Have you ever wished that you could put “Big Tissue” in their place and design your own, nicer covers for the boxes of Kleenex that you use? Would you like to learn how to make such crisp and elegant covers for yourself or as welcome gifts to friends?
This little known design appeared in the Spring 1967 issue of “The Origamian” the forerunner of OrigamiUSA’s “The Paper”. This particular issue was devoted to one of the Origami Center’s three founders, Alice Gray. At the behest of Lillian Oppenheimer, Alice designed a tissue box cover for her, folded from two sheets of paper. Lillian was not happy. She said to Alice: “If you can make it with two pieces, you can make it with one”. Thus, the Kleenex Box Cover was born.
The proportions of the “regular” size box of Kleenex has remained unchanged until only recently. Mark Burger, Founder and Executive Director of the East Denver Origami Society, has taken it upon himself to modify the classic design to accommodate the new “regular” size box of tissue.
In this class you will learn enough to get you on your way to covering every box of Kleenex in sight.
“The Origamian”, Volume 7, Issue 1 (Spring 1967)
Please come to class with one or more boxes of Kleenex tissues in any of the following three sizes:
Firstly, the smallest, a “100 flat” (that means it contains 100 tissues) - also known as Kleenex Professional brand tissue - measuring about 2” (51mm) high x 4.8” (122mm) wide x 9” (228mm) long. This is my favorite size, but it is often the most difficult to find unless purchased by the case.
Secondly, the medium height box, a “144 flat”, measuring about 3.5” (88mm) high x 4.6”(118mm) wide x 8.9” (225mm) long.
Thirdly, the large box, a “190 flat”, measuring the same width and length as the second above, but 4.6” (118mm) high.
You will want to have on hand some kind of practice paper from which to make a preliminary cover. This will be used as a template for making the finished model. I recommend a roll of brown or other wrapping paper not less than 20” wide.
Also, have on hand two tools: firstly, a means to cut the paper - this could be an “Envelopener”- type of cutter or a pair of scissors, secondly, a table knife or a credit card to tuck the paper into place. Thirdly, some nice quality paper for the finished Kleenex box cover.
For this cover, I like to use paper which, when folded, will yield flat, taut surfaces and crisp folds. My favorite papers to use are Cavallini brand posters (500mmx 700mm) which yield two box covers per sheet. The “Paper Source” is one such place to find this paper.