In traditional origami, an object is created by folding a single sheet of paper. The non-modular boxes, bowls, and other containers on this site were created using this approach.
 
For each non-modular box with a lid, the base was made from a single sheet of paper and the lid was made from another single sheet of paper. Two examples are shown at left.
 
For self-closing containers, and for non-modular containers without lids -- like the heart-shaped bowls shown at right -- a single sheet of paper was used to make each container.

The modular boxes on this site required anywhere from 4 to 12 sheets of paper. For example, most of Teresa's modular squares have a lid made from 4 sheets and a base made from 4 sheets, as shown by the examples at right.
 
The modular approach to making origami boxes expands the creative possibilities of this hobby, since several different types of paper can be combined in one box. Quite often, the same set of units can be assembled in different ways to produce interesting design variations.
 
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Most of the boxes, bowls, and other containers shown on this site were constructed by following the instructions in these books by Tomoko Fuse:

• Origami Boxes (Chikuma Shobo Publishing Co., Ltd., 1989) - in English
• Joyful Origami Boxes (Japan Publications Trading Co., Ltd., 1996) - in English
• Fabulous Origami Boxes (Japan Publications Trading Co., Ltd., 1998) - in English
• Hako No Origami 2 (Beautiful Origami Boxes 2) (Nihon Vogue Co., Ltd., 2014) - in Japanese
• Hako No Origami 3 (Beautiful Origami Boxes 3) (Nihon Vogue Co., Ltd., 2014) - in Japanese
• Decoration Boxes - Origami Collection (Chikuma Shobo Publishing Co., Ltd., 1991) - in Japanese
• 30 boîte en origami (30 Origami Boxes) by Tomoko Fuse (Les éditions de saxe, 2013) - in French
• Faszinierende Origami-Schachteln (Fascinating Origami Boxes) (Droemer Knaur, 2007) - in German
• Origami Gift Boxes (Japanese Broadcasting Publishers Association, 1995) - in Japanese
• Various Cases and Boxes (Seibundo Shinkosha Publishing Co., Ltd., 2003) - in Japanese
• Making Unit Origami Stylish Accessories (Japanese Broadcasting Publishers Association, 1993) - in Japanese
• Amazing Origami Boxes (Dover Publications, Inc., 2018) - in English
• Origami Workshop: Origami for a Delightful Table (Seibundo Shinkosha Publishing Co., Ltd., 2007) - in Japanese
• Home Decorating with Origami (Japan Publications, 2000) - in English

Books | Kits

3) Who designed the origami butterflies shown on this site?
 
The origami butterflies decorating the lids of some boxes on this site were constructed by following the instructions in Michael LaFosse's Origami Butterflies: Elegant Designs from a Master Folder by Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander (Tuttle Publishing, 2013).
 
For more details about this book, click here.

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By clicking on the image of any item displayed on this site, you can access detailed information about the type of paper used to make that particular item. In most cases, you will also find a link to an online source for that paper. (See our External Links Disclaimer)
 
Kami and Duo Kami, Japanese washi (kozo) and momigami, foil, TANT, rice paper, Nepalese lokta and other mulberry papers, craft paper, letterpress paper, scrapbooking paper in pads, open stock scrapbooking paper, gift wrap, money, old calendars -- Teresa has folded them all!  Double-sided paper has almost always been used for those origami models which reveal both sides of the paper.
 
The quality of the paper used ranges from inexpensive machine-made origami paper, purchased in value packs from craft stores, to expensive sheets of silk-screened Yuzen Chiyogami Washi, imported from Japan and ordered online from specialty paper sellers.
 
For an excellent but quick guide to different types of origami paper, visit: https://origami.me/paper/*
 
For a more detailed discussion of paper used in origami, read this article by Robert J. Lang: https://langorigami.com/article/paper/*

For example, all of the boxes shown at left have the same style of base -- a non-modular hexagonal base designed by Tomoko Fuse. However, you will notice quite a bit of variation in the height and width of these boxes.
 
The different heights and widths were achieved by using rectangular sheets of varying dimensions. Click for details
 
The image at right shows a set of three modular square boxes which can be nested or stacked. The large box was made with 19 cm (7 1/2 in) square sheets, the medium box was made with 15.25 cm (6 in) square sheets, and the small box was made with 11.4 cm (4 1/2 in) square sheets. Sets of this type are easy to create. Click for details

In your office, origami boxes can hold postage, receipts, paper clips, erasers, thumb tacks, sticky-note pads, thumb drives, batteries, etc. In your home, use them to store almost any type of small personal item: loose change, keys, coupons, buttons, needles, thread, sewing pins, jewelry, lip gloss, hair pins, pills, manicure set, etc.
 
Origami bowls can be used to serve snacks at parties. Small boxes, bowls, and treat sacks can be filled with candies and used as party favors.
 
Many origami items are perfect for celebrating the holidays: heart-shaped boxes for Valentine's Day, flower-shaped bowls for Mother's Day, or star-shaped containers for New Years. Next Easter, why not put all your eggs in one origami basket?
 
The number of practical uses for origami items is limited only by your imagination. Once you start making origami boxes, bowls, and other containers, you will discover more and more ways to enjoy them for both their beauty and their utility.

 
9) What did Teresa do with all these origami items? Where did they end up?
 
Some of the items shown on this site were given to Teresa's relatives and friends as gifts. Some are still being used in her home, especially at the holidays.
 
The vast majority of Teresa's origami boxes, bowls, and other containers were sold at small craft fairs to raise funds for non-profit organizations. Some of the groups to which Teresa has donated her fundraiser proceeds include:

• All Hands and Hearts (For victims of Hurricane Michael in FL)
• Rebuild 850 (Post-hurricane assistance in FL)
• Fund for Victims and Families (Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Parkland, FL)
• Sebring Strong Survivors' Fund (SunTrust Bank shooting, Sebring, FL)
• Peace River K-9 Search and Rescue (FL non-profit)
• Support Surfside (For victims of tower collapse in FL)

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Teresa enjoys using her skills to fold and assemble many different types of origami decorations and accessories. She especially likes to make kusudama -- modular globe-shaped hanging ornaments. (These are sometimes called Japanese medicine balls, flower balls, floral globes, or modular polyhedra.)
 
Teresa has recently begun to make a variety of origami wreaths, stars, Christmas tree ornaments, wall hangings, table-top decorations, chopstick wrappers, and other origami accessories.
 
Click here to see Teresa's kusudama and other origami ornaments/decorations/accessories

 
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11) Has Teresa ever won any awards for her origami?
 
Teresa frequently exhibits her origami items at the Charlotte County Fair in Florida. She has earned numerous Blue Ribbons, as well as a Best in Show Ribbon.
 
Click here for more details about awards

 
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12) Does Teresa ever teach any origami classes?
 
Teresa has taught beginner-level origami workshops at The Cultural Center in Port Charlotte, FL.
 
Unfortunately, The Cultural Center ceased operations and closed all of its facilities in late 2021 (learn more about that here*)
 
Teresa has recently started teaching a beginner-level origami class at the North Port Public Library in North Port, FL. Click here to learn more or register*