#initforallthelove, parents

 

Day 3 of 14) Modular Book (unknown)

The Buddha taught that we owe our parents so much, we could carry them on our backs our entire lives and it wouldn’t be enough. 

They are our first gurus; the safe containers into which we can, as Stephen Cope says in Soul Friends, “both relax and expand”.

Today I’m sending love and gratitude to my gurus; my parents, grandparents, godmothers, teachers, mentors, ancestors and elders who guide me with great wisdom and kindness.

It’s true, I can never repay you, but I want you to know, I love you, I revere you and I remember.

#initforallthelove, friends

Day 2 of 14: Origami Lilies (traditional)

In the Victorian language of flowers, yellow lilies represent thankfulness, joy and friendship, and orange lilies represent energy and confidence.

I offer this Valentine’s bouquet to all of my friends, past, present and future.  

I love and cherish each and every one of you and thank you for all the ways you bring beauty, joy and positive energy into my life.  

You offer such warm encouragement, sparkling inspiration and sense of belonging!  With you I feel attuned and affirmed, seen and heard.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

#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.

#initforallthelove

 

Welcome to #initforallthelove, a 14 day creative meditation inspired by the Buddhist Loving Kindness meditation and dedicated to all the loves of my life!

I hope you will find this to be an inspiration for your own creative process and an enjoyable origami photo illustration of not only romantic love but love of all kinds. 🙏

happy 2020!

Happy New Year! 

May you have a happy, healthy year with lots of fun folding and clear, creative vision!

We are moving into the Year of the Rat, which some say brings blessings of prosperity and productivity.

Would you like to bring those qualities into your year? 

Try folding this Rat by Kamikey on YouTube

And the Ema to attach it to, also by  Kamikey on YouTube

origami boxes for a less wasteful holiday

Small Traditional Masu Box

When it comes to sustainable and beautiful gift wrapping there is no more versatile and accessible example than origami.

Traditional origami masu boxes can be folded from all kinds of recycled and recyclable paper and don't require any tape!

Using origami techniques you can easily create boxes that are cube-shaped, rectangular or even triangular to fit any gift, often with no more than a little bit of washable glue to hold the flaps in place.

Why does that matter?  Well, mainly because most gift wrap and tape can't be recycled.

Most often, it's not able to be reused either.  That means every December, tonnes of single-use wrap and tape end up in the landfill.  How much?  I can't stomach the statistics!

Read this article from CBC to find out:  Waste-Free Gift Wrap Ideas

Origami boxes are surprisingly sturdy and can be reused for other gifts, or as organizers for your desk and drawers.  Plus, they're fun to make. 

So go search your home for the paper you already have, add some natural embellishments and you can gift beautifully and less wastefully this season, with pride!

kirigami christmas decor

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!