origami boxes for a less wasteful holiday

Small Traditional Masu Box

When it comes to sustainable and beautiful gift wrapping there is no more versatile and accessible example than origami.

Traditional origami masu boxes can be folded from all kinds of recycled and recyclable paper and don't require any tape!

Using origami techniques you can easily create boxes that are cube-shaped, rectangular or even triangular to fit any gift, often with no more than a little bit of washable glue to hold the flaps in place.

Why does that matter?  Well, mainly because most gift wrap and tape can't be recycled.

Most often, it's not able to be reused either.  That means every December, tonnes of single-use wrap and tape end up in the landfill.  How much?  I can't stomach the statistics!

Read this article from CBC to find out:  Waste-Free Gift Wrap Ideas

Origami boxes are surprisingly sturdy and can be reused for other gifts, or as organizers for your desk and drawers.  Plus, they're fun to make. 

So go search your home for the paper you already have, add some natural embellishments and you can gift beautifully and less wastefully this season, with pride!

kirigami christmas decor

I am excited to see these beautiful kirigami snowflakes and stars featured on Cityline!

In the segment, Leigh-Ann describes how she made the snowflakes and here are some great video tutorials to make the stars. 

This one is really quick and easy and makes a one-sided 3-D star you can leave plain or decorate:

This one is more challenging but makes an impressive two-sided 3-D model:

Once you get the hang of it, these stars can be made in any size for trees, garlands, and gift wrap. 

The best part is there is no need to store them, just let them go once the holiday decorations come down.  Write your wishes for the new year on them and throw them in the bonfire, or if you use compostable paper you can put them in your green bin.

Next year, make some hot chocolate, find a friend or two and have fun folding a whole new set!

3 origami pieces to elevate your home

Look what was featured on Cityline today:

Here are the instructions for the three projects.  Enjoy!

japanese fall bazaar, 2019

origami festival 2019

ravens for reconciliation

Beverly Best with Origami Raven at UNBC:  Image Source, cbc.ca

There's a fantastic Origami installation right now at UNBC. 

Beverly Best, the manager of Aboriginal Student Engagement has been encouraging dialogue around Truth and Reconciliation through a twist on the Japanese legend of folding 1000 cranes to grant a wish. 

You can read all about it here:  Origami Ravens for Reconciliation

Although the article doesn't link to the pattern they're using, here's a good one to try:  Perching Crow by Paper Kawaii. 

Enjoy your folding and your contemplations.  Let me know how it turns out!