Three-dimensional Box

A flat square of paper, sixteen folds, and a dab of glue later, you've got a box that actually stands up on its own. This three-dimensional origami cube is satisfying precisely because it looks solid: the side panels collapse into shape and lock together, so it holds its form instead of flopping over like a flimsier paper box.

The fold is friendly for confident beginners and up. The trick is the one-third creases — once those are in place, the panels practically fall into line. Use a slightly stiffer paper and the walls will stay crisp. Glue the lid shut and you have a little die; make a few in graduated sizes and they become safe, droppable building blocks for a baby. However you finish it, you'll end up with a tidy container for trinkets or desk bits that you made entirely from one sheet.

How to Fold

STEP 1. Fold it in half and unfold it again.

STEP 2. Now fold it in half the other way and unfold it again.

STEP 3. You now have a cross-shaped crease. Fold the four corners in toward the center so they meet.

STEP 4. It looks like this. Now fold the top and bottom edges in so each takes up one-third of the height.

STEP 5. Roll it into a tube shape; using the one-third marks as a guide makes the later folds much easier.

STEP 6. Open the folded section back out once.

STEP 7. Similarly, fold the left and right sides in by one-third each, then open them back out as well.

STEP 8. Open out the top and bottom triangles.

STEP 9. Pinch the ★ section with your fingers while flattening it down.

STEP 10. In this way, the slanted surfaces stand up.

STEP 11. Pinch and flatten this ★ section with your fingers in the same way.

STEP 12. It looks like this. Apply glue to the light-pink parts marked ◆ and ◆, and fold them inward so that ◆ meets ◆ and ▲ meets ▲.

STEP 13. Fold the other side inward in the same way as steps 9 to 11.

STEP 14. Here, apply glue to the inner parts where the arrows point.

STEP 15. Shape it into form.

STEP 16. Completed!

Other Ways to Use

Although it works as a small container, if you glue the lid on, it can also become a die.

If you make several in different sizes and turn them into building blocks, even a baby can play safely — there is no worry if they drop one on their hands or feet.