patient | Useful Origami

13 Mar 2011 9 Comments

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.

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.

[Show as slideshow]

[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!

19 Jan 2011 2 Comments

Before You Start Folding… – Lesson 0

I would like to give you some heads up before I proceed to the basic instructions. Please remember these things before starting origami:

1. Be patient

I know it gets a little bit complicated at first, but once you get it, it’s a great feeling with accomplishment!

2. Take your time

Make sure you don’t make anything in a hurry unless you know what you are doing with the paper. As traditional Shinto says, anything could become “Kami or 神” (interesting article of Kami on wikipedia here) if you put your soul and effort in it. Plus, your origami product becomes more than a craft if you put your emotion, time, and passion to it!

3. Don’t be discouraged with the first crooked product

You always have the first time. I know we all see the awesome picture of a finished product with the instructions – but don’t be fooled, even those pros made crooked cranes at first! Be prepared to make the same product 3-5 times before you can make the decent one!

4. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE PICTURES!!

I would like to see how you made! Did you use news paper, flyer, or scratch paper from your notebook? I also would love to see different colors / textures on origami paper you used!! If I see any interesting submission, I’ll post it on my blog – Contact me