Make sure each fold is creased well. You can crease the folds with your fingernail, a coin, or some other small, hard object. If you’re using cardstock or another kind of thick paper, you can use something called a “scoring tool. " This can be a very dull knife, an empty ballpoint pen, a bone folder, or an embossing tool. [2] X Research source [3] X Research source
This will give the new side four sections. The paper should now have 16 sections in all. Do not unfold your paper this time. Keep in folded lengthwise.
A strip of paper should be between the center creased edges and the edge of the newly folded corner, creating a flap.
This flap will be seen from outside the box. If you are making a gift or decorative box, you might consider using two-sided patterned paper for additional ornamentation.
You may have to re-crease some of the folds to make your box stand more securely.
The paper should now have four vertical sections. At this point, the paper is still half folded, so you should only see two of them and no pattern.
Each flap should be three layers folded on top of one another in a Z pattern. Do not unfold the paper.
There should be two lengthwise sections before unfolding and four lengthwise sections after.
The new triangular section will have a flap in the middle of it.
The newly made section will be triangular with a point at the end. The top should have a flap.
You should have a straight edge along the bottom. The newly folded flap section will be in the shape of a trapezoid. It will sit with its parallel sides flush with a second larger trapezoid.
When finished, the two sides should mirror each other. The paper should now be in the shape of an oblong octagon.
For this particular Method, square paper should be used. Origami paper is ideal for a gift box. Make sure your paper is completely even on each side. Either use square paper, or measure and cut the paper so each side is the same size.
You will also need a scoring tool if you use cardstock. [8] X Research source
You can even print out a blank template that you can decorate yourself. If you choose to decorate the paper, do so before you start folding. Decorating an already-folded box is both difficult and runs the risk of collapsing it. You can also print a blank template directly onto decorative paper. [9] X Research source
To help glue dry faster, start by using a minimal amount of glue, just what is necessary, and make sure you are applying it onto a dry surface with no other moisture.
