Do you remember when you were kids and you used to make paper fortune tellers...you know, pick a colour. Or when you made paper aeroplanes - we didn't realise it but we were doing origami - making things out of paper. I remember the day I discovered origami. I was working in the south of France as an Au Pair when I was 18 and I went out for Chinese with my host family. On the table were this fabulous water lilies napkins under the glasses and I was fascinated to see how they were done. I took several home and after many attempts I worked out how to do it. I've never forgotten and still use it to decorate the table for dinner sometimes.
Origami comes from the words 'ore' meaning folding and 'kami' meaning paper and I think it has it origins in Japan. I only recently learned that traditionally in Japan they would use Washi paper for origami, a paper made from fibres of the tree bark and it's tougher than normal paper.
It was while I was having a conversation about Washi tape, something that's coming to the store in the new year, which is basically strong sticky tape made from the bark of bamboo or hemp and has the most fabulous design on them.
I think in traditional Japanese origami you didn't use cuts or glue but now the term seem to refer to all type of paper folding. It's amazing what you can make from a flat piece of paper. I've mentioned before that I believe doing something creative, whatever it is, is a great way to relax and relieve stress. What's brilliant about origami is you can use it take a break and use the paper off the printer or the napkin off the table. A great way to loose yourself for as little or as long as you like.
Want to try it? Come along to our seasonal origami Tuesday and learn more. It's great fun - it will have you in creases!! ha ha ha