Lovely Play & Recreation

Let's make it with origami! Ideas for simple 3D creations

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

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!

Let's make it with origami! Simple 3D project ideas (21–30)

Spinning Kaleidoscope

[Origami] Smoothly spins forever! Twirling Kaleidoscope ♡ Easy to make slowly

Spinning Kaleidoscope

This is a craft you can enjoy like a kaleidoscope, with colors changing as you twist the whole piece inward and outward.

You fold paper into an accordion, then add steps of folding and pulling out the ends to shape it into an “M.” Connect those parts together, and finally join the two ends to form a circle to complete the piece.

Thanks to the distinctive M-shape and the accordion folds, the structure allows the front and back to flip cleanly as it rotates.

Try arranging the colors and connecting the front and back in different ways to enjoy a variety of color patterns.

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heart

[Origami] How to fold a 3D heart

heart

Making a heart with origami is surprisingly easy.

Just roll up a rectangular piece of paper and press the top and bottom to form an oval.

Then push the right side firmly inward, and you’re done.

Using a thin, needle-like tool helps you get a clean finish.

If you make five small hearts and combine them, they turn into a cute flower.

Place two with the indented parts facing outward, and they might even look like butterflies.

With a little creativity, you can express all kinds of things.

A three-dimensional heart also makes a perfect gift.

Why not handcraft one with love for someone special?

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Cat trinket box

[Cute Origami] Easy for kids♪ How to make a cat trinket box — Kitty Box [Origami Zoo]

Cat trinket box

This is a small container inspired by a cat, with adorably prominent ears.

The process involves lightly folding the whole sheet into quarters, then using those creases as guides to keep folding.

Pay attention to techniques like folding so the bottom of the box forms properly and making turn-backs that also use the reverse side.

Toward the end, there are more steps where you insert your fingers into small gaps to fold things back, so careful folding to avoid creases is important.

Finally, spread everything open and adjust the shape to complete the box; it’s also a good idea to draw the cat’s face before you open it up.

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Apple

[Origami] Easy! How to fold a cute 3D fruit ‘apple’ with origami. Easy! [Fruit]

Apple

Why not try making a 3D apple out of origami? It’s a perfect new challenge for those who are tired of flat designs.

With just a single sheet of paper, you can realistically capture the apple’s roundness and the green of its leaf.

The steps are simple, so it seems like something you can enjoy with your child.

Folding and folding, watching the shape come to life is exciting.

The finished apple could make a seasonal decoration or even a small container.

How about making apples together with family or friends? It will surely become a lovely memory.

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In conclusion

We introduced some ideas for three-dimensional origami creations.

Did you find any you’d like to try making? There were pieces you can make from a single sheet and ones you assemble from multiple parts.

Folding all the parts can be tough! In that case, try chatting and working together with everyone to make a single piece.

Take this opportunity to enjoy making 3D origami!