beautiful origami

Circle of Peace Cranes – Lesson 6


P1100816 300x225 Circle of Peace Cranes   Lesson 6

March 11th 2:46PM local time in Japan, or 4:46AM here in the US, one of our history’s worst earthquakes in the world struck the north eastern Japan with M8.8.

Leaving all my family and relatives back in Japan, my heart froze when I heard the news. Fortunately the phone call went through at the first attempt and I was able to get in contact with my parents quickly, who told me that my sisters and all the relatives were safe. However, I was not able to collect as much information about the earthquake because I was away from campus. And when I came back, I finally saw the devastating tsunami and damage in Japan, a crying baby that lost her family, an elderly couple getting locked out for three days without much water or food, and many more heart-breaking news.

I’ve never felt so helpless about something. It felt like as if part of me is crying out for help but I cannot do anything about it. Many of my American friends and friends from all over the world, even those that I haven’t been in touch for a while, contacted me to make sure both my family and I are fine. And my upset heart was saved many times. I went around and started praying. And this morning, I got an email from one of the Japanese American students on campus about fundraising for the victims by folding and selling origami.

 

P1100814 1024x768 Circle of Peace Cranes   Lesson 6

P1100837 1024x768 Circle of Peace Cranes   Lesson 6

This is what I made for the fundraiser. These seven cranes represent the seven continents, and each crane also describes peace and happiness.  I just tried to express my appreciation that the parts in the world are helping each other as one - just like many countries are helping Japan right now – and my hope that it’ll continue to be that way in the future.

This crane instruction might not be as perfect as it should be, but I did my best for a short time to put together a gallery for you in case you would like to make your own.

 

 

[Update]

On March 18th, I was able to sell and donate this piece for 10 dollars for the struggling people in Japan. I’m very thankful!

Origami Heart Gift Box – Lesson 4

ANOTHER useful origami gift box you can use!

P1100508 300x225 Origami Heart Gift Box   Lesson 4

 

I had quite a few feedback from beginner / intermediate origami folders that they would like to learn how to make an aesthetically pleasing design that requires only a sheet of paper to make a lid and a box.

 

I did a little bit of research and found out about the British origami master Robin Glynn. He creates several box patterns and shares what I call “recipes of origami” on his website. I have pasted his link below – you can see some other cool stuff there along with this heart box.

I reproduced the photo gallery for you with some additional explanation in details for points I found that could get confusing for some people.

 

 

Origami Box (Heart)

P1100486 300x225 Origami Heart Gift Box   Lesson 4

What you need:
  • 1 sheet of 8 x 11 copy paper or construction paper (pattern or no-pattern)
  • A pair of scissors
  • (optional) one or two paper clips
Instruction:

Click the photos and follow the instructions on the bottom. You can click the bottom arrow to go to the next instruction.

Bottom part

 

Lid

 

P1100490 300x225 Origami Heart Gift Box   Lesson 4

Origami Heart Box with Chocolate

P1100508 300x225 Origami Heart Gift Box   Lesson 4

Origami Heart Boxes in different colors

Link:

Link to the original author of this heart box: Origami by Robin Glynn