/  Activities & Resources  /  Origami coffee cup

Origami coffee cup

Make a coffee cup* with a piece of paper! Investigate how a flat sheet of paper can transform (almost magically) into a 3D model through folding and creasing. Explore fractions as you fold your paper into half, quarters and eighths! A simple square can be folded to create rectangles, triangles and heptagons – providing the inspiration for much of the flat-pack furniture we have in our homes

*Warning – not for actual coffee! Why not use your paper cup to store paperclips or rubbers, or as a gift to hold chocolate/cake, or perhaps to collect change at a charity event?

Watch the ‘How To’ video and download the instruction sheet below.

You will need:

  • A square piece of paper
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Pens/pencils (optional)

Is it a paper sculpture or origami?

Some people argue that origami is the art of folding a single piece of paper without the need for glue, scissors or decoration. Others disagree and believe if cutting and gluing produce a more attractive final model, then why not! This paper cup breaks all the rules so whether you believe it’s origami or a paper sculpture, one thing is for certain, it’s all about maths!