I’m excited to show you how to fold a two-tone crane using just one sheet of paper.
With only a tiny bit of extra effort, you can create a striking bi-color effect.

There are three simple variations you can try. When I first discovered this technique, I was amazed that such a simple method could create such a dramatic look.
This is exactly why origami is so endlessly fascinating!

Folding Instructions

Pattern 1

The first one is this crane, with different colors on the left and right sides.

First, fold the top corner down.

Next, fold the bottom corner toward the back.

Fold the left triangle to the right.

Then, fold the top triangle down.

Next, unfold it into a square.

This is what it looks like from below after unfolding.

Make a crease and open it up.

You’ll see that it’s divided into two equal halves.

Finally, fold it into a basic paper crane, and you’re done.

Pattern 2

The second one is a method for folding a crane with different colors on the front and back.

First, fold the top corner down.

Next, fold the bottom corner toward the back.

We’ll fold this smaller square into a crane.

Fold it upward, then bring the left triangle over to the right.

Then unfold it into a square.

This is what it looks like from below after unfolding.

Make a crease and open it up.

You’ll see that it’s divided into two halves, top and bottom.

Finally, fold it into a basic paper crane, and you’re done.

Pattern 3

Finally, here’s how to fold a two-color crane using the opposite corner.

First, fold the top and bottom corners toward the center.

Next, fold the left and right corners toward the back.

Unlike previous folding methods,

you can fold this one without worrying about the orientation.

From here on, just fold it the same way as a basic origami crane.

The color scheme will look like this along the way.

That extra step for a polished finish

If you secure it with double-sided tape, it will fold neatly.

Both sides are covered.

Displaying a two-colored crane

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation.
Happy folding!

投稿 Two-Tone Origami Crane: Creating Magic with a Single Sheet は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

This is a simple rectangular box you can make whenever the mood strikes.
It’s perfect for holding small gifts.
I think it’s just right for Valentine’s Day chocolates for friends.
I folded it while thinking, “I wish I could have had that kind of youthful experience.”

Folding Instructions

First, fold it in half twice, then open it up.

Next, fold both corners along the creases.

Now let’s fold it in half.

Next, fold both corners.

Next, fold along the line of the lower triangle, then open it up.

Then, fold it down and bring it back up.

Next, bring the two corners together as if pinching them.

Fold the corner inward.

Next, pull the dotted fold toward you.

Fold the remaining top section inward.

This part is a little tricky. But this is the only difficult part.

Once you’ve put it all together, you’ve got a simple rectangular box!

Box size

If you use a 15-cm sheet of origami paper, the resulting square will be approximately 4 cm on each side and 7.5 cm long.

How to Make a Bottom Lid

I trimmed about 3 mm off the top and bottom edges of the bottom flap, then folded it using the same method.

I think this method is easier for folding the bottom flap.

あわせて読みたい

A Simple Rectangular Box 　— A Two-Tone Box —

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

You can view the instructions in a slideshow on Instagram.

You can watch a video tutorial on Instagram.

You can view the instructions in a slideshow on Instagram.

Types of rectangular boxes

This rectangular box is flatter.
The folding instructions are a bit more complicated, and the top and bottom sections are folded differently.
This is so that the box looks neat even when using origami paper with different colors on each side.

あわせて読みたい

Let’s make a rectangular box and a lid

This is another very user-friendly box.

あわせて読みたい

便利なロングボックス　―整理整頓に役立つ細長い箱―

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation.
Happy folding!

投稿 Easy-to-Make Rectangular Box　～Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Too は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s a simple way to fold a rectangular box.
It’s a box that’s simple in both appearance and folding technique.

While complex origami is wonderful, the challenge lies in creating a shape with as few steps as possible.
I’m sure that, too, can be a beautiful approach to origami.

Folding Instructions

First, fold it in half twice, then open it up.

Next, fold both corners along the creases.

Next, fold along the bottom triangle to create a crease, then open it up.
Then, let’s flip it over.

Next, make diagonal creases at the two upper corners.

Now let’s fold it in half.

Next, fold both corners.

Fold it down.

Now, let’s shape it into a box.

Fold up this part.

Next, fold the corner and overlap it.

Insert it into the triangle below.

One side is now secured.

Fold the other side in the same way.

And there you have it—a rectangular box!

