Literary Origami: The Folded Book

Time for a super easy project!

While browsing around Etsy, I've discovered many creative sellers who alter and recycle books. Some use their covers and repurpose them into spiral bound journals. Others transform the interior pages and fold them into cutting-edge art. I decided to give the latter a try.

I started with a small vintage book that had seen better days. On a flat surface, I opened it to its first spread and folded each of the four corners diagonally in toward the center (above left). Next, I took the following three pages and folded them in half, all together, toward the center (above right).

Alternating between these two steps, I kept going until I had folded all of the pages in the book.

All done! Doesn't it look like a paper lantern? Pretty cool! This altered book can lay flat, stand upright on its own, or be hung on the wall using a metal plate hanger. 

Here's a variation on a theme. I opened up to the first spread with the folded corners, and unfolded the upper right and lower left folds so that they would stick out. 

I did this to every diagonally folded spread, leaving the three-page sections alone.

When complete, this version's pages have a sculptural twist.

So simple! And there are so many folding possibilities. To see inspiring examples from Etsy sellers that are much more complex than my first attempt, click here.

How fun to take a book that was ready for the discard pile and transform it into literary origami. Give it a try!

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

Comments

[Elsie]

That is cool Susan. I have seen a lot of that in blogland. You did an awesome job on that one.

[Gwyneth Ellis]

How would you convert your folding to look like a King Protea? I saw these completed in a "paper" flower arangement recently and would love to make some.

[jude]

Well I am going to give this a try looks quite easy for a stunning result
Thank you for sharing

[Carolee]

Thank you for the very easy to try directions!

[Susan]

Carolee~ You're very welcome!

[Carlos Haun]

Love the one with a slight sculptural twist! Is there a size book & number of pages you recommend?

[CLARISA]

Precioso trabajo. Me encantaría intentarlo. Puedes decirme cuantas páginas doblas en diagonal entre las tres plegadas juntas? Muchas gracias por compartir