Table of Contents
Introduction to the Origami Magic Wallet
A quick demo at the start of the video reveals the finished piece: a colorful, pocketable origami wallet that flips open to show different sections. The folding mechanism is the magic—simple movements that transform flat paper into a little showpiece.
Pro tip
- Before you start folding, warm up your hands and practice a few small test creases on scrap paper. It makes your first “real” fold cleaner and more confident.
Materials and Tools You'll Need
The tutorial uses colored papers for both the decorative units and the main base. You’ll see yellow, purple, green, red, pink, light blue, and white in the finished design. Tools in the video include a ruler, pencil, marker, glue stick, and hot glue gun.
What’s shown in the video
- Paper sizes: 15x7.5 cm (small star units) and 15x30 cm (main base)
- Measurement marks on the base: 14.5 cm and 1 cm
- Adhesives: glue stick for units, hot glue for the slider
Watch out
- The video does not specify paper thickness. Choose thin but sturdy paper that creases sharply; avoid heavy cardstock to prevent cracking at tight folds. embroidery frame
Quick check
- Can you fold and unfold your paper without visible cracking? If not, switch to a slightly lighter sheet.
From the comments
- One viewer asked for paper sizes. Here they are: 15x7.5 cm for each star unit and 15x30 cm for the base, with 14.5 cm and 1 cm marks on the base before folding. Another viewer asked about a fold around 6:49—it’s part of refining the base structure with additional creasing and folding side flaps inward.
Step-by-Step Guide to Folding the Decorative Units
The video first demonstrates a yellow unit, then repeats the same process with purple and green. All four small units end up displaying a neat, faceted star pattern on each side.
Preparing the Paper for the Stars
Start with a 15x7.5 cm rectangle (yellow in the video example). Fold it in half lengthwise to create a central crease. Then bring both long edges inwards to meet that crease. Repeat this action to further narrow the strip, and fold the entire strip in half again. These preliminary folds set up the geometry that later collapses into the star.
Watch out
- If the layers slide during those repeated halves, pause and press all creases flat from the center outward. This prevents skew and keeps the future star symmetric. magnetic
Crafting the Origami Star Pattern
Open one side of the strip and flatten it into a diamond shape. Fold the diamond’s side edges toward the center. Flip the piece and repeat the diamond shape and side folds on the other side. Now, fold the bottom corners inward to the center and lift the whole bottom section upward; do the same for the top section—corners to center, then fold down. Next, fold the inner edges of the side panels toward the center and fold the entire piece in half. Gently push in from the sides to pop up a box-like structure. This starts to reveal the layered geometry.
Flatten the center to form distinct square parts, then fold the top flap down while pushing the sides inward to complete the star pattern on one face. Flip and repeat to mirror the star on the reverse. The result is a compact unit with an intricate “star” glinting from every visible side.
Quick check
- Do both faces display a clean, symmetric star? If not, unfold to the last clear checkpoint and re-crease gently.
Adding a Touch of Color (Optional)
The video adds a dash of contrast by coloring parts of the yellow unit’s raised facets with an orange marker. This is optional, but it helps define the geometry. Repeat all the folding steps for three more units in purple, green, and red. You’ll end with four consistent star modules ready for assembly.
Pro tip
- Test your marker on a scrap of the same paper first; some inks can bleed. Light taps along the raised edges highlight facets without flooding the color. magnetic embroidery hoop
From the comments
- Some viewers found the pace fast. A helpful approach is to slow or pause the playback and watch a single fold sequence a few times; one commenter said they fully understood the 6:49 fold after several replays.
Constructing the Main Wallet Base
Now for the structure that makes it a wallet. You’ll use a larger rectangle and create a sequence of measured folds that align with the star units.
Measurements and Initial Folds
Use a pink 15x30 cm sheet and fold it in half lengthwise to establish a central crease. With a ruler and pencil, mark lines at 14.5 cm and 1 cm from the edges along the length. Fold precisely along these lines. These marks are crucial—they define sections that help the wallet close cleanly and align with the units.
