This magazine box is so called because you can use the pages from a magazine to make the box. In reality, any rectangular sheet of paper will do. I use 8.5″ x 11″ paper but A5 or A6 paper works just as well. The resulting box is rectangular in shape but the exact ratios of the sides will depend on the dimensions of the starting paper.
This box is easy to make and it is quite sturdy: it can hold a good amount of weight given that it is made of paper. Not only is it easy to make, it can be completed quickly. You can probably make one of these boxes in less than 5 minutes. I can make one in less than two minutes! Are you up for the challenge?
Ready, set, fold!
Instructions for Origami Magazine Box
Step 1:
Start with a rectangular sheet of paper with white-side facing up. Fold it in half (left to right). Unfold. |
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Step 2:
Fold the left-edge and right-edge of the paper towards the vertical midline. Unfold This is sometimes referred to as the “cupboard fold”. |
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Step 3:
Fold the paper in half (top to bottom). Unfold. |
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Step 4:
Fold the top-edge and bottom-edge of the paper to the horizontal midline. |
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Notice the location of the crease lines made in the step above. These are shown with a blue arrow. |
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Step 5:
Fold in the four corners of the model as shown. The edges of the four flaps should line up with with the creases made in step 2 (blue arrows). The four flaps should not touch one another. |
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Notice how there is a gap (green braces) which separates the corner flaps. |
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Step 6:
Fold the stretch of paper within this gap so it overlaps the corner flaps. Fold carefully because it is a narrow strip of paper and can tear easily. |
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Step 7:
Lift the top and bottom sections of paper up and away from one another. |
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Keep pulling… |
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Press and mold the sides of the box to get sharp and crisp edges. |
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The duo color edge of the box makes it distinctive. If you prefer, you can also use paper that is the same color on both sides so there is no difference in color along the edge of the box (see bottom right image). |
Use paper that is a little smaller to make the bottom of the box.