Some origami is all about patience and precision — and some is about a clever trick that delivers a surprising result in minutes. The paper wastebasket belongs firmly in the second camp: a few folds, one careful cut, and a gentle pull, and a flat square becomes a little round basket.

In this short tutorial we fold a simple paper wastebasket from a single sheet. It is an easy, satisfying make that is perfect for kids and beginners, and because it is so light you can hang it from a thread as a decoration. Grab a square of paper and a pair of scissors, and let's make one.

STEP 1

Fold the origami in half along the dotted line.

STEP 2

Fold it in half again.

STEP 3

Fold it in half again.

STEP 4

Make a cut with scissors in the white line, being careful not to cut it off.

STEP 5

Spread the origami, being careful not to tear it.

STEP 6

Hold the center part and the corners as shown in the image, and gently pull and stretch them to complete the wastebasket. I hang it through a thread and decorate it.