today at strathcona county library!

Thanks for joining me today at Strathcona County Library! 

Take a look around the blog and check the origami links page for more inspiration and resources.

Each of these workshops stands on it's own but they're also part of a larger collection of hands-on learning experiences where origami becomes much more than a playful craft. 

It's a way to explore creative thinking, mindfulness, nature, and meaningful conversations. 

Every workshop is designed to leave beginners and experienced folders of all ages with something they make and something they discover.

The collection includes:

Mindful Origami — creativity, focus, and flow

Wetland Wonders — nature through folding and observation, inspired by the Beaver Hills Biosphere

Community art projects — collaborative installations and displays

Reflection and journaling workshops — folding paired with thoughtful prompts

Seasonal and themed programs — connecting books, nature, and creativity

And more — let's keep folding!

july 21, 2026 at strathcona county library

Correction: This class is on TUESDAY, July 21, 2026

 

july 21, 2026 at strathcona county library

red dress day

May 5th is the national day for awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. 

You can learn more at Amnesty International Canada. 

From their website: 

"Red Dress Day matters because it makes the invisible visible. It forces this country to confront the truth. It reminds us that every single life matters, that these lives still matter, and we will never stop fighting for justice."

I folded this red dress based on a design by Gay Merrill Gross. 

With it, I remember and honor the precious lives we have lost in Canada and around the world to violence against women and girls.

our completed community garland

Last night at the library, something simple and beautiful unfolded.

We gathered around tables with paper, patterns, and open hands—folding, layering, choosing, and creating. 

One small piece at a time, a community garland took shape. 

Each pennant tells a tiny story. 

Each flower carries the imprint of the person who made it.

Different styles, different energies—connected by a common thread.

Some folded carefully and quietly, some experimented playfully. Some simply chose colors that felt good in the moment—and every piece belonged.

The finished garland now hangs near the elevator as a reminder that connection doesn’t have to be complicated. 

It can be as simple as:

* sitting together

* making something with your hands

* and adding your piece to a shared whole

Thank you to everyone who came, created, and contributed their time and energy to this installation. 

Thank you to Sylvia and the Strathcona County Library for hosting such a warm, welcoming space.

I would absolutely love to offer this again. 

There’s definitely something special here worth repeating.

tonight at strathcona county library

Origami Circle: Craft, Connect, Create

A Community Garland

Tonight, using simple materials—paper, string, and care—participants of the Strathcona County Library Origami Circle will fold, reflect, and contribute to a collaborative garland, each piece made by hand and joined together as a shared artwork.

Why?

To gather in creativity, to slow down, and to experience how small, individual gestures can become something meaningful when held together.

Because connection is something we make.

Would you like to make a similar garland of your own? 

Step One: Fold or cut out triangular flags for your garland. We will be using 6" squares folded into an origami kite base.

Step Two: Create coordinating embellishments. 

Tonight we are using 3" squares and a simple Kirigami (fold and cut) technique to create a variety of flowers inspired by nature and our imaginations, as individual as the people who create them. 

Here is a diagram showing how to fold your paper. 

You can play with the angle and shape of your cut to create all sorts of five petalled flowers inspired by nature: from star shaped blossoms like Laurentia to rounder Baby Blue Eyes, notched Cherry blossoms, multi-petalled Chrysanthemums, pinked Carnations and more! 

You can even layer forms to emulate more dimensional  Columbine type blooms.

Step Three:  Cut out or fold leaves and centres to attach, if you choose.

Step Four: Glue your completed embellishments to the flags and attach the flags to your string or twine.

Step Five: Display your unique creation!

You can make these in almost any size or paper to suit your aesthetic or occasion.

* If you'd like a video tutorial to follow, this one from Kamikey Origami on YouTube demonstrates similar techniques to make a cute bouquet/card.

* Rather fold on your own, along with a sweet dreamy soundtrack? Here's one I'm enjoying today. 

april 27 at strathcona county library

In just one week we gather at the Strathcona County Library for Origami Circle: Craft, Connect, Create.

A relaxed, social evening of folding and creating together, led by Tara Woltjen—yoga and origami instructor.

Together, we will contribute to a community garland, each piece a small act of attention, creativity, and care. As we fold, we reflect on connection—to ourselves, to one another, and to the wider world we share.

Inspired by the spirit of collective exploration and the reminder that we are part of something larger, this gathering invites simple making, meaningful conversation, and a sense of belonging—one fold at a time.

Note: This workshop is full. If you have registered and can't make it, please let the library know. There is a wait list of people who would love a chance to attend.