There is a reason the traditional origami box shows up in nearly every folder's early repertoire: it is simple, satisfying, and genuinely useful.

From a single rectangle of paper you get a neat little container that practically folds itself into shape. No glue, no tape — just a handful of creases and a satisfying pop at the end. Let's make one.

Step 1: Start with a rectangular sheet of paper, white side up. Fold it in half, crease well, and unfold.

Step 2: Fold the top and bottom edges in to meet the center crease.

Step 3: Fold the paper in half (the other direction), crease, and unfold.

Step 4: Fold the outer edges in to the center line and unfold.

Step 5: Fold each corner in to the creases made in the previous step.

Step 6: Take the inner edges and fold them outward over the corner triangles. Crease well.

Step 7: Grip the model at the points shown and open it outward. The box will form itself. You can pinch the corners to make it more rectangular.

And there is your finished traditional origami box!