i think the world of you

This little box and lid are made from a reclaimed atlas - paper that carries a story, maybe a dream or a journey and some gentle wear and tear. 

Old books, maps and discarded pages invite us to create art thoughtfully with the well-being of the earth and it's inhabitants in mind, remembering that art paper doesn't have to be new to be beautiful.

I love to work with reclaimed and upcycled papers because:

• They reduce waste and extend the life of well-loved materials
• Each finished origami model is one-of-a-kind, with it's own history and texture
• Making with care feels aligned with my values of mindfulness and stewardship
• Imperfection becomes part of the design, not something to hide

You can try folding your own rectangular box by following this short video on YouTube.

library session, origami folding resources and references

This post accompanies a live origami "Paper to Pin" folding session offered at the Strathcona County Library.

During the session, folds are taught live and by demonstration. It is an analogue, embodied, traditional knowledge experience supported by the web, not replaced by it.

The links below are provided as optional references for participants who would like to revisit the forms later.

They point to external resources with diagrams or guides that are free to view and good for beginners.

Patterns explored today:

* Simple Origami Cup at Origami Club

* Heart Pendant at Origami Club

* Tanzaku (traditional, unpublished)

* Mini Zine at Migra Whistle

Note: 

*Many variations of these origami models exist; these links are offered as starting points rather than definitive instructions. 

* You are welcome to bookmark or explore these pages on your own time if you want to practice a fold again or make more origami models at home.

Origami Pattern References

This link leads to diagrams and folding guides for simple paper forms like hearts, cups, and more:

Origami Club — Diagram Library 

Origami Club is an index of a large collection of origami diagrams, folding animations and videos that you can explore by category and by western and Japanese seasonal holidays (animals, objects, basic shapes, Valentine's Day, Star Festival etc. ).

Zine Folding Instructions

Migra Whistle

Fold a single sheet of paper into an 8-page mini-zine using this beginner friendly guide.

This page includes downloadable zine folding diagrams and printable files that show how to fold and assemble simple zines. 

The downloadable files on this site include a Zine Folding: How To document you can use as a reference for folding a mini zine from a single sheet of paper.

welcome: origami, mindfulness and community

Welcome and thank you for being here

This blog, One Love Origami, is a quiet archive of my long relationship with paper - folding, teaching, experimenting, and exploring origami as both a creative practice and a mindful one.

You’ll find photographs of past work, reflections on process, and examples of how simple materials - paper, time and attention, can become tools for learning, connection, and care.

About the work

My approach to origami is not about perfection or complexity. 

It is about:

* presence over performance

* curiosity over mastery

* process over product

I am especially interested in how origami can support:

* community learning spaces such as libraries and classrooms

* inter-generational creativity

* mindfulness, emotional regulation, and gentle focus

* storytelling through making

Much of the work shared here has been created for workshops, public programs, quiet personal practice, or collaborative community settings. It has been shared in libraries, classrooms, and community spaces as a way to invite mindful making and shared creativity.

About this blog

This blog functions as an archive and visual reference rather than a frequently updated journal. 

Some posts are recent; others reach back many years. Together, they reflect an evolving practice rooted in care, slowness, and accessibility.

You might enjoy browsing posts by image, or starting with earlier entries to see how ideas and forms evolve over time.

If you are here following a library presentation or community event, you are warmly invited to browse at your own pace. There is no particular order — follow images, titles, or your curiosity.

Using this work

Unless otherwise noted, images and ideas here are shared for inspiration and educational purposes. 

If you are a librarian, educator, or program coordinator interested in adapting similar activities for your own space, please feel welcome to do so with credit.

If you would like to discuss workshops, talks, or collaborative programs, this blog offers a sense of the tone and approach I bring to those spaces.

A gentle invitation

Origami asks very little of us:

one square of paper,

two hands,

and a willingness to begin imperfectly.

May you find something here that encourages curiosity, calm, or quiet joy.

- Tara

fascinating orange roses

In the language of flowers, the color orange symbolizes enthusiasm, desire and fascination.

These pretty framed flowers and leaves are designed by Nana Takahashi aka Nanahoshi, and folded and styled by me.

I am definitely fascinated by the elegant folding sequence of these roses, in idle moments my fingers start folding them all by themselves!

Full disclosure - Chat GPT helped me with this "product photo". In real life, the frame is flatter but the roses really are that dimensional and pretty!

no-face, spirited away

Do you have a favorite Studio Ghibli movie?  

I have several, and Spirited Away is definitely in my top 5. 

This No Face model was really fun to fold.  

I don't usually like having to draw on a face because I always "ruin it" but this one was actually really easy.

And turning it into a pin was a no brainer. This guy deserves to be seen!

it's gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny day

I hope your day is going well and the sun is brightening your mood. 

I folded this sunny origami pin back in the fall when the weather was still warm and the flowers were nodding sleepily in the fields.

The softly cloudy hexagon background is folded from a quarter sheet of copy paper.

The rest is made with origami paper. I can't remember where the sunflower pattern came from, I will update this post when I do.

The double leaf is a clever design from Japanese artist Nanahoshi. I absolutely love her wreaths and floral swags. Check them out!

origami moon magic

Origami has always felt like magic to me.

It's transformative - like alchemy, it changes basic materials into something amazing!

I folded these models from 3" papers, combined them and added a pin to the back. 

I don't seal my creations. I embrace the surprisingly sturdy, yet ephemeral qualities of paper, and avoid toxic chemicals like the plague.

This pin usually lives on my jean jacket around Halloween, but I figured, we could all use a little magic right about now.

suit yourself - wearable origami art

Brooches are having a moment in 2026! 

I've been playing with origami versions for years now, so I thought I'd share a couple with you.

Let me know in the comments:

Do you wear brooches? 

What's your favorite way to style them? 

Would you wear an origami brooch?

trending 2026: analogue bags

2026 is the year to embrace anologue. 

Let's wean ourselves off of our phones by loading up baskets and bags to reach for between tasks. 

Stash craft supplies, notebooks, puzzles and pens to support your well-being and reduce screen time. 

I know what's in my bag - a good book, a healthy snack, a commonplace book and origami paper! 

What's in yours?

make a zine

Origami is not just for kids, or ornaments, or fun.  

Let me be clear - there is absolutely nothing wrong with those goals but they are, by no stretch, the limits of what you can do with a humble sheet of paper and your own two hands. 

brattyxbre agrees.  In fact, she's begging you to make zines!

So are the folks at migrawhistle. They're sharing vital information about community safety.  Here's how.

If you're asking, "What's a zine?" please check out these links and see for yourself.  If you already know, what are you waiting for?

january 22: paper to pin origami event

I'm excited to meet the participants of my upcoming class at the Strathcona County Library! 

"Paper to Pin - Folding Words into Wearable Inspiration"

January 22, 2026 from 7-8:30 pm

Transform a beloved word, quote or story into a wearable origami pin. Beginner-friendly folds to carry inspiration closer to the heart.

Four simple origami models will help us honor the words we choose, carry and share. Paper becomes our co-creator, holding what matters so we can linger with words we love.

new year nazar

Welcome to one love origami 2026, thank you for coming by! I hope your year is going well and you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. 

I folded this origami ornament inspired by traditional Nazar amulets with a prayer for the new year: May all evil turn away from you, may your sight and attention be protected from negative influences. 

If you are inspired to fold your own, Isa Klein on YouTube will show you how. It's an enjoyable, meditative model to fold. A single ornament can carry powerful intentions but be sure to check out Isa's beautiful mobiles for even more impactful displays!