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)
soft serve ice cream
Let’s try making a cute soft-serve ice cream in origami, with a gentle swirl sitting on a cone.
Use triangular creases as a guide to form the base edges, then glue the ends together to shape the cone into a diamond-like form.
Next, twist the portion that extends above the cone and shape it into the soft-serve swirl to complete the whole piece.
Aim for a sturdy look on the cone by paying attention to the layered paper, and a soft look for the cream by twisting gently.
When we think of soft-serve, we often picture a yellow or ocher cone with white cream, but it’s also fun to enjoy how changing the colors alters the impression, or to arrange a display of soft serves in various colors as decoration.
Magic Triangle
This is a three-dimensional triangular object with an eye-catching, colorful look made up of fine triangles.
A notable feature is that you can repeatedly squash it and open it, so you can enjoy the changing shapes.
You make parts from three sheets of origami and simply assemble them, so be sure to pay close attention to the reverses and the creation of gaps in each piece.
Use the diagonal creases as guides and fold while noting the difference between the front and back colors.
Finish by creating a parallelogram with gaps in various places, insert each part into the gaps, and adjust the shape to complete it.
It also seems fun to play with color combinations and finish it in your own unique palette.
octagonal box
This is a practical octagonal trinket box with a simple shape.
Because the box is wide and its overall form is clearly visible, it nicely showcases the origami pattern—a key point.
After folding the paper with the overlaps in mind, unfold it and shape it along the creases.
Adjust it so the base forms a clean octagon, and press the creases firmly to complete the box.
If you don’t have double-sided patterned origami, you can glue two sheets together before making it; this also results in a sturdier box, which is recommended.
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!
[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!
chocolate
Line up little square chocolates made from origami inside a matching origami box, and you get an adorable piece that looks just like a gift.
Fill it not only with brown chocolates but also with pink, white, and yellow ones to make it visually vibrant and double the fun of making.
Each piece uses a simple folding method, so as you create them little by little, you can enjoy it with a collector’s mindset—that’s part of the charm.
It’s fun to display and to play with, and if you work on it together as a parent and child, it’ll feel like running your very own chocolate shop.
You can’t eat them, but these origami sweets are a delight to look at.
three-legged sanpo (a traditional Japanese three-legged offering tray)
A three-legged sanpō used for festivals and events becomes a three-dimensional and elegant piece when made with origami.
Fold the paper in half, crease firmly, then open it.
Fold the paper toward the center and tuck it inward to shape it.
Open it from the inside so it forms a rectangle, and make the base sturdy.
By tucking the paper inward to create triangular parts, the legs take shape.
Finally, fold it down while adjusting the form, and your three-legged sanpō is complete.
The latter steps include many fine processes, but try folding along with teachers or friends.
It’s also recommended to place it in front of Hina dolls or use it to hold small offerings.
