Here’s a simple matchbox project.
It’s a box with a sliding outer sleeve that opens and closes.
It’s just the right size and comes in handy for storing small items.
Another advantage is that it’s easy to make using various origami techniques.

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, fold it in half.
Then, fold both sides toward the center.
This will create three lines dividing the paper into four equal parts.

Next, fold the four corners.

Next, fold the top and bottom edges.

Turn it over.

Fold both sides toward the center and then unfold them.

Next, fold one side so that it aligns with the crease on the other side.

Now make a crease on the other side in the same way.

Next, adjust the fold so that it forms a right angle.
As you do this, tuck one side into the other.

And there you have 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

Since they’re so easy to make, I wanted to try making them in different colors.
As a result, I ended up with a whole bunch of matchboxes.
I’ll take care of a few small tasks to free up some time.
I started making matchboxes, thinking I’d just do it for 10 minutes.
It was a nice change of pace, and it left me feeling calm.

シンプルなマッチ箱です。

作り方はこちら

Matchboxes Made from Origami Paper　～Easy Matchboxes Using Your Favorite Origami Paper～

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~

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