Rectangular Tray

rectangular tray
This rectangular tray is very easy to make. You start by making a bunch of folds and unfolds. Then after everything is in place, you use the existing creases to fold the paper into a shallow container.
In the example shown, paper which is the same color on both sides is used. If you use paper that is a different color on the two sides, then the rectangular tray will have a convenient patch of paper that is a different color. You can use this space to write your name, or describe the contents within.

Instructioins for Origami Rectangular Tray


rectangular tray

Step 1:

Start with a square sheet of paper: fold it in half and unfold.
If you are using paper that is a different color on the two sides, then start with the white-side facing up.

rectangular tray

Step 2:

Fold the top-edge and bottom-edge of the paper to the midline made above. Unfold. These creases are at the 1/4 mark.

rectangular tray

Step 3:

Fold the top-edge and bottom-edge of the paper to the 1/4 mark made above. Unfold. These creases are at the 1/8 mark.

rectangular tray

Step 4:

Repeat the folds but in the vertical direction: Fold in half (left to right) and then unfold.

rectangular tray

Step 5:

Fold the left-edge and right-edge of the paper to the midline made above. Unfold. These creases are at the 1/4 mark.

rectangular tray

Step 6:

Fold the left-edge and right-edge of the paper to the 1/4 mark made above. Unfold. These creases are at the 1/8 mark.

rectangular tray

Take a look at this crease pattern with all the intersecting lines.

The bottom (or base) of the tray will be the area shown within the green rectangle. The surrounding paper will be the walls of the tray.

rectangular tray

Step 7:

Fold the top-edge and bottom-edge of the paper to the horizontal crease at the center of the paper.
You will be folding along an existing crease at the 1/4 mark made in step 2.

rectangular tray

Step 8:

Fold in the four corners as shown. The flaps will meet the creases at the 1/8 mark made in steps 3 & 6.
The green arrows show the creases at the 1/8 mark.

rectangular tray

Step 9:

Fold the raw edges of the paper away from the center (one folds up, the other folds down).
Use the creases at the 1/8 mark as a guide.
The paper will overlap and hide the 4 flaps made above.

rectangular tray

Step 10:

Insert your finger under the paper layer and pull the two flaps away from one another.

rectangular tray

Keep pulling…

rectangular tray

Pull in the right and left sides a little.

rectangular tray

Done!

rectangular tray

Side view.

rectangular tray
rectangular tray
rectangular tray

If you use paper that is the same color on both sides, then your tray will be nice and uniform in shape and color.

If you use paper that is white on one side then there is a small patch of white showing. This patch of white is at a convenient location for labeling.

Patterned paper works well because almost the entire tray will show the pattern.