There's a special kind of satisfaction in turning a flat square of paper into something you can actually use—and an eight-sided box feels just a touch more special than the usual square or rectangular ones. This octagonal origami box looks intricate, but the folding logic is friendly: a few diagonal and corner creases do most of the work, then it's a matter of collapsing and shaping. It makes a lovely little container for a small gift, a handful of candy, or bits and bobs on your desk. Give it a fold and you might find yourself making a whole set in different colors.

Isn't it rather cute?

That said, it's quite easy to make, so please do give it a try.

How to fold an origami octagonal box

This octagonal box is folded from a single square sheet.

Let's get folding!

Step 1. Prepare a square sheet of paper.

Step 2. Crease along the diagonal.

Step 3. Fold the four corners inward to mark the diagonal creases.

Step 4. Turn the four corners over and, following the points shown in the photo, crease each one.

Step 5. Turn the paper back to the original side and fold the creases toward the center line. Repeat on the other side.

Step 6. Repeat the same in the horizontal direction, folding the creases toward the center line.

Step 7. Fold upward at the crease shown in the photo, then fold downward at the center line.

Step 8. Fold the other three corners the same way.

Step 9. Tuck all four flaps in so the right (or left) side is hidden underneath. In the photo, the left side is tucked under.

Step 10. Turn the model over and fold the four corners toward you.

Step 11. Shape the bottom. Pull out the folded-in section.

Step 12. Insert your finger inside along the line shown in the photo and press to shape the box into an octagon.

Step 13. Your octagonal box is complete!

Well done!

How was it?

To finish, first pinch the vertical and horizontal edges into shape to give them dimension, then use your fingers to press the diagonal edges and assemble the box.

Hang in there for the final step!