Learning a New Art with Origami Paper Boxes

Origami is a beautiful art form that originated in ancient Japan. Today, it is increasing in popularity, and for good reason—imagine transforming a simple piece of paper into three-dimensional artwork! In his new book, Perfectly Mindful Origami: Origami Paper Boxes, Mark Bolitho presents designs for making nearly thirty beautiful boxes, with complexity levels from easy to challenging.

* Complimentary Book Received for Review.

Origami Paper Boxes is a new addition to Bolitho’s Perfectly Mindful Origami series of instructional books. He describes “mindful origami” as “a journey of paper transformation that involves creativity and contemplation along the way to produce your finished piece of work.” This concept really appeals to me; I love the idea that the process of creation is equally as enjoyable and important as the created object (I often feel that mindfulness when I’m cooking or baking).

Included with the book is a collection of pretty paper sheets pre-cut into 7-inch squares. The rainbow of solid-color sheets can be used on their own, but they can also mix and match with the various patterned sheets. Many of the completed boxes pictured in the book utilize the same paper, demonstrating how the different papers work with the designs.

The instructions are a combination of diagrams and words, which work together to take the user through the entire process from flat sheet of paper to completed box. The diagrams are illustrated with arrows depicting the direction of the folds as well as other symbols to explain the steps, such as turning the paper over in a certain direction, repeating folds, or rotating the model. By taking each design one step at a time, even the most complicated designs are fully explained and demonstrated.

I have long admired origami but never before attempted it. Following the step-by-step instructions, I was able to make the first box in the book, called simply the “Easy Box,” although I can’t say I found it particularly easy on my first try. The directions were clear, but my lack of spatial intuition made it hard for me to visualize what to do. However, once I successfully mastered the Easy Box, I moved on to a similar design, the Masu Box, and after my second time working through this design, I felt comfortable with the folding and construction of the box. Yay me! For my first fumbling attempts, I used colorful paper I had on hand, saving the beautiful paper that came with the book for when my pieces evolve from looking like they were made by a kindergartener. Hopefully, with practice, I’ll be able to achieve the mindfulness Bolitho teaches as I create more polished origami boxes.

If you’re interested in Origami Paper Boxes or any of the other Perfectly Mindful Origami books, you can find more information by visiting Quarto online. Also visit their Facebook page to keep up with news about their latest releases.

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Disclaimer: A. Bailey received complimentary products for review purposes & feature on The Classy Chics blog. No monetary compensation was received. A. Bailey’s thoughts, opinions and words are 100% her own. Your thoughts may differ.