Watch out
- Inaccurate measurements will compound during final assembly. Keep your ruler steady and your pencil lines light so they don’t show through. magnetic frames for embroidery machine
Forming the Wallet Structure
Make additional creases to reinforce the central structure. Fold the side flaps inward along the marked lines, then create a central horizontal crease across the sheet. Fold the top and bottom sections to meet that central horizontal crease. Finally, fold the entire base in half—this primes the wallet for attaching the star units. Check that all folds lie flat and that the edges are aligned; adjust before moving on.
Quick check
- When the base is folded in half, do the edges stack neatly? If not, revisit the 14.5 cm and 1 cm folds to dial in accuracy.
Pro tip
- Pre-burnish your creases by running the edge of a ruler along each fold. That extra pressure sets a memory into the paper and helps the wallet “snap” into shape. monogram machine
Assembling Your Magic Wallet
The colorful part begins—attaching each star unit to the pink base so they reveal themselves with that satisfying, “how does that work?” flip.
Attaching the Decorative Stars
Apply glue to the central horizontal flaps of the pink base. Place each star unit—green, purple, red, and light purple (as shown)—onto its designated area, ensuring the edges and corners line up with the base’s creases. Press each unit firmly so it bonds without excess glue seeping out. When all four modules are in place, the main body is complete.
Watch out
- Too much glue can ripple the paper. Use a thin, even coat and smooth with a scrap piece to avoid glue ridges. magnetic embroidery hoops
Quick check
- Open and close the base gently. The units should sit centered and not buckle. If a unit shifts, nudge it back while the glue is still tacky.
Creating the Sliding Closure
Cut a small light blue strip for the slider. Apply hot glue to one end and attach it to the outside of the wallet, leaving it free to slide. Cut a small white oval and hot glue it to the blue strip to form a neat handle. Test the motion: it should move smoothly and help keep the wallet snug when closed.
Watch out
- If the slider is glued too tightly, it won’t move. Aim for a secure bond at the anchoring point while keeping the pathway free.
From the comments
- Some viewers reported the pace as speedy; this is a great moment to pause and test the slider action a few times before the hot glue fully sets.
Pro tip
- Use a silicone mat under your work area when using hot glue—it keeps drips from sticking to your project. snap hoop monster
Enjoying Your Handmade Magic Wallet
The finished piece looks vibrant and playful—and it’s functional for holding small notes or cards. The mechanism is the charm: simple flips reveal different sections, and the star units give it dimension without bulk.
Tips for Use and Gifting
- Slip in mini notes or flat keepsakes for a fun reveal.
- Mix paper colors for bold contrasts, or keep a tonal palette for a more minimal look.
- Personalize the white oval slider with a tiny hand-drawn icon or initial.
From the comments
- Responses ranged from applause and hearts to “very good but too fast.” If you’re new to this style, take your time and replay key folds—especially around the base structuring point in the 6:40–7:00 window.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Q: What paper size do I need? A: The video shows 15x7.5 cm rectangles for the star units and a 15x30 cm sheet for the base. The base is marked at 14.5 cm and 1 cm before folding.
Q: What paper weight should I use? A: The video doesn’t specify gsm. Choose thin but sturdy colored paper that folds crisply and resists cracking. magnetic hoops
Q: My star doesn’t look symmetric—what went wrong? A: Uneven creases early on cause distortion. Back up to the last clearly aligned step, re-crease, and press firmly along the center before repeating the diamond and flap folds.
Q: The slider doesn’t move. A: It may have been glued too tightly. If possible, gently loosen it at the attachment point and re-seat with a tiny gap for movement.
Q: The glue shows through. A: Use less adhesive, apply it away from the paper edge, and smooth it thinly before placing the unit.
Final Demonstration
Just like at the end of the video, test your wallet by opening and closing it a few times. Place a small note inside and enjoy the eye-catching reveal. The crisp creases, aligned units, and simple slider come together for a clean, satisfying finish. magnetic hoop
From the comments
- Several viewers celebrated the project as easy and interesting once the steps clicked, while a few wished the video ran slower. That mix is normal with precision paper-folding—use pause, rewind, and give yourself room to practice.
Credits and Sources
All steps, sizes, and visuals in this guide are drawn directly from the tutorial video’s on-screen process. Where details weren’t specified (like paper weight), we’ve noted that.