Learning Origami: Paper Cup

Learning Origami: Paper Cup

Making arts and crafts, is something I am always willing to do, and something I am always eager to complete. For today's blog post, I decided to make something more logical, that I am able to use regularly. Thanks to the book, Practical Origami: A step-by-step guide to the ancient art of paper folding, I can show you how to make an origami cup. This origami model is a very popular design, that is also very simple to make!  For those who are like me, and are not artistically talented, this origami model is something that can be taught to all skill levels, as said in the book, "This is, perhaps, the simplest model to make, and is easy to  teach to "students" of  all ages" (Beech 47). This is a very enjoyable model to make, that you can complete along with your younger siblings or other family members.

This origami cup, allows you to even drink out of it. The book states, "If you intend to drink from the cup, be sure to use material which is glossy, like a foil-backed giftwrap" (Beech 47).  I am so excited to show you how to make this traditional, as well as very logical origami design. With only seven, easy to follow directions to creating this model, I am able to use these cups whenever I want. After completing this origami design, I personally would recommend using gift wrapping tissue paper the for the first few times, so you are able to perfect the creases and folds.

The most difficult step in creating this design, was the second step which was folding down the single layer of paper down to lie on a folded crease created in an earlier step. "Fold the upper raw edge down to lie along the folded edge created in step " (Beech 47). Completing the actual step wasn't that difficult, however the wording of the direction was what confused me. The inclusion of a photo, in this step, made it much easier to comprehend.

Below are Seven steps to creating a Paper Cup:

Step One: Fold paper diagonally in half.

 Step Two: Fold single layer down to lie on
horizontal crease created in step one.

Step Three:  Unfold crease created in step two.

Step Four: Fold right-handed corner 

to where the tip meets with the 

crease end made in step two.

Step Five: Repeat step four on the left side, 

remember to align model symmetrically.

 Step Six: Fold single layer of the upper corner down
over the flaps created in steps 4 and 5.

Step Seven: Repeat step 6 on reverse side. 

Open model along edges created through steps 1-6.

Overall, this was a very fun and straightforward model to create. I enjoyed creating this origami paper cup, and was surprised with how simple it was to complete. I made this model with my younger sister, and bonded with her while competing the steps together. There are multiple uses to this origami model, and I personally use it as a jewelry holder in my room. My skill level in creating origami crafts has grown, and my knowledge on this art has increased as well.  I am so eager to continue learning more from the book, Practical Origami: A step-by-step guide to the ancient art of paperfolding. My favorite art craft to complete with my family is making paper snowflakes. Thank you so much for reading this blog, and hopefully you gained knowledge from this post!

What is your favorite art craft to complete with your family?

Beech, Rick. Practical Origami: a Step-by-Step Guide to the Ancient Art of Paperfolding. Hermes House, 2006.