Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start with your 8.5 x 8.5 inch heavy-weight cream paper lying flat.
2. Using a ruler and pencil, lightly mark a rectangle of 5.5 inches by 2.5 inches centered on the paper. This will be your box base.
3. Extend the rectangle by drawing flaps of 1 inch width on all four sides of the rectangle (these will form the box walls).
4. Lightly draw dashed lines where folds will be: along the edges of the 5.5 x 2.5 rectangle and along the edges of the flaps.
5. At each corner of the flaps, draw minimal solid cut lines of 1 inch length inward to allow the flaps to fold neatly.
6. Carefully cut along the solid lines only.
7. Using the bone folder or a blunt edge and the ruler, fold along all dashed lines, making crisp, clean folds upward to form the box walls.
8. Fold the side flaps inside the box, tucking them neatly to form corners.
9. Secure the flaps by gently pressing or optionally using a small amount of double-sided tape or glue for sturdiness.
10. Erase any visible pencil marks carefully.
11. Your minimalist origami paper box is now complete and ready for use or decoration.