Star Box

Traditional

This lesson uses a classic favorite, the Star Box, to introduce the squash fold.

Squash folds are possible if there is more than one layer in a flap, and usually an open end. The layers are divided and then separated, creating a tube, cone, or bubble. The shape is then “squashed” flat, usually—but not always—symmetrically.

1 Begin with a Preliminary Base (page 39), with the color on the outside if using standard origami paper. Valley-fold the edges that are along the open sides of the base to the vertical crease, two in the front and then two on the back side.

2 Open the two layers of the right side triangle flap, forming a pocket.

3 Push the center crease of the pocket down flat, aligning the crease with the folded edge below. This will ensure that your squash fold is symmetrical.

4 Repeat on the left and then with the two flaps on the other side.

5 Valley-fold the top center corner down, as far as it will go flat. Repeat on the other side.

6 Valley-fold the front right flap to the left. Repeat on the other side, so that the layering is symmetrical and only the colored paper shows.

7 Valley-fold the two top, long edges to the vertical crease. Repeat behind.

8 Valley-fold the top corner down. Repeat behind.

9 Pull the box open by the “star” points and flatten the bottom against the table.

10 The Star Box.