Let's make it with origami! Ideas for simple 3D creations
Origami tends to be associated with flat designs, but you can actually make lots of three-dimensional pieces too.
In this article, we’ll introduce ideas for 3D origami projects.
From simple shapes like hearts, stars, and dice to small containers and toys you can play with, we’ve gathered a variety of ideas.
If you want to try making 3D origami or are looking for something a bit more challenging than flat designs, feel free to use this as a reference.
All of these ideas involve relatively simple steps, so give them a try without hesitation!
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Let's make origami! Ideas for simple 3D creations (1–10)
Made entirely with origami! Triangular accessory case
Make it using only origami! Here’s an idea for a triangular trinket box.
It’s perfect for kids who are good at crafting with origami or for anyone who wants to use the origami paper they have at home to make something.
How about creating a little container to hold small items or parts? All you need to prepare are three sheets of origami paper.
Solid-colored paper works fine, but using your favorite patterns or holographic origami can change the vibe and make it more fun!
Heart photo frame
This is a photo frame that radiates cuteness and affection, made by arranging heart-shaped origami around a paper plate.
Because the concept is simple—just filling the space with hearts—decorate with care, paying attention to the balance of heart sizes and colors.
Leave the center of the paper plate undecorated and place a memorable photo there.
To give meaning to the heart decorations, a two-shot with someone special is recommended.
You might also consider wrapping the entire paper plate with colored paper in a shade that makes the hearts stand out.
Windmill made with two sheets of origami
Here’s how to make a pinwheel out of origami paper.
Prepare two sheets of origami and stick them together with the colored sides facing out.
Fold the paper in half into a triangle twice, then unfold it completely.
Cut along the crease lines toward the center, stopping at about two-thirds of the way.
Put double-sided tape in the center, then fold each corner in and stick it to the tape to form the blades.
Once the blades are done, push a thumbtack through the center and attach it to a chopstick to finish.
For safety, wrap tape around the lower part of the chopstick to protect it—it’s a great way to enjoy it safely.
Feel free to mix and match colors and patterns of origami to your liking!
Let's make origami! Ideas for simple 3D creations (11–20)
randoseru (Japanese elementary school backpack)
@sachimama_asobi Let’s make it! A school backpack with a single sheet of origami paper 🎒🌸 Note: For this backpack, you’ll use one sheet of origami paper, scissors, and glue. My second son is about to have his kindergarten graduation, and his elementary school entrance ceremony is in April☺️ We ordered his backpack a bit late, so it won’t arrive until March 😂 Also, thank you so much to everyone who answered my question about “backpack colors” in my stories the other day 🥰 There were so many colors—it was so much fun! 💓 Be sure to make one with your favorite color in origami too!! Since you’ll be using scissors and glue and there are some small, detailed steps, please help your child if you’re making it together ☺️ +……………………………………+ I’m Sachi-mama, raising three energetic boys ages 8, 6, and 2❀´- I share easy crafts and play ideas with kids using 100-yen items, nature finds, and recycled materials. Feel free to like and follow! +……………………………………+#AtHomePlay #AtHomePlaywork Play with children#I love crafts Handmade #origami#papercraftRandoseru (Japanese school backpack) #Randoseru OrigamiEntrance Ceremony graduation ceremony (for kindergarten/preschool) #How to make a randoseruorigamiTranslation
♬ Fun, cute, YouTube, CM(1070783) – Darian
Looks just like the real thing! How about making a miniature randoseru (Japanese school backpack)? These days, more and more elementary school children carry randoseru not only in red or black, but in a wide variety of colors like pink, purple, green, and blue.
Many new first graders are surely excited about going to school with their favorite color! You can make this miniature randoseru with a single sheet of origami paper, so pick a color you like and give it a try.
It’s folded in three parts—the storage compartment, the shoulder straps, and the flap—so it’s fun to divide up the tasks and make it together with your child.
Fold it while packing in lots of excitement and anticipation for school life.
Cherry blossom trinket box
Let me introduce a cherry blossom-shaped trinket dish that’s perfect for spring’s sakura season.
Prepare five sheets of origami paper and some glue.
You’ll make one petal from each sheet of paper.
Basically, you just fold the edges and corners along the creases, so even children can give it a try.
The key point is to crease firmly, since you’ll give it a three-dimensional finish at the end.
Once you’ve formed the dish-like base, fold the tip inward to shape each petal.
After folding all five, use glue to stick them together and complete your sakura-shaped trinket dish.
Dahlia
This is a three-dimensional dahlia decoration with beautifully overlapping petals.
It’s made from a single sheet of origami paper, which also conveys a unified color tone.
By folding along the many fine creases, you shape it into a 3D form; the angles of the creases are an important point.
After folding, you assemble the base to keep the shape from collapsing, then move on to adjusting the petals.
Be mindful of the angles of the petals as you finish it three-dimensionally.
Carefully aligning each part to the same length leads to a beautifully finished piece.
Mount Fuji
Let’s make a three-dimensional box inspired by Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan.
Although it tapers toward the top, it still has a solid box structure, making it practical as a small container.
Fold by carefully layering triangles, paying attention to the base and the opening as you go.
This care helps achieve a beautiful, three-dimensional finish, so a key point is to fold neatly to avoid creases.
While Mount Fuji typically evokes overlapping blue and white, it could be fun to experiment with other colors to enjoy different impressions.