Origami

Fold paper. Sounds simple enough, but it all depends on what sort of folds you use or what the final product of all the folds is. (I know that doesn't sound gramatically correct, but break it down, the sentence will stand.)




Because the hubster and I are a bit tight on funds, I've decided that this year I'd master a few different origami designs and give them to the family and friends. The two you see above are tests of my skills. Next I'm going to spray them down with a matte varnish to try and make them a bit sturdier. If that works out well I'll get some larger paper and start going to town. (These pieces are a bit small. I'd like some more substantial pieces.)
The cute litte book I got has more star designs, some box/ornament designs, reindeer, santa, doves, and the ubiquitos paper crane. Though most people would see these little items as something to adorn the wrapping of a gift rather than as a gift on its own, I'm sure there are those of you who will read this and think "you cheap bastard".

But here's the catch. I don't need/want anything. I haven't for the past few years. Members of my family really have everything they could need/want from me. At least the things that would normally be within my price bracket. Food is not a good choice, because there is no one item I could make that would cross the dietary needs of everyone I know. So if it comes down to giving them some small bit of dust gathering potential, why shouldn't I at least make it with my own two hands?

Fold paper. The process might not be simple, but the end result is. Beyond that I can try to give my time to the people in my life throughout the year. What else is there really? I will admit. The holidays change when there isn't the mad rush for gifts and wrapping and the excitement of opening something. But I won't say it's for the worse. Its just different.

Pehaps next year I'll try some kirigami (cut paper) scenes and frame them.

Here are some great examples of what kirigami looks like.