[Vismaya Chandran]

Making a paper box is a fun and practical craft activity that allows you to create your own customized containers for storing small items or giving gifts. With just a few materials and some basic folding techniques, you can create a beautiful paper box in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Materials you’ll need:

1. A square sheet of paper (any size will do, but for beginners, it’s best to start with a larger size, around 8×8 inches)
2. Scissors (optional)
3. Ruler (optional)
4. Pencil (optional)
5. Decorative items like stickers, markers, or ribbons (optional)

Step 1: Start with a square sheet of paper. If your paper is not already square, you can trim it into a square shape using scissors or by folding one corner diagonally to meet the opposite edge and then trimming off the excess.

Step 2: Place the paper on a flat surface with the colored or patterned side facing down (if applicable).

Step 3: Fold the paper in half diagonally, matching opposite corners. Crease the fold well and then unfold.

Step 4: Rotate the paper 90 degrees and fold it in half diagonally again, but this time in the opposite direction. Crease and unfold.

Step 5: Now, fold each corner of the paper toward the center point where the two diagonal folds intersect. Crease well and unfold.

Step 6: Take one side of the paper and fold it towards the center, aligning it with the crease made in Step 5. Repeat this step with the remaining three sides, folding them towards the center as well.

Step 7: Flip the paper over so that the folded flaps are now facing down.

Step 8: Fold each corner of the paper towards the center, similar to Step 5. This time, tuck the corner under the flaps created in Step 6.

Step 9: Repeat Step 8 with the remaining three corners, tucking them under the flaps.

Step 10: Gently press down on the sides of the box to secure the folds and shape the box.

Step 11: If desired, decorate the box using stickers, markers, or ribbons to add a personal touch.

Congratulations! You have successfully made a paper box. Now you can use it to store small items or as a unique gift box. Experiment with different paper sizes, patterns, and decorations to create a variety of boxes for different purposes.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect. With time and experience, you’ll become more skilled at folding and customizing your paper boxes. Enjoy the process and let your creativity soar!

Please check this video if you need more clarifications:

https://youtu.be/Cd5Z8hmcb10

[Vismaya Chandran]

Learning to draw in three dimensions might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the world of art. But fear not! There are some simple ways to dip your toes into this exciting art form and have fun while doing it.

One of the easiest ways to get started with 3D drawing is by using basic shapes. You know, like cubes, spheres, and cylinders. These shapes are like the building blocks of more complex objects, and by practicing them, you’ll get a better grasp of how light and shadow work on different surfaces. Take your time and play around with shading to add depth and realism to your drawings.

Another handy technique is using guidelines and perspective. Guidelines are like faint lines that help you figure out the proportions and angles of objects. Perspective, on the other hand, is a fancy word for how we represent three-dimensional stuff on a flat surface. It might sound a bit complicated, but learning about one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective can make a world of difference in your drawings.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to observe real-life objects and scenes. Pay attention to how light interacts with them, the shadows it creates, and the highlights and reflections you see. Try your best to replicate these effects in your drawings. And hey, don’t forget to check out the work of experienced 3D artists for inspiration and to pick up some cool techniques.

In today’s digital age, there are also cool computer programs and apps that can help you learn 3D drawing. They have neat features like 3D modeling and sculpting tools, so you can explore and create in a more interactive and fun way.

Last but not least, be patient and kind to yourself. Learning anything new takes time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t become a master overnight. Remember to enjoy the process and have fun with it. Every attempt, no matter how “good” or “bad” you might think it is, is a chance to learn and grow as an artist.

So, grab your sketchbook, grab a pencil, and dive into the wonderful world of 3D drawing. You’ve got this! Happy drawing!