I’ve been folding origami lately, as a sort of Zen activity. It’s something I used to enjoy as a child – my favorite has always been the classic crane. Lately I’ve mastered a slightly fancier crane with a pleated tail and a dog that “barks”.
The most useful origami I’ve learned is this simple, basic dish. Unlike most origami that requires square paper, it works perfectly with 8×10 paper. It’s quick to fold and handy for holding orange peels, a handful of wrapped chocolates, or a cookie – then you can recycle it.
*
Start with an 8×10 piece of paper. I usually just pull a page out of a magazine (I try to find one with pretty colors).
Fold in half.
Fold in half again.
Rotate so the folded sides of the paper are at the top and left; then lift the upper fold and bend it towards the left. Place your hand inside the fold and start flattening it out…
…Until the top part becomes a triangle. Press to flatten.
It should look like this.
Flip over and repeat on the other side.
It should look like this.
Lift the right flap and fold it over toward the left, like you’re turning the page of a book.
It should look like this.
Flip over and repeat on the other side.
Fold the sides of the top flaps in so that the edges meet the center axis.
Flip over and repeat on the other side.
Fold the extra paper at the bottom up; flip over and repeat on the other side.
It should look like this.
Your dish is complete! Open it up…
…And straighten it out. You may want to slightly crease the sides of the bottom so it stands up better.
Ta da!
*
I hope you find it useful!
Revisiting 3 favorites in Japan
Fresh mochi from Suruki, San Mateo CA
Thin crust pizza – in an apartment oven
Creamy corn soup
Fantastic explanation. Makes me want to try it.