind the horizontal fold you have just made.
Step 10
Next, refold both bottom points of your triangle back up again along the folds you had already created in Step 4 and 5, turning your mountain creases into valley folds.
Try to fold exactly along the two previous fold lines so they are now reversed. Crease very well.
You will end up with a diamond-shaped model again with two loose flaps that lie along its center vertical crease.
Step 11
It is time to shape our first unit into a 3D figure by opening your model so it vaguely resembles a cone shape.
To do this, pick up the flat unit and turn it so the two loose flaps are on the side nearest you and pointing towards the ceiling. The single layer with the inside pocket, that we will call the "main body" of the unit, should be at the back or facing away from you. 
Hold the unit with one hand and open it with the other as if it is a cone. Now, while holding it partially open with the fingers and thumb of one hand, pinch the three long creases from the outside so they form strong mountain creases, since this will ensure that your fortune cookie has the right shape when the other two units are added.
Keeping the unit in its 3D format, set it aside.
PHASE 2: FOLD MORE SIMILAR UNITS
Repeat steps 1 to 11 2 more times so you have 3 similarly shaped units to work with.
PHASE 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR MODEL
Step 12
Before assembly, take a moment to check out a unit. It will have two loose flaps and, across from these you will find the single-layered main body, with the pocket that has been formed on the inside of the unit.
Important: Make sure that the  hmain body that is diamond shaped is rounded towards the outside of the model and that the pocket on the inside of the main body also follows this curve. The main body and the pocket should stay together as a unit so that the loose flaps of opposite units can slide into this cavity and fit tightly.
Put in another way, if the main body and the inside pocket is separated, they will not be able to hold the loose flaps of other units securely.
Step 13
To start the assembly, take a cone shape in each hand and place the shapes down as if the cones are lying on their sides, with their open ends facing each other.
The unit on the right should have the loose flaps nearest the ceiling while the unit on the left should be positioned with the loose flaps lying on the table.
Step 14
Gently slide the two units together.
The two loose flaps of the left unit should slide in under the pocket on the inside of the right unit.
They will not be flat, so lightly hold them together in your one hand while working with the other, sliding them as far as they will go.
You might have to lift the pocket on the inside of the right unit slightly, to be able to slide in the two loose flaps of the left unit. Don't be afraid to move the flaps and the pocket, but try to keep the general shape of the units so they remain 3D and don't get flattened or open completely in the process of the assembly.
Once the flaps have been inserted all the way into the first unit, two sides of the fortune cookie will be fairly secure.
Try not to press any of the sides of the assembly flat at this time. The two units you have just joined should remain in contact with the table or rest in the palm of your hand, and you should have three pointy flaps standing up at an angle. The two loose flaps of unit 2 will be on the right and the main body of unit 1 will be on the left.
Step 15
Still anchoring or holding the first two units in one hand, position the third unit so that its open end is facing the table. Turn it sideways so that its main body is on the right and its two loose flaps are on the left.
It is helpful to first place the third unit over or on top of the other two until the corners of the figure match.
This will give you a good idea as to how the three modules fit together and what the finished model will look like.
Step 16
Repeat the previous step. You will have two loose points of unit 2 on the right that need to slide into the inside pocket of unit 3.
You will have to keep the assembly together now with one hand while performing the insertion of the flaps. This step is tricky since you will need to work with the paper at an awkward angle. Don't give up if you don't succeed at first.
The units may seem to start buckling and you will have to start over and slow down if the units come apart altogether. The aim is not to press the unit flat while working with it. You want to keep the mountain folds in place while joining the units together.
Step 17
All that remains is the insertion of the last two flaps of unit 3 into the remaining inside pocket. Apart from the fact that this is the most challenging step for assembling this model, it is also the last.
You can decide to either slide the two points in at the same time or first the one, then the other. If your model seem to want to fall apart at this stage,it is very likely that the points have not gone into or may not have been gripped by the inside pockets. Make sure that all loose points slide into their pockets all the way and that the pockets are against the main body of the units so they can help secure the points in place.
Once you have slid the last unit into place, your fortune cookie will be complete. 
You will know that it has been folded correctly if it feels well secured and if it stays in one piece when handled.
If assembled correctly, all the corners and sides will meet securely and you should not be able to pull it apart. Remember that by pressing hard on two points, you will be able to crack the fortune cookie to reveal what has been placed inside.
If you are not happy with the strength of the finished model, try folding with paper that is more rigid. It is important for the inside pockets to hold their shape and for the mountain folds to stay strong and crisp as well, especially if you would like to use your fortune cookies for a party or similar occasion.
Making origami accessible through text-based instructions.
For non-commercial use only.
Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, August 2025
This text copyright 2025 by accessorigami.com    

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