You can learn more at Amnesty International Canada.
From their website:
"Red Dress Day matters because it makes the invisible visible. It forces this country to confront the truth. It reminds us that every single life matters, that these lives still matter, and we will never stop fighting for justice."
I folded this red dress based on a design by Gay Merrill Gross.
With it, I remember and honor the precious lives we have lost in Canada and around the world to violence against women and girls.
The term comes from the Bible and emphasises that the pursuit of worldly possessions is futile compared the goal of heavenly salvation. It encourages the audience to reflect and repent.
I hope this fly pin makes a softer statement - Less warning, more witness.
As origami ages, creases soften and colors fade.
I could seal my works with some kind of resin or shellac but I don't - not to neglect preservation, but as a practice of appreciation and attention.
In my mind, sealing paper feels false. I would rather let it age with me. I know what will remain is not the object, but a memory and the invitation to fold again.
Unlike an oil painting, this pin doesn't aspire to a museum. It aspires to be brought to life on a jacket or a bag, touched by sunlight and hands and one day, become compost, fertile material for growth.
It is an art, this presence and release. As you can see from the irony of my archived photos and words, it's one I'm still practicing.
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!
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.
The sunflower is designed by Makoto Yamaguchi. If you would like to try folding it, here's a helpful video from Origami Maniacs on YouTube.
The double leaf is a clever design from Japanese artist Nanahoshi. I absolutely love her wreaths and floral swags. Check them out!
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.
I've been playing with origami versions for years now, so I thought I'd share a couple with you.
Do you wear brooches?
What's your favorite way to style them?
Would you wear an origami brooch?
"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.
