Origami is the Japanese crafts of paper folding that has been practiced for centuries. It is a fun and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It can also be used to create beautiful and unique gifts, such as this Christmas origami gift box.
This Christmas origami gift box is a fun and easy project that can be made with just a few pieces of paper. The only tools and materials that you need are scissors and paper; everything else can be found in your home. You can use any color of paper, including green, red and gold papers, that you like, and you can decorate it with stickers, ribbon, or other embellishments.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to make a Christmas origami gift box step-by-step. We have also included a video tutorial for those who prefer visual instructions.
how to make a christmas origami gift box
Follow these steps to make a Christmas origami gift box:
- Cut square paper
- Make diagonal folds
- Fold in half
- Fold two opposite corners
- Unfold and squash flat
- Fold in half again
- Fold up the bottom corners
- Open up and decorate
Your Christmas origami gift box is now complete! You can fill it with small gifts, candy, or other treats, and give it to your loved ones this holiday season.
Cut square paper
The first step in making a Christmas origami gift box is to cut a square piece of paper. The size of the paper will determine the size of the finished gift box. For a small gift box, you can use a piece of paper that is 6 inches square. For a larger gift box, you can use a piece of paper that is 8 inches square or larger.
- Use the right paper
Origami paper is the best choice for making origami gift boxes, as it is thin and easy to fold. However, you can also use regular printer paper or construction paper. If you are using regular paper, you may need to score the fold lines with a bone folder or a dull knife to help the paper fold more easily.
- Make sure the paper is square
To make a square piece of paper, you can start with a rectangular piece of paper and cut off the excess paper. Or, you can use a paper trimmer to cut a square piece of paper from a larger sheet of paper.
- Choose the right color and pattern
You can use any color or pattern of paper that you like to make your origami gift box. For a Christmas gift box, you might choose red, green, or gold paper. You could also use paper with a holiday-themed pattern, such as Santa Claus, reindeer, or Christmas trees.
- Cut the paper carefully
Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the paper. Make sure to cut the paper straight and evenly. If you have difficulty cutting the paper in a straight line, you can use a ruler and a craft knife to score the fold lines before you cut the paper.
Once you have cut the square piece of paper, you are ready to start folding the origami gift box.
Make diagonal folds
To make the diagonal folds, follow these steps:
1. Place the square piece of paper in front of you with one point facing up.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally from top left to bottom right. Crease the fold well.
3. Unfold the paper.
4. Fold the paper in half diagonally from top right to bottom left. Crease the fold well.
5. Unfold the paper again.
You should now have two diagonal crease lines on the paper, forming an X shape.
6. Fold the paper in half vertically. Crease the fold well.
7. Unfold the paper.
8. Fold the paper in half horizontally. Crease the fold well.
9. Unfold the paper.
You should now have a square piece of paper with four crease lines, forming a plus sign (+) shape.
The diagonal folds will help you to fold the origami gift box into the correct shape.
Once you have made the diagonal folds, you are ready to fold the origami gift box.
Fold in half
To fold the origami gift box in half, follow these steps:
1. Place the square piece of paper in front of you with the crease lines facing up.
2. Fold the paper in half vertically, matching the left and right edges. Crease the fold well.
3. Unfold the paper.
4. Fold the paper in half horizontally, matching the top and bottom edges. Crease the fold well.
5. Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square piece of paper with four crease lines, forming a plus sign (+) shape.
6. Fold the paper in half diagonally from top left to bottom right, matching the top and bottom edges. Crease the fold well.
7. Unfold the paper.
8. Fold the paper in half diagonally from top right to bottom left, matching the top and bottom edges. Crease the fold well.
9. Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square piece of paper with eight crease lines, forming a star shape.
The fold in half steps will help you to collapse the origami gift box into a flat shape, which will make it easier to decorate.
Once you have folded the origami gift box in half, you are ready to fold the sides up to form the box.
Fold two opposite corners
To fold two opposite corners, follow these steps:
- Locate the opposite corners
Place the square piece of paper in front of you with the crease lines facing up. Locate two opposite corners of the square.
- Fold the corners inward
Fold one of the corners inward towards the center of the square. Crease the fold well. Repeat this step with the opposite corner.
- Flatten the folds
Once you have folded both corners inward, flatten the folds with your fingers or a bone folder. Make sure that the folds are sharp and crease well.
- Repeat on the other side
Flip the paper over and repeat steps 1-3 on the other side of the paper.
Once you have folded two opposite corners on both sides of the paper, you will have a diamond shape with four flaps.
Unfold and squash flat
To unfold and squash flat, follow these steps:
- Unfold the flaps
Unfold the four flaps of the diamond shape.
- Fold in half vertically
Fold the paper in half vertically, matching the left and right edges. Crease the fold well.
- Unfold and squash flat
Unfold the paper and lay it flat on a table. Use your fingers or a bone folder to squash the folds flat.
- Repeat on the other side
Flip the paper over and repeat steps 2 and 3 on the other side of the paper.
Once you have unfolded and squashed flat on both sides of the paper, you will have a square piece of paper with four creases.
Fold in half again
To fold in half again, follow these steps:
1. Place the square piece of paper in front of you with the crease lines facing up.
2. Fold the paper in half vertically, matching the left and right edges. Crease the fold well.
3. Unfold the paper.
4. Fold the paper in half horizontally, matching the top and bottom edges. Crease the fold well.
5. Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square piece of paper with eight crease lines, forming a star shape.
