May the Force Be With You! Star Wars Origami Dolls

Happy (belated) Holidays everyone!  I just recently returned from Pennsylvania, and am suffering from one of those nasty post-flight colds.  Ugh.  For some strange reason, whenever I fly my immune system bottoms out...

But enough about that, I wanted to share a new project that I recently completed for my partner's nephew! He is currently on a Star Wars kick, so I modified my origami doll pattern to make some origami Star Wars characters! Here we have Princess Leia, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo (can you guess which is which?)  Initially I thought that the project would take me forever (especially figuring out pants!) but it was actually quite enjoyable and I learned a lot about adapting my own patterns.  

These dolls are made mostly from colored washi paper with the exception being their hair which is brown crepe, the belts which are paper ribbon, and Yoda's outfit which was folded from a brown paper bag folded inside out to hide the print.  Since I made these away from home with only the limited supplied I tossed into my suitcase before leaving, I had to get a little creative with parts!  It seems no task is insurmountable as long as I have my trusted brand of glue stick!

I swear, Star Wars characters were made for this since their clothing already resembles Japanese yukata in many ways.  In researching images and movie footage of these costumes online, I came across this great essay, The Bushido of Star Wars, that goes into more depth about these varied Japanese influences on the series.  Time permitting, I would really like to try to make another set for him from the newer movies assuming that he will still be into Star Wars next year!  I definitely want to try Queen Amidala or maybe something even more esoteric like Queen Apailana's mourning outfit.  Or I could go all out and try some of Philip Schulz's awesome Star Wars origami diagrams!

Doll of the Month: Ami

Happy February!  I know that for most February is a time of love and romantic goodness, but for me it is one of the busiest times of the year.  Not only is it midterm season, but the holiday Hina Matsuri is quickly approaching and stocking up before then is a challenge.  I recently picked up some new papers that I am anxious to show off, but until then I wanted to feature a doll that uses paper I no longer have in stock.  She is available exclusively through Zibbet, and her name is Ami.

I named her "Ami" (亜美) which translates into "beauty of Asia" in Japanese (A big thank you to Emi who helped clarify my translation!).  I chose that name because I really felt like the floral motifs found on her clothing and her gold and red coloring captured the image of "Asia" in the Western imagination.  Her haori jacket features primarily gold floral design with green, white, and rust orange accents, while her kimono paper is a deep fire engine red with stylized Japanese clouds, fans, and sakura (cherry blossom) motifs. But the colors red and gold also have meaning in China, and since I have been assisting with a Chinese art class recently, I have been reflecting on these types of themes (and how Chinese themes get translated into Japanese culture).  Red and gold help capture happiness, wealth, and prosperity in China, and with the Chinese New Year recently past, I thought that no other colors could be appropriate for this month!  Xin nian kuai le  (新年快乐)!

I have about three or four of these dolls left, but once they sell they are gone permanently unless I can locate more of this paper.  I rarely make dolls with a haori jacket because it takes a lot more time and it is not often when I have paper that I can cut into the right size. I hope you enjoyed this doll of the month!

Wordless Wednesday #11

It has  been a while Wordless Wednesday!  Showing off my newest creation, Stephanie: a brunette named after my lovely sister.  I would love any and all feedback on the new design!

Available on Zibbet & Etsy (I made 2!)

Custom Order Madness

So as a few of you may have noticed from my twitter, I am down with some kind of nasty cold/flu-like bug.  Usually I am the last person to get sick, but when I do it ends up being a doozy!  J. has been wonderful about taking care of me and Ame the cat is currently at the foot of the bed.  Needless to say, I am pretty much confined to my bed which is not really conducive to getting any sort of work done.  So I am writing this blog with my head propped up by a billion pillows and the lingering taste of Robitussin in my mouth (eew). 

Earlier this week I finished another custom order!  I absolutely love doing them because it gives me a chance to experiment with something new.  This time, the order was for 10 origami dolls from urssika.  (Check out her shop -- her jewelry is to die for!  Also please read this wonderful feature on urssika by Sassmowth Designs)  She plans on using the dolls as tags on some of her jewelry!  I think it is a wonderful idea and I am absolutely thrilled to see them travel to a new international location where other people will be able to see my work.  I was able to use some of the paper that I only had one or two sheets of, so many of these dolls are unique and cannot be receated.  It was a fun project and I am looking forward to working with her in the future!

Since this order, however, I have been contacted by several people about setting up their own custom creations!  It looks like I am going to be one busy bee after I get rid of this cold once and for all.

Giveaway of My Origami on Serendipity Handmade!

What an interesting week!  I had the lovely pleasure of being interviewed by Collette this week on Serendipity Handmade about my craft and my shop!  To read the interview and enter the giveaway, please click HERE!  

This is the first time I have ever been interviewed about my shop and it was such a great experience.  It is actually a strange feeling to try and put your feelings and experiences into words.  It makes me realize that there is really a method to my madness (scary!)

I will be giving away all of the items in this photo:

• 2 Origami Dolls (Mariko & Hiro)
• 1 Origami Pendant (Strawberry Marigold)
• 3 Chiyogami Magnetic Bookmarks 

Please give the post some love!  After all, who can pass up some free folded loot?  Thank you Collette!