Box size

If you use a 15-cm sheet of origami paper, the resulting square will be approximately 4 cm on each side and 7.5 cm long.

How to Make a Bottom Lid

I trimmed about 3 mm off the top and bottom edges of the bottom flap, then folded it using the same method.

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

You can view the instructions in a slideshow on Instagram.

You can watch a video tutorial on Instagram.

You can view the instructions in a slideshow on Instagram.

Types of rectangular boxes

This is a single-color rectangular box that isn’t two-tone.

あわせて読みたい

Easy-to-Make Rectangular Box　～Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Too

This rectangular box is flatter.
The folding instructions are a bit more complicated, and the top and bottom sections are folded differently.
This is so that the box looks neat even when using origami paper with different colors on each side.

あわせて読みたい

Let’s make a rectangular box and a lid

This is another very user-friendly box.

あわせて読みたい

便利なロングボックス　―整理整頓に役立つ細長い箱―

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation.
Happy folding!

投稿 A Simple Rectangular Box 　— A Two-Tone Box — は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s a tutorial on how to fold a two-tone box.
This box, made by layering two colors, looks stylish.
Plus, since you make the top and bottom separately, it’s easy to fold and results in a neat finish.　

Folding Instructions

Prepare two pieces of origami paper, each cut in half.

You can also use two pieces of origami paper of the same color.

Make a crease

The top and bottom pieces are folded the same way.

First, make creases along the length and width.
Next, fold it in half from left to right.

Next, make four folds along the bottom edge.
Fold the bottom-left corner in half to create a triangular fold.

Next, make a triangular fold in the adjacent square.

Align the corners marked with ★ and make the third fold.

Finally, make a fourth fold.
Prepare two of these.

The crease on the bottom lid

To fold the bottom flap, fold both ends of the top layer.

This time, I didn’t change the color; instead, I prepared two pieces with the front and back reversed.

Let’s put it together

Now that we’ve made two folds, let’s put it together.

First, fold the left corner, then stand it up halfway.

Hold it like this, then fold it along the creases.

It’s like stacking one triangle on top of another.

Insert the last triangle under the first one.

Now one side is complete.
Assemble the other piece in the same way.

Stack them to form a box

I’ve got two ready.
The white one will be the bottom lid.

Place the top lid inside the bottom lid.

And there you have it—your two-tone box is complete.

Types of Dice Boxes

This dice box has some companions.
There are origami sheets cut in half and stacked, some with tabs for gluing, and even small envelopes.

あわせて読みたい

小さなたとう　―大切なものをしっかり包む―

あわせて読みたい

Dice Box — A Simple, Easy-to-Make Box—

This is a four-leaf clover box I made using a dice box as a template.

あわせて読みたい

よつばのクローバーの箱 　―一枚折りの箱―

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

You can watch a video tutorial on Instagram.

ツートンボックス

You can view the instructions in a slideshow on Instagram.

ツートンボックス

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation.
Happy folding!

投稿 Two-Tone Box　 — A Simple Box Made with Two Colors — は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s a guide on how to make a pretty flower box.

This box requires a lot of creases, but the process isn’t complicated.
However, there are quite a few repetitive steps.
I hope you enjoy the excitement of folding it into a box shape.

Folding Instructions

I made it out of 15-centimeter origami paper.

Make a crease

Let’s get started.

Fold it in half to form a square, then fold it in half again to form a triangle.
Next, fold the corners toward the center, then unfold them.

Turn it over and fold the bottom corner along the crease you just made.
Repeat this process with the remaining corners.

I’ll turn it over again.

Fold along the crease you just made, aligning it with the center line.
Next, fold the top and bottom corners together.

Fold along the center line.
Then, rotate it 90 degrees.

The shape is slightly different, but fold it the same way as before.
I think it will be easier to fold since there are markings to guide you.

Align the star markings and fold, then fold back along the center line.

Similarly, align the star marks and fold, then fold back along the center line.

Next, we’ll crease the parts that will form the lid of the box.

Align the star marks.
Then, fold along the center line.

Repeat this for all the corners.

Once you’ve folded it this far, flip it over.

Once you’ve folded it this far, flip it over.

Then, everything will open.

Open it up and crease it a little more.

Now, there’s just a little bit left to fold.

First, make creases in each of the four corners.
Then, make creases at the four corners.

