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A box made from flyers: practical and stylish ways to fold boxes

A box made from flyers: practical and stylish ways to fold boxes
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Are you all making good use of the advertising flyers that end up in your mailbox?

They’re surprisingly handy to have around—you can line the bottom of the trash can to keep it clean, or use them as a mat under drawings and crafts.

In this article, I’ll show you how to fold “boxes” using flyers.

You’ll find folding methods with different shapes and depths to suit your needs, whether you want a disposable trash container or a small storage box.

If you’d like to make better use of flyers, feel free to copy these ideas and give them a try!

Boxes made from flyers: stylish and practical box folding methods (1–10)

Square box (deep type)

[Improved Version] Foldable! How to Make a Deeper Trash Bin from a Flyer (Newspaper Trash Bin)
Square box (deep type)

A deep, square box is really handy for all sorts of things, like a trash bin or a storage box! You can easily fold one from A4-sized flyers or paper, and the best part is that it’s collapsible, so it’s convenient to store.

Use it as a trash bin around your desk or table and you can toss it out as is, making cleanup stress-free.

Since it folds flat, it’s also a great idea to make a bunch and keep them in stock.

When opening a folded box, gently pull it open diagonally and it should pop into shape easily.

mask box

Fold-Only Mask Box: How to fold a mask storage box (Japanese audio)
mask box

With masks now an everyday essential, are you having trouble storing them? Here’s how to make a fold-only “mask box” that’s stylish, slim, and space-saving.

If you’re skeptical—“Can you really make a mask box by folding a single sheet of paper?”—this is exactly for you.

For adult masks, A3-size paper is recommended; for children’s masks, B4-size works well.

Using a sheet about as thick as construction paper makes a sturdy box with just one sheet.

If you use thinner paper like a flyer, inserting a piece of cardstock inside will increase strength.

Start by practicing with easy-to-fold copy paper!

Square box (shallow)

Even minimalists rave about it! How to make a trash bin from flyers: simple and neatly storable [practical use]
Square box (shallow)

Here’s how to make a “square box” that can be used for various purposes like a small trash bin, a container for knickknacks, or a snack holder.

You can use any A4-size paper, such as a flyer! What sets it apart from the typical square box folding method is that it folds down compactly for easy storage, and it looks simple yet stylish.

It does involve a few more folds than the usual method, but if you’re interested, give it a try! If you make a bunch and keep them on hand, they’re super handy whenever you need one.

octagonal box

A convenient, compactly foldable octagonal box – Origami Folding Box (Japanese audio)
octagonal box

Would you like to make an octagonal box that turns out beautifully three-dimensional by adding pleats? It’s a handy box that folds compactly and can be used for various purposes.

We recommend using flyers or paper with a firm texture! Since the folding method is fairly complex, start by practicing with A4 copy paper.

The key is to crease well and fold accurately.

You’ll be impressed by the sense of accomplishment and the beautiful box when it’s finished! When you spread the pleats, the shape changes, so it works as a small container or interior decor; when folded, it’s easy to carry on trips.

Oval-shaped box

An “oval box” made by recycling flyers or newspaper.

It looks stylish, and you can make it in just three minutes—give it a try! The step where you form the curved oval part might be a bit tricky, but making firm creases will help you shape the roundness more easily.

If possible, using softer flyers rather than stiff ones makes it easier to create smooth curves.

It seems like it could be used in many ways, such as a temporary spot for vegetables or a container for flower seedlings.

a box with a lid

[Practical Use] A simple box with a fairly sturdy lid, made from a single A4 sheet
a box with a lid

It’s handy to have a lidded box for storing important items, isn’t it? Believe it or not, you can make a simple box with a lid using just a single A4-sized flyer or sheet of paper! Even paper about as thick as copy paper can make a fairly sturdy box.

You’ll need glue and scissors partway through, so have those ready as well.

The design connects the lid to the box body, making it very easy to open and close.

It’s perfect for storing easy-to-lose accessories like piercings and earrings! Try making your own original boxes using flyers or papers with different patterns.

a trapezoidal box

[Flyer Trash Bin] Easy and stylish trapezoid box: how to make it
a trapezoidal box

Here’s how to make a unique and stylish trapezoid-shaped box.

Many people might wonder, “How do you make a trapezoid box?” You’ll cut an A4-size flyer into a square and use that.

It’s easy to fold and looks chic, too.

Since the folds look intricate, it might even catch the eye of your visitors! The design is wider at the bottom and narrows toward the top, so if you use a stiffer flyer, it will be very stable.

It’s also fun to adjust the size by using flyers of different dimensions.