6. Fold the paper in half diagonally from top left to bottom right, matching the top and bottom edges. Crease the fold well.
7. Unfold the paper.
8. Fold the paper in half diagonally from top right to bottom left, matching the top and bottom edges. Crease the fold well.
9. Unfold the paper again.
You should now have a square piece of paper with sixteen crease lines, forming a more complex star shape.
The fold in half again steps will help you to collapse the origami gift box into a smaller shape, which will make it easier to fold the sides up.
Once you have folded the origami gift box in half again, you are ready to fold the sides up to form the box.
Fold up the bottom corners
To fold up the bottom corners, follow these steps:
- Locate the bottom corners
Place the square piece of paper in front of you with the crease lines facing up. Locate the two bottom corners of the square.
- Fold the corners upward
Fold one of the bottom corners upward towards the center of the square. Crease the fold well. Repeat this step with the opposite bottom corner.
- Flatten the folds
Once you have folded both bottom corners upward, flatten the folds with your fingers or a bone folder. Make sure that the folds are sharp and crease well.
- Repeat on the other side
Flip the paper over and repeat steps 1-3 on the other side of the paper.
Once you have folded up the bottom corners on both sides of the paper, you will have a diamond shape with four flaps.
Open up and decorate
To open up and decorate the origami gift box, follow these steps:
- Open up the flaps
Open up the four flaps of the diamond shape to reveal the origami gift box.
- Decorate the gift box
You can decorate the gift box however you like. You can use stickers, ribbon, paint, or other embellishments.
- Fill the gift box with a gift
Once you have decorated the gift box, you can fill it with a small gift, such as candy, jewelry, or a gift card.
- Close the gift box
To close the gift box, simply fold the four flaps back down. You can secure the flaps with a piece of tape or a ribbon.
Your origami gift box is now complete! You can give it to a friend or loved one as a special gift.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about origami:
Question 1: What is origami?
Answer: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. It is a fun and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Origami can also be used to create beautiful and unique gifts, such as the Christmas origami gift box.
Question 2: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Answer: Origami paper is the best choice for origami, as it is thin and easy to fold. However, you can also use regular printer paper or construction paper. If you are using regular paper, you may need to score the fold lines with a bone folder or a dull knife to help the paper fold more easily.
Question 3: What are some basic origami folds?
Answer: Some basic origami folds include the mountain fold, the valley fold, the square fold, and the triangle fold. These folds can be combined to create more complex origami models.
Question 4: Where can I learn how to make origami?
Answer: There are many resources available to learn how to make origami. You can find books, websites, and videos that teach origami. You can also take origami classes at your local community center or art studio.
Question 5: What are some popular origami models?
Answer: Some popular origami models include the crane, the frog, the boat, and the airplane. These models are relatively easy to make and are a great way to practice your origami skills.
Question 6: Can I sell origami models that I make?
Answer: Yes, you can sell origami models that you make. However, you should make sure that you are not infringing on any copyright laws. If you are selling origami models that are based on copyrighted characters or designs, you may need to obtain permission from the copyright holder.
Question 7: What tips can you provide for making origami?
Answer: Here are a few tips for making origami:
- Start with simple models and work your way up to more complex models as you gain experience.
- Use high-quality paper that is easy to fold.
- Score the fold lines with a bone folder or a dull knife to help the paper fold more easily.
- Be patient and take your time. Origami can be a challenging activity, but it is also very rewarding.
I hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any other questions about origami, please feel free to ask.
Now that you know the basics of origami, you can start making your own origami gift boxes and other origami models. With a little practice, you will be able to create beautiful and unique origami creations.
Tips
Here are a few tips for making origami:
Tip 1: Start with simple models.
When you are first starting out with origami, it is best to start with simple models. This will help you to learn the basic folds and techniques of origami without getting discouraged. Once you have mastered a few simple models, you can then move on to more complex models.
Tip 2: Use high-quality paper.
The type of paper that you use can make a big difference in the quality of your origami models. Origami paper is the best choice for origami, as it is thin and easy to fold. However, you can also use regular printer paper or construction paper. If you are using regular paper, you may need to score the fold lines with a bone folder or a dull knife to help the paper fold more easily.
Tip 3: Score the fold lines.
Scoring the fold lines is a technique that can help you to make sharp and precise folds. To score a fold line, use a bone folder or a dull knife to lightly crease the paper along the fold line. This will make it easier to fold the paper along the line.
Tip 4: Be patient and take your time.
Origami can be a challenging activity, but it is also very rewarding. It is important to be patient and take your time when making origami models. If you rush, you are more likely to make mistakes. So relax, take your time, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful with your own hands.
I hope these tips have been helpful. With a little practice, you will be able to create beautiful and unique origami creations.
Now that you know the basics of origami and have some tips for making origami models, you are ready to start folding. So get some paper and start creating!
Conclusion
Origami is a fun and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to develop your creativity and problem-solving skills. Origami can also be used to create beautiful and unique gifts, such as the Christmas origami gift box.
In this article, we have provided you with step-by-step instructions on how to make an origami gift box. We have also included a FAQ section and a tips section to help you learn more about origami and improve your origami skills.
We hope that you have enjoyed this article and that you will try making your own origami gift boxes. With a little practice, you will be able to create beautiful and unique origami creations that you can share with your friends and loved ones.
Origami is a wonderful way to express yourself creatively. It is also a great way to connect with others and share your love of paper folding. So get some paper and start folding! The possibilities are endless.
