This origami mini milk carton is incredibly cute and looks just like the real deal! It’s the perfect size for desk supplies or hiding a small, secret gift.
Crafting this box is super easy and beginner-friendly, and requires only one piece of paper. It is a perfect activity for a chill afternoon or family time with kids.
Once you finish this carton, check out my 20+ Origami Box Step-by-Step Instructions Collection. You will find dozens of unique boxes to try.
If you are new to origami, start here from our beginner guide to know the basics and how to read the step-by-step instructions.
- Folding time: 20 minutes
- Paper: 15×15 cm
- Total steps: 11
- Difficulty: Easy
Material
We used a 15 cm square to make a mini milk carton measuring approximately 4.2 cm × 4.2 cm × 6.3 cm. Using paper with patterns will make your carton even cuter.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Place the paper in a diamond shape, and with the desired display side face up. Fold the paper in half by bringing the bottom right edge up to the top left edge. Crease and unfold.
Repeat by folding the bottom left edge to the top right. Crease and unfold.
Finally, flip the paper over from left to right.
Step 2
Fold the four corners to the center crease intersection point. Crease well, and unfold all.
Step 3
Fold the paper in half vertically, leave a crease, and unfold.
Step 4
Bring the bottom corner up to the top to fold the paper in half into a triangle (Pic 1). Notice the short vertical crease on the left side. Imagine dividing this small line into four equal sections. Fold the bottom edge upward to meet the third mark from the bottom (Pic 2). Crease it well (Pic 3), then unfold (Pic 4).
Step 5
Fold the right corner over to meet the left corner. Next, take the bottom-right corner and fold its tip to meet the center intersection of the square frame. Press down hard to make a sharp crease, then unfold the paper completely.
Step 6
Locate the tiny square formed by creases in the very center of your paper. Fold the left corner of the paper to the right side. Use the vertical line extending from the left corner of that small center square as your guide (Pic 1). Crease this long vertical line firmly and unfold it (Pic 2).
Repeat this for the right corner by folding it to the left along the line from the right corner of the center square (Pics 3–4), then unfold (Pic 5).
Step 7
Fold all four corners inward using the line between the two red dots as your guide (Pic 1). These dots are where the previous creases meet the paper’s edge.
Next, fold the bottom edge of each new tiny triangle up to its top corner (Pic 2). Press down firmly to crease them well. Now, unfold only the top and bottom flaps while leaving the side flaps folded in (Pic 3). Finally, flip the entire paper over (Pic 4).
Step 8
Create four short valley creases along the dashed lines. Each line connects two red dots, which are points where creases meet or hit the paper’s edge.
Step 9
Flip the paper over again (Pic 1). Use the creases you made to bring the four sides upward. The four red lines should fold inward toward the center, while the vertical and horizontal black lines act as the box edges (Pic 2).
Gently push the walls together as the center square flattens to become the floor (Pic 3). Pinch the corners until the paper snaps into a square box shape (Pic 4).
Step 10
Rotate the box 90 degrees so you can see the side walls (Pic 1). Notice the rectangular wall on the side. Push the center of the right edge inward along the dashed lines so it tucks neatly inside the box (Pic 2).
Turn over the box and repeat this on the opposite side (Pics 3-4). Once all flaps are tucked, the top of your box should start to pull together naturally (Pic 6).
Step 11
Pinch the side walls inward while bringing the front and back flaps together to form the roof. Press the top edges firmly to create a flat seal, then secure it with a small clip or glue.
What’s Next
Such a cute origami mini milk carton is done! And it is just the start. You can find even more adorable ways to organize your desk and store tiny treasures by checking out our other origami box tutorials below!
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