Crane #489 - #492

I went up to Lincolnshire for the housewarming party of a couple of good friends over the weekend. Five and a half hours = lots of time to make cranes. I made a bunch of them for an upcoming project (more about that coming soon), but also made a few for other things.

Firstly one for the train. Always make one for the train...

Secondly and thirdly, I made a pair of them for a housewarming gift for my friends whose house I was going to.

And fourthly, on the way back I ended up on the train for a bit with some of the people I made at the weekend, and gave them a bit of a crane making lesson...

Crane #485 - #488

I went to visit the ever lovely Lizzie in hospital a few weeks ago and made her some cranes, whom I shall call "little and large".

However, the little crane made a bid for freedom and was lost somewhere in the hospital, to be seen so more. So when I went to see her again today, I made little #2 and little #3 to replace the lost one...

Hopefully they'll hang around a bit longer...

Students Rebuild's Crane Art Installation for Japan

I recently received an e-mail announcement from Students Rebuild, a non-profit organization that was collecting paper cranes for rebuilding efforts in the tsunami-affected part of Japan back in March.  I had sent them over 1,400 cranes made by people at the camp, the school and the senior residency, all of where I teach (read this post for more details).

Back when they were asking people to donate cranes to match their money donation from Bezos Family Foundation, they said that their intention was to make the paper cranes into an art installation.  Now with a help from an artist named Vik Muniz along with some volunteers, they have turned the cranes into a beautiful photographed piece.  It's exciting to know that those cranes made by us are included in this big piece of art.  They made the photograph into posters, and they are now for sale on Students' Rebuild website.  The proceed will go to aid long term recovery and reconstruction.  For more details about this project, read this article on the New York Times.

Photograph by Andrew Moore for The New York Times

Origami 2-Color 8-Pointed Star

Dear Reader,

The stars are out again. Here is an 8-pointed star made in 2 pieces, so it can be easily done in 2 colors.

Check out our origami 2-color 8-pointed star instructions.

Best Regards,

Origami Diamond Star

Dear Reader,

Origami Stars are very popular, here is another one.

Check out our origami diamond star instructions.

Best Regards,

Sidewalk Art

One of many reasons why I love living in Portland is how abundant its art scenes are.  There are arts everywhere, not just for sale or for formal display, but also just for fun, like the ones that I found on sidewalks during my walks.  It's fun spotting things like these on grimy streets.

Crane #480 - #484

I went to London today for a wedding, and took some origami paper with me. It is pretty awesome paper that I made from an old dictionary.

I made a crane on the train on the way there.

Next up was three cranes on the underground, one of which I gave to a young girl who was watching me with fascination...

And then finally a crane in the cafe where I had lunch. They had a lovely vase of origami flowers so I thought I'd add to it...

More photos...

... can be found on my flickr page - http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephanoffle/sets/72157627442179496/

Enjoy!

Crane #280 - #479

200 cranes, hanging in a tree... Yes, origami bombing returns!

The return of origami bombing...

... look what I did!

More photos and details when I get better photos in daylight...

Origami Warbler

Dear Reader,

This origami warbler is a very simple-to-make bird, and a traditional design.

Check out our origami warbler instructions.

Best Regards,

End of My Working Summer

Today was the last day of my camp job.  This is my 5th year working there, and as always, it has been crazy, exhausting but fun-packed, amazing and inspiring 6 weeks.  I feel relieved and sad at the same time that it's over.  It's almost impossible to try to describe how special this camp is for me, or for anyone who is involved.  One of many reasons why it is so special is because of all the amazing, creative people that I get to work with.  I feel so privileged to work in such an inspiring environment.  Here are some photos from there.

Stage Arts from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Origami dress-up paper doll made by a camper

 

Scarlet Macaw puppet made by Puppetry Specialist

1,000 paper cranes as prayers for world peace

Framed Ninja Star Quilt made by the campers for the camp auction

 Small paintings by campers in Fine Arts Center

Beaded earrings made by Native American Assistant.  They were gifted to me.  What a sweetheart.

 A scene from Fiddler On The Roof on the last day

Origami Cicada

Dear Reader,

Here is another fun and simple traditional origami. The cicada family is known for their striking singing.

Check out our orgami cicada instructions.

Best Regards,