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Paper folding project – DIY desktop tidies

Freshen up your workspace with Suzie Attaway’s paper folding project. She'll be showing you how to make these playful polyhedron pots which are great desktop tidies!

Paper folding project DIY desktop tidies

Whether you’re a paper-folding newbie or an origami queen, get set for a totally fun paper folding project. We’re big fans of geometric shapes so, inspired by origami and the art of paper folding, we’ve created these gorgeous on-trend geometric pots. They’re ideal for giving a home to small things – pencils, scissors, paintbrushes or even a small posy of flowers. We’ve given one example of the size, but you can adapt it as you wish and choose whatever papers take your fancy. These pots are so simple to make – just print off our template, choose your paper and cut, fold and glue.

This project was created by Suzie Attaway for Mollie Makes magazine – for more easy-make craft projects and creative inspiration, subscribe to Mollie or click here to find out more.

Your free paper folding project!

You will need:

If you love this paper folding project as much as we do head to our origami section here on Gathered!

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You Will Need

  • coloured paper
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Craft knife
  • Glue

Total time:

Step 1

Paper folding project DIY desktop tidies step1

Enlarge the template to your desired size and print on paper – you may need to stick sheets of paper together for a large sized polyhedron pot. Cut out the template, and place on the coloured paper – again, you may need to stick more than one sheet together. Draw around the template with a pencil and ruler.

Step 2

Paper folding project DIY desktop tidies step2

Remove the template and use it as a guide to draw the lines that form the triangles and tabs onto the coloured paper with a pencil and ruler.

Step 3

Paper folding project DIY desktop tidies step3

Carefully cut around the outline, including the ends of the tabs, with a craft knife and ruler.

Step 4

Paper folding project DIY desktop tidies step5

Score the pencil lines as shown as the dotted lines on the template using the blunt side of the craft knife.

Step 5

Paper folding project DIY desktop tidies step6

Fold the triangles and tabs, making neat, sharp creases, ready for assembly.

Step 6

Paper folding project DIY desktop tidies step7

Working on one tab at a time, apply a little glue and stick to the adjacent triangle. Hold for a few minutes, and then move on to the next tab.

Step 7

Paper folding project DIY desktop tidies step7

The polyhedron will soon begin to take shape. Continue until all the tabs are stuck, and a triangular hole is left on one side.

Step 8

Paper folding project DIY desktop tidies step8
And that’s it, your paper folding project is complete. Create different polyhedron pots in different sizes and colours, and allow to completely dry before using.
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We hope you’ve enjoyed Suzi’s paper folding project. For papercraft fun head over to our free card making downloads which has loads of beautiful designs for you to print and make. If you’re new to cardmaking then don’t worry. We’ve got tutorials on how to make cards as well as free DIY pop up cards templates for you to play with.