Pinwheel Origami Box With Lid

Create a stunning pinwheel origami box with lid using two sheets of paper.

Perfect for gifting or storing small treasures, this box is customizable with beads or diamantes to add an extra special touch.

Follow the size guide to make small, medium, or large boxes—ideal for birthdays, weddings, and holidays.

Looking for a charming, handmade box to store your little keepsakes or gift small treasures in style?

These origami boxes with pinwheel-designed lids are both practical and beautiful!

Made from two sheets of paper, this easy-to-follow craft is a perfect way to create elegant boxes for any occasion—whether you're wrapping a small gift for birthdays, weddings, Valentine's Day, Easter, or even Christmas.

The lid’s pinwheel design adds a cute touch to the box, giving it a unique look that will impress anyone receiving it.

You can even add a special touch to your box further by gluing a small bead or diamante to the center of the lid—turning this simple creation into something truly special.

This DIY project is ideal for beginners and can be customized in a variety of sizes.

The small, medium, and large sizes allow you to use the boxes for everything from jewelry and chocolates to gift cards or trinkets.

With no special tools required (just a couple of sheets of paper and your hands), this is a fantastic craft for anyone looking to create personalized packaging for their gifts.

Other easy to make origami boxes you just have to make include this triangle origami box with lid, tall origami box, rectangle origami box, and square origami box with interlocking lid.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Two sheets of paper – Simple to make with just two sheets of square paper.
• Customizable sizes – Choose from small, medium, or large boxes, based on your needs.
• Pinwheel-designed lid – The stunning pinwheel design on the lid adds a unique and charming look.
• Personalize the box – Add a bead or diamante for a shiny, elegant touch to the lid.
• Versatile and fun – Great for gift-giving, wedding favors, or just organizing small items at home.

Skill Level

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy)

Materials Needed

• 2 sheets of square paper (for box and lid)
• Glue (optional, to attach bead or diamante)
• Bead or diamante (for decoration, optional)

Paper Size & Finished Box Dimensions

Instructions

Making the Base

Step 1: Start with the color you want your box to be facing down.

Step 2: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold the left edge to meet the right edge.

Step 5: Unfold previous step.

Step 6: Fold all corners in to meet the middle.

Step 7: We will now divide the paper into thirds. Hold the paper in your hand as shown, so that it makes an “S” shape.

Then, make a slight crease on both edges. Tip: Make sure you crease your edges well in the previous step. This will help when forming your “S” shape.

Step 8: Place your paper back onto your table. You should now have 2 small creases on the top right edge.

Step 9: Fold the bottom right edge towards the top left edge along the line shown, starting at the small crease you made in the previous step.

Step 10: Unfold previous step.

Step 11: Fold the top left edge along the line showntowards the bottom right edge, starting at the other small crease you made.

Step 12: Unfold previous step.

Step 13: Fold the bottom left edge up toward the top right edge along the line shown. It’s edge should align with the 2 points shown (where the creases you made in the previous steps intersect with the slits of the paper).

Step 14: Unfold previous step.

Step 15: Fold the top right edge down toward the bottom left edge, matching its edge to the crease you made in step 13.

Step 16: Unfold previous step.

Step 17: Rotate your paper 45 degrees so it sits as shown.

Step 18: Unfold the left and right sides of the paper.

Step 19: Lift both the bottom and top edges of the paper (along the existing creases) by 90 degrees (so they stand upright). Tip: Re-creasing along the edges before you stand them upright makes this step easier.

Step 20: Lift the left most point upwards, you will find that the existing sides will naturally collapse to points.

Step 21: Fold the point down into the box, matching the point with the centre.

Step 22: Repeat steps 19 to 21 for the right side. Completed box base.

For the Lid

Using your other sheet of paper.

Step 1: Start with the color you want the main part of your lid facing down.

Step 2: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold the left edge to meet the right edge.

Step 5: Unfold previous step.

Step 6: Fold the bottom left corner in to meet the middle.

Step 7: Working on the flap you just folded into the middle, fold the point back towards the left to meet the outside edge.

Step 8: Fold that same point inward again to meet the line shown.

Step 9: Repeat steps 6 to 8 for remaining corners.

Step 10: Unfold all flaps as shown. Don’t unfold the paper completely.

Step 11: Rotate your paper 45 degrees so it sits as shown.

Step 12: Fold the left edge inward to meet the middle point.

Step 13: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the middle point.

Step 14: Fold the right edge inward to meet the middle point.

Step 15: Fold the top edge down to meet the middle point.

Step 16: Unfold previous step.

Step 17: Refold the top edge down to the middle point, but this time, tuck it under the left side of the paper.

Step 18: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 19: Fold all corners inward to meet the middle point.

Step 20: Fold the bottom left edge inward slightly (it’s folded edge should match the edge of the pinwheel on the other side.

Step 21: Unfold previous step.

Step 22: Repeat steps 20 to 21 for remaining edges.

Step 23: Rotate your paper 45 degrees so it sits as shown.

Step 24: Unfold the left and right sides of the paper.

Step 25: Lift both the bottom and top edges of the paper by 90 degrees so they stand upright (using the existing creases). Tip: re-crease along the edges before standing them upright. It will help for the next steps.

Tips For Success

• Sharp folds are key – Use a bone folder to make clean, crisp folds for a neat box.
• Choose paper wisely – Use a thicker paper for durability, but avoid paper that's too thick to fold easily.
• Personalize the lid – Add embellishments like a bead, diamante, or a decorative button to make the box extra special.
• Perfect for gifting – These boxes make excellent packaging for small gifts like jewelry, chocolates, or candies.
• Be patient with the folds – Take your time to ensure each fold is sharp for a polished look.

Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

Uneven folds – Ensure all folds are of equal size to ensure symmetry. Use a ruler or bone folder to keep your folds sharp.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

• Bright Colors for Birthdays – Use bright, fun colors like pink, blue, or yellow for a cheerful gift box.
• Metallic Paper for Weddings – Choose metallic or pearl paper for an elegant, sophisticated look for wedding favors.
• Christmas – Red, green, and gold will add a festive touch to your boxes during the holiday season.
• Pastels for Baby Showers – Soft pastels like baby pink or light blue are perfect for baby shower gifts.
• Floral Designs for Anniversaries – Floral-patterned paper adds a romantic feel for anniversaries or Valentine’s Day gifts.
• Textured Paper for Extra Elegance – Try textured paper or cardstock to create a more durable and luxurious box.

FAQ

Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:

• 3D Origami Ice Cream
• Butterfly Origami
• Easy Talking Origami Fish
• Origami Heart Ring
• Long Heart Origami Bookmark
• Triangle DIY Desk Organizer

Helpful Origami Tips

If you're curious to learn more about origami, you might like to look at our basic guides on how to make some common origami folds.

Start with the valley fold and mountain fold—these are the foundation of most origami models.

Once you're comfortable, you might like to try the petal fold for 3D shapes, and explore the bird base and square base for more complex designs.

The water bomb base is also great for creating inflatable or geometric models, like this inflatable origami rabbit.