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 it with origami! Ideas for simple 3D creations (41–50)
Cute and easy! Dog boxNEW!
Here’s an origami idea for making a small dog-shaped box.
After folding the paper in half both ways into a square and a triangle to make creases, do a cushion fold (zabuton).
Using the creases, fold it into a square with the corners on the outside, then open the center of the square and squash it into a rectangle.
Repeat the same steps on the other side.
Turn and adjust the paper so the folded sections are on the inside, then fold the top corner of the new face down into a triangle.
Using the crease, tuck this section inward—this will be the dog’s ear.
Next, fold the left and right edges to meet the center line, and do the same on the back side, then fold the ears downward.
Open it out from the center and shape it, and your box is complete!
Easy! Horned Gift Box OrigamiNEW!
A square “horn incense box” with sharp, pointy protrusions like tapered corners.
In the Edo period, there was a square box called a kōbako used to store tools for the incense ceremony.
Because this box has corners, it came to be called a tsuno kōbako, or “horn incense box.” It’s the perfect container for things like Setsubun beans or Hina Matsuri arare crackers.
There aren’t many intricate folds, so it should be fairly easy to make.
We recommend using origami that has patterns on both sides or is colored.
Give it a try for seasonal festivities and events.
Cute bear trayNEW!
This cute bear tray can actually be made from a single sheet of origami paper.
To create the key feature—the bear’s ears—accordion-fold the top edge, flip the paper over, fold the left and right edges to the same width, then open and squash the pocketed sections at the top left and right.
Next, fold the bottom edge up to twice the width of the top fold, and fold all the corners of the folded-up section into triangles.
Fold this section back halfway to form the tray’s sides.
Then fold the ear sections inward, and tuck the two top corners under the opposite triangular flaps to finish.
You can make the ears look rounder by folding in the tips slightly.
An origami box with a cute lidNEW!
A small box made of origami is perfect for holding little items.
This one comes with a lid, so it won’t get dusty and you can easily store things you don’t want to lose.
Crease all four edges of the origami paper toward the center.
Fold along the creases to complete the bottom part of the box.
Fold the top part slightly differently from the bottom to create an opening mechanism.
Combine the two pieces, and you’ll have a lidded trinket box.
The petite size made with origami is really cute.
Why not use your favorite colors or patterned origami paper to make a one-of-a-kind little storage box?
That irresistibly puffy feel! A star-shaped boxNEW!
Let’s try making an origami box with a fun shape: it has a small opening and a plump, rounded interior.
The puffy shape looks cute, and the overall star-like form makes it even more adorable.
After folding to a certain point, use scissors to cut about halfway.
When you unfold the cut piece, it becomes a pentagon.
Fold this pentagonal origami into the shape of a box.
Adjust the opening and the bottom, and you’ll have a plump, star-shaped box.
You can put in small items, of course, as well as little treats like candies or chocolates.