Take me to the Steps

Here I am going to show you how to fold a 2-compartment/pocket letter holder through some basic origami folds. This is an easy project so even kids can do it and organize their things better.

Project Steps

Things Needed

Handmade paper 23” x 30” [any thick paper will do]

Double Tape

Ruler or Measuring Tape

Marker

Measurements

Firstly, take a look at the letters/envelopes lying around in your house to get an idea of how deep the compartments/pockets should be.

With some experimentation I found that pockets with a depth equal to half the length of the letters/envelopes will hold them best.

I decided to make the top pocket for the bigger letters/envelopes and the lower pocket for the smaller ones.

Smaller letters/envelopes are of size 6” [approx.] and bigger ones are 8” [approx.].

Mark and Fold the paper

Basically, by doing fan-folds on the paper length-wise we should be able to get the basic form in shape. Fan-folds are nothing but alternate mountain & valley folds.

For the given sizes of letter/envelope, mark the points at the given distances along the length of the paper.

Make the mountain folds at 6″ & 17″ along the length of the paper (measurements are from the base).

Make the valley folds at 9″ & 21″ along the length of the paper (measurements are from the base).

Lock the model

At this point all 4 edges are open; let us close them.

Now turn the paper over and valley-fold about 1″ of the top and bottom edges.

For the right edge, valley-fold at an angle so that bottom part (2″) is farther inside than the top part (1″). Repeat the same on the left edge.

Crease firmly. While doing this the side edges will tend to go out, which is OK. This will give an extra bit of room in the pocket.

You’ll find the top corners falling outside the top edge line. Bring the corners inside by tucking them in.

The letter holder is now ready and should look like an inverted trapezium.

Dimensions of the finished model are – Top length: 21″; Bottom length: 19″; Height: 13″. [Note: folding the sides at an angle would give it some interesting shape rather than keeping it just a rectangle.]

Stick it!

Put some double-stick tape on the back side and stick it on the wall/door.

Your origami letter holder is ready for use!