How to fold your own paper bowls

Before I start, I just want to say that I am NOT anywhere close to being even passable at origami. So the fact that I can fold a decent bowl using this method says a lot about how simple it is to follow.

The Flyer uses a different method to make her bowls and she has tried so many times to teach it to me, but my brains somehow cannot process and remember the steps. They seem to me as complicated as say... trying to fold an intricate spider's web. But this method that I am about to show you, I find very straight-forward.

I'll be using an A4-size sheet from an old magazine, instead of newspaper. Why? Because the thicker sheets from magazines create sturdier bowls. I can use them to hold even water. All you have to do is to line it with an old plastic bag, pour the water in and ta-dah! You've got yourself a mini drinking bowl.

Okay, so here's how I fold my bowls...

Materials:

All you need is paper and a stapler to do this. Magazine paper, newspaper, even spam mail in your letterbox can be used. The paper doesn't have to be in A4 size. Any size will do.

Step 1:

Take a look at your sheet of paper. Which side of the paper do you want on the outside of the bowl?

This is important for those who are feeding cats in crowded public places. Especially in Singapore where there is quite a large number of people who are turned off by anyone attempting to feed a cat, you will find that you have to hide the bowls in discreet places like tall grass patches or beneath bushes.

It is wise to choose a green or brown or any dark colour to be on the outside of the bowl for a more effective camoflage.

Step 2:

After you have decided which side is to be on the outside, place that side facing down. Then fold the sheet in half.

Step 3:

Fold it in half again so that you end up with a small rectangle.

Step 4:

You'll notice that you now have two open flaps. Take one of them and press it flat down.

Step 5:

You should end up with a shape that looks like the triangular roof of a house.

Step 6:

Do the same to the other open flap. You'll now have a flat trianglular creation in your hands with a small gap at the bottom.

Step 7:

Turn one flap over and press it flat down. Do the same to the opposite flap. You'll now have the same flat triangular shape but with the original flaps exchanged and no gap at the bottom.

Step 8:

Take the corner ends of the new flap, bring them towards the centre line of the triangle and fold them down.

Step 9:

Do likewise to the other flap so that you end up with the shape of a house.

Step 10:

Take the rectangular bottom and fold it half.

Step 11:

Then fold it over once more.

Step 12:

Staple it down in the middle.

Step 13:

Repeat steps 10, 11 and 12 on the opposite side.

Step 14:

Open the box up and ta-dah! You now have a food bowl.

I do recommend that you keep the bowls folded for easy stashing in your bag. Do let me know if any of my instructions are confusing. I'll try and simplify them for you. And if anyone else has an easier method, please please please share it with all of us.

For now... Congratulations! You have graduated from 5-Cat Style's Origami Kindergarten!

After a few bowls, you'll find yourself folding them quite quickly. Pretty soon, you'll be folding them with your eyes practically closed. The Flyer and I often have these bowl-folding sessions while watching TV. How else can you explain all these many many bowls?

~5-Cat Style