day 56 - self-sufficiency

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

- Theodore Roosevelt

Self-sufficiency is providing for myself, and trusting that I can work with what I have.

I have folded the masu box so many times I know the sequence by heart. Still, it never ceases to amaze me. 

The folding pleases me because it feels so elegant and efficient. 

Plus, the uses are practically endless — from biodegradable bone-catchers destined for the compost bin on wing night, to pretty desk organizers and gift boxes, I can no longer imagine my life without knowing how to make these. 

There's a quiet confidence in knowing that I can turn almost nothing into something useful — that I can meet a small, real need with my own hands, and that I have the ability to customize the measure of what that needs to be.

The paper I chose for this box features the traditional Asanoha pattern which represents the hemp leaf: vigorous, resilient and able to meet a multitude of human needs.

Today I'm practicing self-sufficiency by affirming: I can produce what I need, measure what is enough, and carry it myself.

day 50 - choice

"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." 

- Nelson Mandela

Choice shows up even in the most structured moments. In origami, every fold is a decision: this way or that.

This traditional masu box has a divider insert folded from a separate square of atlas paper, making it a perfect vessel for presenting a variety of treats or cherishing a collection.

What would you choose to fill it with?

Today, I’m practicing choice by noticing the direction I take — and why.

day 42 - accountability

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” 

- John Muir

I think of accountability as a practice.

My choices don’t live in isolation — they live within relationships, systems, ecosystems, communities, continents, the world.

I feel like a better global citizen and steward of my environment when I choose reclaimed paper for folding.

These stacked masu boxes also nest, interconnected — each one precious and unique, despite being made from atlas paper that was discarded, unwanted, obsolete — the collection forming something greater than the sum of it's parts.

Today I’m practicing accountability by owning what I bring to the work.

made for giving

 

wish

 Imagine this wishing box is for you. What’s inside?

#initforallthelove, the divine

 

Day 10/14, Divided Masu Box (traditional)

I try to love what is and trust the source, but to be honest, it’s not always easy for me. 

I remember once in school asking my religion teacher, “What if you’re not sure if you believe in God?” The answer was a cryptic, “Then you just have to have faith.” 

In yoga, faith is known as Shraddha, a combination of the words “sat” meaning truth and “adhar” meaning basis. It’s more about having conviction and courage than blind dependency.

With that in mind, I offer my love today to the Divine in all its names and forms. I still haven’t figured out exactly what I believe, but I am putting my faith in “That” and it’s presence in One and All.

#initforallthelove, lovers

 Day 4 of 14) Masu Box (traditional) and Origami letters (Origami Club)

Today I offer ardent, amorous love and hot-blooded appreciation to my lovers, crushes and flames, past, present and future.

Romance and intimacy are such a gold mine for deep connections, awakenings and alchemical collaborations that I can’t imagine my life without them.

I am smitten with you, thank you for sharing that sense of aliveness and pleasure with me.  

guess

hallelujah

u are a treasure

high maintenance

twilight

bella

something blue

peace crane