Next, fold it into four sections.
I think it’s easier to fold if you flip it over first.

Now it’s time to shape it into a box.

Let’s fold them up and put them in the box.

Unfold the origami paper, which has had many creases made in it so far.

Fold the line along the mountain fold, fold the dotted line along the valley fold.

First, fold both corners into this pointed shape and take a close look at the crease in between.
If you spot a triangle between the corners, you’ve got it.

Actually, I find it easier to fold if you only fold the side marked with a star.

Once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll get better at spotting the triangle.

Place the star-marked part against the corner.

Next, fold along the crease in the direction of the arrow to reveal the front side.
This will create a sharp corner.

Then, fold the sharp corner backward.
Folding this sharp corner will secure the crease.

Here’s a view from the back.

The corners are sharp, though you can’t see them from here.

Fold the pointed corner three more times so that it takes on this shape.

This is a view from above.
We’re almost there.

Fold along the crease, making a mountain fold and folding it toward the center, then make a valley fold at the tip and unfold it.
Continue folding the adjacent sections one after another.

Fold the last one the same way.

Then, slide one side into place next to the other and secure it.

And there you have it—your flower box is complete.

How did it go?

Did it turn out well?

Other recommended boxes

折り方はこちら

How to Fold a Floral Gift Box with a Single Sheet of Paper

折り方はこちら

How to Make a lattice-Patterned Box – Origami DIY –

折り方はこちら

Box with Beautiful Pleats　—Perfect for Small Gifts or Portioning Sweets—

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

In Conclusion

“I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation.
Happy folding!

投稿 Flower Box ~A Paper Craft Made from a Single Sheet of Origami Paper~ は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s how to fold a dice box.
Fold the top and bottom using the same method to close it, forming a cube.
Since it’s a simple box, it comes in handy for all sorts of occasions.
It’s also perfect for giving to friends on Valentine’s Day.

Folding Instructions

Let’s make a crease.

First, fold it in half, then fold both sides in half to create creases.

Do the same vertically.

するとこのように、１６個の四角ができますThis creates 16 squares, as shown here.

yurari

I’ll cut off the bottom row since I don’t need it.
I don’t cut it; instead, I fold it with the rows overlapping.
That makes the box sturdier.

Next, while keeping the bottom column folded, crease the bottom edge.
Fold the left corner and unfold it.

Next, crease the next column.

Make the third fold.

Make the fourth fold.

Let’s make a crease on the other side as well.

Now, flip the piece over and crease the part that will become the lid in the same way as the bottom.

Let’s assemble it

Now, let’s put it together.
First, fold the left edge, then fold the bottom row up at a right angle.

Next, fold the paper over the triangle, one fold at a time.

When you place the triangle on top, it will look like this.

Now, let’s slide this last triangle under the first one.

Let’s assemble the bottom section.

Fold the lid in the same way.

First, fold the triangle inward.

つぎつぎに、角を内側に倒します。

Imagine stacking triangles on top of each other.
Slide the last triangle under the first one.

And there you have it—your dice box is complete.

Finished size

A dice box made from a 15-centimeter sheet of origami paper will result in a box that is just under 4 centimeters in size.

Types of Dice Boxes

This dice box has some companions.
There are origami sheets cut in half and stacked, some with tabs for gluing, and even small envelopes.

あわせて読みたい

小さなたとう　―大切なものをしっかり包む―

There are also flat shapes that aren’t cubes.

あわせて読みたい

A Simple Box That’s Easy to Make —Perfect for Small Gifts—

This is a four-leaf clover box I made using a dice box as a template.

あわせて読みたい

よつばのクローバーの箱 　―一枚折りの箱―

You can also make it in two separate pieces, top and bottom.
That way, you can have fun experimenting with color combinations.

あわせて読みたい

Two-Tone Box　 — A Simple Box Made with Two Colors —

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

You can watch a video tutorial on Instagram.

You can view the instructions in a slideshow on Instagram.

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation.
Happy folding!

投稿 Dice Box — A Simple, Easy-to-Make Box— は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s how to make a box with a pleated lid.

You can actually make it using a single sheet of origami paper.

I came across a pleated envelope.

I really liked the look of this pleated envelope, so I wondered if I could use it to make a box and decided to give it a try.

