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.

origami circle - join the waitlist

Date: April 27, 2026

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Location: Strathcona County Library, Sherwood Park, Alberta

Origami Circle: Craft, Connect, Create.

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

Each participant contributes to a community garland while reflecting on the power of creativity and connection.

Three weeks from now, we’ll be gathering to fold, reflect, and create something beautiful together.

The Origami Circle is currently full (which honestly makes me so happy), but I want to gently encourage you — if you’re feeling the pull — please add your name to the waitlist.

Here’s why it matters:

Sometimes spots open up. Life shifts, plans change, and waitlisted folks often get a chance to join after all.

And just as importantly, waitlists tell the library, there is a hunger for spaces like this. For quiet creativity. For shared making. For moments of being human together.

So if you’re curious, even a little, add your name.

Even if you don’t get a spot this time, you’re helping plant the seed for more gatherings like this in the future.

I’m looking forward to sitting in a circle with you enjoying paper folding, stories, and small acts of care for what we carry together.

More soon,
Tara

(Paper will vary from the image - each garland is unique to the group that creates it.)

April 27 at Strathcona County Library

Origami Circle: 

Craft, Connect, Create

There are only two spots left for this special event at Strathcona County Library on April 27 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

We’ll spend the evening folding simple forms together and adding them to a collaborative community garland while reflecting on the power of creativity and connection.

No experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to slow down for a couple of hours.

Register at sclibrary.ca

I’m really looking forward to seeing what we create together!

you make me smile!

 

#initforallthelove, day 1/14

Day 1) Heart Garland in a Decorated Masu Box

This Valentine’s, I’m in it for ALL the love, cherishing love of all descriptions in the spirit of “Unity in Diversity”.

This 14 day origami meditation is a way for me to celebrate and share my passion for paper folding; a timeless art of transformation, mindfulness and conscious creativity.

My wish is that it will inspire you too, to reflect on all the iterations of love that enrich your life and community and joyfully express your creativity and appreciation, your own way.

May all beings be loved and be free to love.