day 40 - unity

"Unity in Diversity" 

- A phrase popularized by Jawaharlal Nehru, and inspired by the ancient wisdom of the Rig Veda

Unity doesn’t have to mean sameness.

In many societies—and in many moments of daily life—people belong to one whole while carrying different traditions, viewpoints, and histories. Diversity doesn’t weaken unity; often, it enriches it.

I’m usually a bit timid when it comes to aesthetic risks. I tend to choose familiar color combinations and make sure everything neatly “matches.”

But when I took a chance and folded this modular box using four different patterned papers, I was surprised and delighted by the result. The colors settled into harmony, creating a charming patchwork effect.

Today I’m practicing unity by celebrating the many parts of my life that come together in harmony—despite their differences, and sometimes because of them.

Modular Box Design by Tomoko Fuse

day 33 - acknowledgement

Acknowledgement begins for me, with the actual ground beneath my feet.

If you zoom in on this box, you’ll see the lid is a map of North America — the continent I stand upon. The land where I forage wisdom and feel a deep sense of connection.

It was violently appropriated from the peoples who stewarded it with respect and reciprocity for millennia — it is land disrupted, divided, and claimed through colonization.

And still, the land gives in abundance.

May we learn to treat it like a mother, and all its beings like family.

Today, I practice acknowledgement by cultivating respectful relationships, learning about historical and ongoing harms, and participating — however imperfectly — in the ongoing work of creating a more equitable and inclusive future.

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.

made for giving

 

dinner in?

little things

 

Sometimes when the big things in life don’t seem to be coming together it helps to feel like the little things fit.

These modular boxes were folded by me with origami paper from Oomomo. 

The box and lid are designed by Tomoko Fuse.

guess

hallelujah

sweet surprise

u are a treasure

rainbow connection

u hold the key

how nice

i'll give u a ring

made to measure

blue

novel

high maintenance

twilight

bella