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 (51–60)
A simple and stylish box
This is a simple and stylish tall origami box with a clean, attractive shape! First, with an edge facing you, crease the paper into eighths both vertically and horizontally.
Next, fold it into a triangle twice to make creases, then add creases to the left and right sides.
It’s important to align the creases precisely when folding.
Once you’ve made creases at all four points, fold along them from the sides so that all faces form the shape of a box.
Finally, firmly crease each edge again to refine the shape, and you’re done! It can be used as a small container or for wrapping, making it a handy, easy-to-make practical item.
Hexagonal box accessory case
Fold a square sheet of origami to make a rectangle in your preferred size, then use a glue flap to form it into a tube.
Flatten the tube so it’s halved, then fold it into thirds.
After creasing firmly, return it to a tube and it will form a hexagon.
Make cuts along the creases, glue to form the base, and create a lid using the same steps.
Reinforce the base and lid by layering additional origami paper, then decorate with beads to finish.
You can make the tube and lid from the same paper, or use different colors for a cute look.
Foldable with a single sheet! How to fold a round tube
The bottom is octagonal, but viewed from directly above, it’s a cute box with a perfectly round rim.
First, place the color you want on the sides of the box on the back, and the color you want on the inside and rim on the front.
After folding the paper into thirds, fold the outer edge inward to align with the inner crease.
Repeat the same fold for the other three sides.
Make creases by folding in half vertically and horizontally.
Once you’ve added the finer creases, open it up and, using those creases as guides, fold all sides from the edges so the paper takes the shape of a box.
Finally, round the areas where two layers overlap firmly, and you’re done! Since the rim shows the front side of the paper, using double-sided origami will give the box an even more stylish look.
A cute box with mini drawers
Here’s an idea for a drawer made by combining two square boxes.
One of the boxes has a handle, so it scores top marks for both design and usability! Fold two opposite corners of the origami to the center, then fold again into thirds to make creases.
After that, fold the remaining corners inward to form the box shape.
To make the box with a handle, fold one of the corners that would normally be folded to the center back outward.
Make several and combine them to create a chest of drawers.
Let's make it with origami! Simple 3D project ideas (61–70)
ball
Here’s an idea for making a ball out of paper.
First, prepare six strips of paper, each 1 cm by 20 cm.
Connect one of the strips into a loop.
Next, layer the remaining five strips one by one to form a star shape.
If you overlap them so that the center forms a pentagon, you’ll get a neat star.
Once layered, temporarily clip the ends of the strips upright, then pass the loop you made earlier through them.
At this point, only thread the strips that were on the bottom during the layering.
Swap the top and bottom positions of the overlapped strips, connect strips of the same color, and you’re done!
Three-dimensional oni origami
Unlike flat origami, this three-dimensional oni (demon) origami offers a big wow factor when finished.
As you fold, the form naturally pops up, giving you the satisfying feeling that it “really turned into an oni!” The steps are simple, so even children can try it without difficulty.
With just a bit of creativity in the facial expression, each piece takes on its own character, making it fun to create several and display them together.
Simply decorating with them gives a strong Setsubun feel, so I thought this is an origami idea you’ll definitely want to try in February.
[Origami] 3D Wind Chime
Make it with origami! Here are some ideas for three-dimensional wind chimes.
These days, you can easily find stylish patterned origami and even see-through designs at 100-yen shops.
Once you find a pattern you like, why not try making a wind chime out of origami? Even with the same folding method, the look and feel can change completely depending on the pattern and material—that’s part of the fun.
Add a bell and some string, and you can almost hear a refreshing chime as it sways in the breeze.
Give it a try!