More Boxes, Just Smaller
Over the weekend I found myself looking for something to do that required my patience and my attention. I find that sometimes I get to a place where my brain is doing too much buzzing and I need to pull it back and center myself. Nothing works for me like engaging in some crafty medititation. When I rediscovered my stash of Origami paper, I went back to a small library of books containing methods for making origami boxes. Origami is one of those pursuits that requires me to pay attention and be precise -- a perfect form of crafty meditation.
Just two simple boxes. A small square box that I could use to hold some new bracelets that I have added to my jewelery collection and a hexagonal box that I will likely use to hold some small desk items. The square box has a 4-way partition to make it an ideal container for my bracelet collection.
If you're interested in this kind of origami (which also gets called unit origami because in general these pieces are composed of one or more of the same kind of folded paper structure or unit) I can highly recommend the books of Tomoko Fuse. The book that these boxes come from is Quick & Easy Origami Boxes -- a book that comes packaged with a collection of 6" square origami papers:
Unfortunately, this book, which is a wonderful basic primer, is out of print (but I did notice that Amazon had links to people who do have copies for sale). However, Tomoko Fuse
Great suggestion. I've found Tomoko Fuse's books to be wonderful, and only had problems with the directions in a few small areas. I love unit origami; the problem is just finding somewhere to put it all. :)
Wow - those are beautiful ... thanks for the book suggestion. :)
Those are so pretty. I don't know why, but I have a real love for the bone folder. The tool just feels good in your hand, y'know? Hmmm, will have to keep a look out for similar books.
How cool! I had an origami book when I was little. The only problem was that the entire thing was in Japanese (which I don't read). After careful squinting at the folding diagrams, I made rabbits, a kangaroo, and the ubiquitous crane. I have to say, though, I like the boxes better. They are beautiful and useful.
I got into unit oragami in college. I have a huge book of boxes. I don't remeber who wrote it though. Remember in college when you seemed to have little sisters and secret santas for everything? I always gave my gifts in those little boxes. I have't made one in years.
I used to work at a Japanese bookstore and the best selling origami books were all by Tomoko Fuse. One of my favorites was a skeleton of a TRex with what looked like 1000 folds (and many pieces of paper).
Thanks for the link for the boxes and the author's name. It seems like a really good book for making creative little packaging.