It’s World Origami Day!
Today, we’re celebrating the art of paper folding and everything it brings to our creative lives. Origami isn’t just about making pretty paper cranes or clever shapes, it’s a mindful, calming practice that helps us slow down and reconnect with our hands and minds. Whether you're folding your first piece or you're a seasoned paper artist, we’re sharing our thoughts on why origami is the perfect self-care ritual, and the stationery supplies that make it even better.
In our fast-paced, always-online world, it can be hard to find moments of quiet. But sometimes, peace can be found in the simplest of things, like folding a single sheet of paper. Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, is not only a creative outlet, but a mindful practice that helps you slow down and reconnect with the present moment.
The Meditative Rhythm of Folding
There’s something incredibly soothing about the gentle rhythm of folding paper. You choose your sheet, crease it just so, and follow each step with deliberate care. Whether you’re creating a classic crane or experimenting with your own design, the repetitive movements and focus required create a calming, meditative flow.
In many ways, origami is similar to meditation. It draws your attention away from distractions and toward the tangible moment. As your hands work, your mind can rest. The satisfying crispness of each fold offers a sense of control and creativity, grounding you in the now.
Origami encourages patience and imperfection. It's not about the final piece looking flawless, it's about enjoying the process. This gentle approach makes it a perfect addition to any self-care or creative ritual, especially when paired with a warm drink and some quiet time.
Origami in Your Journaling Practice
Incorporating origami into your journaling is a beautiful way to make your creative time even more meaningful. Here are a few ideas to try:
-
Origami Pockets: Fold small envelopes or pockets to tuck into your journal. Use them to store notes, photos, or found objects like tickets or dried flowers.
-
Pop-Up Elements: Add an interactive touch by creating pop-up cranes, hearts, or stars that unfold with your page.
-
Page Markers & Tabs: Fold mini shapes to use as bookmarks or section dividers.
-
Mood Trackers or Intentions: Assign a different origami shape to reflect your mood or intention for the day, then glue it into your journal as a visual log.
-
Mini Origami Garland: Create a chain of mini shapes and glue one in for each day of a gratitude challenge.
The tactile nature of folding and pasting these small creations into your journal turns it into a multi-sensory ritual.
If you're feeling inspired to start folding but aren’t sure where to begin, we’ve got you covered! Head over to https://origami.guide, a brilliant resource full of easy-to-follow tutorials for all skill levels. From classic cranes to seasonal shapes and practical paper crafts, it’s the perfect place to explore and learn new folds at your own pace. Whether you're folding for fun, mindfulness, or to decorate your journal, you'll find plenty of ideas to spark your creativity.
Stationery Supplies That Are Perfect for Origami
The right supplies can make your origami sessions even more enjoyable. Here are some of our favourite tools and papers to get you started:
-
Japanese Origami Paper Sheets: Traditional, thin, and beautiful, these sheets are made for precise folds and come in a variety of stunning patterns and colours.
-
Orchard Scrapbooking Papers: A lovely choice if you're looking for bright tones that work well in colourful.
-
Dark Bloom Scrapbooking Papers: Rich, moody, and floral, these add a touch of drama to your origami creations.
-
Pentel Brush Glue: Great for adding a secure but subtle touch of adhesive when your fold needs a little extra hold.
-
Glue Tape Meow by Legami: Compact, cute, and incredibly handy. Ideal for quick pasting on-the-go.
-
Classic Glue Tape: A stationery essential for keeping your origami elements firmly in place, especially in journals and scrapbooks.
Create Space to Slow Down
Taking a moment for origami is like gifting yourself a pause. Whether you're crafting a whole mobile of paper stars or simply folding a single leaf to paste in your journal, it's a small but powerful way to centre yourself.
So the next time your day feels a bit too loud or rushed, grab a sheet of paper and start folding. You might just find the quiet you’ve been looking for.
Wanna make the Origami pieces below? Head over to https://origami.guide/ and get stuck in with your papers!