Since the envelope looked simple and the folding method didn’t seem complicated, I thought I could probably do it.

After a few days of experimenting, I succeeded.

What’s more, the lid closes securely without flapping open.

Folding Instructions

I used 15-centimeter origami paper.

Mark the crease lines

Now, mark the 15-centimeter origami paper.

Mark the points 2 centimeters, 4 centimeters, 10 centimeters, and 12 centimeters from the left.

Mark the four sides in the same way.

Let’s start creasing it.

First, make a fold by bringing the second mark from the bottom on both sides together.

Then, unfold it.

Next, fold along the crease shown below.

Repeat this three more times, making creases at the top and on both sides.

Once you’ve made all the folds, fold the bottom fold.

Then, fold the second fold from the outside so that it aligns with the bottom edge.

Next, fold the outer crease along the edge, then unfold it.

Here it is after being folded twice.

This is what the inside looks like.

Repeat this folding step three more times.

This is how the fold should look.

Next, flip it over.

Fold along the dotted lines.

These folds will form the corners of the box.

Fold it up and put it in a box

Now, let’s use the creases to turn this into a box.

Align the creases we just made to form the corners of the box.
This is what it looks like from the inside.

I folded the four corners.

Now, we’ll close the pleated flap.

Since there’s already a crease, fold along it.

Fold down the first crease.

Next, fold down the second crease.

Next, rotate counterclockwise and fold down the first corner.

Then, fold down the second corner.

Similarly, make the second corner.

Since the fourth corner seems to be lost, I tell it, “That way is the direction you need to go.”

Gently tuck in the part that’s sticking out, saying, “There, there, this way.”

And there you have it—the pleated box is complete.

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

In Conclusion

Take your time, breathe, and enjoy the quiet magic of paper.
I would love to hear how your creation turned out.

投稿 Box with Beautiful Pleats　—Perfect for Small Gifts or Portioning Sweets— は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s how to fold a lattice-patterned box.

The intersecting folds create a lattice design.

You can also use the same pattern to make a pouch.

Folding the box is a bit more complicated than folding the pouch, but the joy of opening it is all the greater.

You’ll end up with a cute, palm-sized box.

Folding Instructions

Let’s make a crease

First, fold the paper so that it is divided into four equal parts both vertically and horizontally.

Next, fold it so that the corner is centered, then open it up.

Next, fold along the top crease, then unfold.

Next, crease the remaining corners in the same way.

Now, using the creases that divide each end into four equal parts as guides, fold the paper into eight equal sections.

Fold it again so that each end is facing up.

Next, fold a triangle into the corner.

Next, open the corner where you made the crease to form a tab.

Once you’ve made a fold at each corner, open it up and flip it over.

Let’s put it together and pack it in a box

Now, let’s make a box.

First, fold it in half lengthwise.

Open the top fold halfway.

Next, fold the paper so that the two adjacent small triangles meet.

The blue line is a mountain fold.

And the red line is a valley fold.

This is what it will look like.

Fold along the blue line to create the bottom of the box.

This is the second corner.

It’s basically the same as the first corner.

Draw a red line, fold along it, and align the adjacent triangles.

Here’s what it looks like when turned inside out.

Once the second corner is formed, open the corner indicated by the arrow to reveal the claw.

Do the same with the remaining corners.

You now have four corners.

Next, fold them one by one in order to close the lid.

Finally, insert the claw inside.

And that’s it!

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

In Conclusion

Wishing you a mindful and creative day through the art of origami.

投稿 How to Make a lattice-Patterned Box – Origami DIY – は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s a guide to making matchboxes out of origami paper.
Strike-and-light matches have gradually been replaced by lighters, which produce no waste.
But these days, even lighters are being used less and less.
You never know how the world will change.

That said, matchboxes are small and just the right size.
Why not try making your own handy matchbox using origami paper in your favorite patterns and colors?

Folding Instructions

Here are two folding methods: one for a sliding sleeve and one for an inner box.

Both use a 15-centimeter sheet of origami paper.

How to Make a Sleeve

First, mark the center slightly, then fold one side so that it aligns with the center.

Next, fold the other side so that it overlaps by about 1 centimeter.

Fold it in half lengthwise.

Then, fold it in half again.

Next, fold it in half and crease it at the one-eighth mark.

