How to Create a Folded Paper Cup

An excellent beginner's Origami project is a folded paper cup with a variation to make it a free-standing cup if desired. You will need square Origami paper, about 8"x8". If you don't have Origami paper, copy paper works just as well. You will need to trim it to 8.5"x8.5" square.

To Fold

A. Begin by folding your square piece of paper across the diagonal, running your finger along the crease so that it is sharp. With the paper folded, orient it so that the crease is closest to you and horizontal.

B. Fold the right corner of the paper so that it meets point LL, located on the left side of the paper's edge.. Then fold the left corner of the paper so that it meets point MM, located on the right side of the paper's edge.

C. Fold the forward-most top corner down and tuck it into the front pocket made in step B. Crease the top edge sharply. Turn to the back.

D. Fold down the remaining top corner down. There won't be a pocket on this side, so crease the top edge sharply.

Check your work. You should now be able to open up the cup and fill it with M&Ms.

Now that you have mastered folding a paper cup, try this variation to make it freestanding.

E. Make a horizontal valley fold approximately 3/4" up from the bottom of the cup. Then mountain fold back along the same line. Open the crease back up so that the cup is as it was before step E.

F. Now open up the cup and turn it upside down, so that you are looking at the cup's bottom. Press your finger in the center of the bottom and make and indentation. Continue to press gently until the indentation meets the crease you made in step E. Making and then maintaining this crease is the most important part of creating a freestanding paper cup.

G. Flatten and smooth out the bottom by pressing the end-points towards the center of the cup's bottom. It is okay if it turns out wrinkled, just be sure you maintain the crease that you created in step F.

Now turn the cup right-side-up and fill with M&Ms. The cup may hold fewer M&Ms, but it will stand up by itself, freeing your hands to work on the keyboard or do other chores.

• Folded paper cups are very versatile. You can use them for practical purposes, tucking one into a first aid kit or purse to hold water, in the event you need to take medication or just need a drink. But one of the best ways to use a folded paper cup is to make individual serving-sizes of snacks for a party. It's also a great way to keep kids involved in the party preparation process - they can fold and fill the cups while you get other things ready. The paper can usually be recycled afterwards, provided that the snacks were not messy.
• Paper cups can be made in smaller or larger sizes, in different colors or with patterned paper. Origami paper is quite festive and fun, or try large art papers from the art or craft supply store.
• Large paper cups can be used as a child's hat! Try upcycling newspaper to fold an oversized cup, then have your child decorate it to create a fun hat.
• Use folded paper cups as office organizers for small things like paper clips, binder clips, mini Sharpie pens, and rubber bands. Specialty art papers are fun to use for this purpose.