Modular Cube Model

Submitted by christodd on Tue, 09/14/2004 - 01:31. Origami

Ever needed dice ? When nothing else is around, you could use this modular cube model for dice, or decoration. This is, in fact, the only cube style I know of that doesn't require glue or scissors. Modular means that it is made out of several pieces, and this model requires 6 pieces of paper. Because of how the faces tuck into eachother, I recommend 2 pieces of 3 different colors. The resulting design pattern is lovely.

Enhancing this model is easy, by decorating the paper before folding. Small designs of flowers, boats and such really bring out the delicacy of this paper cube. It is both strong and weak at the same time. If you want to hang these cubes, run a string through opposite corners (there are little holes at each corner), and make a knot, or use a bead, larger than the hole in the corner. You can then hang this by the corners.

Because of the relative simplicity of the folds on this model, it is particularly well suited for groups of youngsters, or origami beginners of all ages.

Begin with a square piece of paper, color side down. I really recommend using colored paper, or drawing on one side, for this model. Also, use two pieces of each color.

Crease the fold slightly, just so you can see it. Unfold the paper

2 valley folds, horizontally, should make the top edge and the bottom edge of the paper meet in the middle. Crease very well, and turn the paper over. If you forget to turn the paper over, you will not have a pocket later.

Diagonally valley fold the corners in half, forming two triangles. Make sure that you do them in opposite directions (top side on the left, bottom side on the right), and do them the same for each piece of paper. If you do them in the wrong directions, then the flaps will not line up with the pockets. Crease well.

Valley fold both of the triangles in half, forming a square once again. Crease very well. Now is the point, that the model is most simple, that you are basically finished.

Open the last folds halfway, so that they stick straight up in the air.

Do this six times, on for each face.

Turn one face over, so that the pockets show. Use a different color, and slide a flap into a pocket.

Use the same color as last time, and slide a flap into the other pocket.

Use the last color, and put those on the opposite sides, turned so the the flaps of the first face slide into the pockets. Slide all of the flaps of the last color into the second color pockets.

The last face can be tricky. Take the two remaining flaps and point them straight up. Lower the last face into place. This is the point to stick anything you want to hide in the box into it, since after this it will be sealed.