Green Box

Get ready to get folding with Origami host Barbara Pearl. Learn how to fold recycled paper into a box that can hold all your secret treasures. This design is called the "Green Box"!

A rectangular sheet of patterned paper 8 1/2 x 11 inches (Make it green by using recycled magazine covers, flyers, posters, or copy paper)

REMEMBER THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS WORK UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION. SOMETIMES WE USE THINGS THAT CAN BE HARMFUL, SO DON'T EVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE THESE PROJECTS ALONE.

1. Start with the paper facing white-side-up. Fold it in half length-wise. Crease at least three times at the fold.
2. Unfold the paper and fold the sides to the center crease or “line of symmetry.” This is called a “cupboard door fold.”
3. Unfold the paper again and fold it in half width-wise.
4. Unfold and fold the widths of the paper to the new line of symmetry you’ve created. Reinforce the creases in the paper at this point to make them easier to see.
5. With your cupboard fold still in place, take the corners of your paper and fold them in to meet the creases inside the paper. This should create a triangle shape at each corner.
6. With the corners folded over, you should now have a rectangular border of paper right below the triangles. Take that border and gently fold it over the triangles on each side to lock them in place.
7. Now you’re ready to open the box. Gently lift up the sides, pinching the corners as you go to shape them into place. You can also push the sides into the center of the box so they take a square shape when they spring back.