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.
I am excited to see these beautiful kirigami snowflakes and stars featured on Cityline!
In the segment, Leigh-Ann describes how she made the snowflakes and here are some great video tutorials to make the stars.
This one is really quick and easy and makes a one-sided 3-D star you can leave plain or decorate:
This one is more challenging but makes an impressive two-sided 3-D model:
Once you get the hang of it, these stars can be made in any size for trees, garlands, and gift wrap.
The best part is there is no need to store them, just let them go once the holiday decorations come down. Write your wishes for the new year on them and throw them in the bonfire, or if you use compostable paper you can put them in your green bin.
Next year, make some hot chocolate, find a friend or two and have fun folding a whole new set!