Then, fold the top down so that it aligns with the one-quarter crease at the bottom.

Then, fold it in half.

Fold both ends along the one-eighth fold line.

When you unfold it, it will have creases like this.

Fold the bottom eighth of the paper and overlap it.

Then tuck it under the top.

Once you’ve shaped it, your matchbox sleeve is complete.

How to Make an Inner Box

Now, let’s move on to the inner box.

First, make a crease down the middle, then fold it in half again.

Fold the other side so that it overlaps by about 1 centimeter.

Make a crease down the middle.
Since the edges are still folded, flatten them out.

Next, lightly mark the center.

Then, align the top and bottom in the center and crease them.

Next, fold the left and right edges toward the center.

Next, make a cross-fold along the bottom quarter fold.

Fold along the intersection of the cross.
Then, crease the paper where it extends from the quarter-fold.
Crease the top in the same way.

Let’s put it together.

Lift up both sides.

Fold along the creases.

Do the same for the other side.

Now the inner box is complete.
Combine it with the sleeve, and your matchbox is ready.

Cute matchbox

It’s the perfect size for small items, but it also seems like it would come in handy for Valentine’s Day.
My daughter, who’s in school, was making chocolates for her friends.
Actually, the hardest part isn’t making the chocolate—it’s the wrapping.
My daughter was really struggling with the wrapping, too.
I think I’ll tell her about these matchboxes next year.

This is also a matchbox-sized box.

折り方はこちら

A Simple Matchbox —The Perfect Size for Storing Small Items—

A square box

There are also square boxes with lids.
This one does not have a sliding sleeve.
The great thing about this square box is that the lid and the bottom are folded the same way.

あわせて読みたい

The Tradition Box ~A Simple Box with Many Uses~

There are also boxes you can make from a single sheet of origami paper.

あわせて読みたい

A Simple Box That’s Easy to Make —Perfect for Small Gifts—

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

You can watch a video tutorial on Instagram.

You can view the instructions in a slideshow on Instagram.

You can watch a video tutorial on Instagram.

You can view the instructions in a slideshow on Instagram.

In Conclusion

Simple, elegant, and made with love. Until next time, happy crafting!

投稿 Matchboxes Made from Origami Paper　～Easy Matchboxes Using Your Favorite Origami Paper～ は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。

Here’s how to make a box by connecting four pieces.

Folding the pieces is easy.

The interesting thing about this origami is that the pattern changes depending on how you connect the pieces.

So I tried making two different kinds of boxes.

The key is how you combine them.

That’s what changes the pattern.

Folding Instructions

Here, we are using four 7.5 cm × 7.5 cm sheets of origami paper.

First, make the box lid, and then make the box bottom.

Make parts

Gather four sheets of origami paper.

First, fold it into a triangle twice.

Then, fold the left and top corners toward the center.

Fold the top corner back, then fold it in half.

Align the corners marked with red circles.

Once you’ve creased it, unfold it.

Fold along the triangular crease.

Then, unfold it.

Align the corners of the red circle,

and fold until the creases cross.

Hold the section you just folded in place, and lift the top part up.

Shape it into the right form, and the piece is complete.

Now that I’ve made one, I’ll fold three more.

Assemble the parts

Now, let’s put them together.

What we’re focusing on here are

the straight corners and the pointed corners.

The key is deciding

which corner to place on the inside.

I thought it might be easier to understand if I spread the pieces out,

so I laid them out and connected them.

I fit the pointed corners together one by one.

This creates a pattern formed by interlocking triangles.

Here, the lines are shown in yellow.

The yellow parts are paired with pink ones,

and include both straight and pointed corners.

In addition to these two, there are many other possible combinations.

This is a fun origami project to experiment with.

Normally, the parts are assembled

while still folded.

Then, check the front and back,

combine the four pieces, and you’re done.

Make the bottom of the box

You could make a box using a slightly larger piece of origami paper in the same way as the lid, but this adjustable-size box is easier to make.

Both of these boxes will feature a butterfly pattern.

あわせて読みたい

A box whose size can be freely adjusted

Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it

What shall I put in this box?

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoy the process of folding as much as the finished piece.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect at first—every fold is a step toward your own unique creation.

Happy folding!

投稿 How to Make a Box by Combining Four Pieces は Japanese paper arts に最初に表示されました。