Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Art Paper Week Day Three: Japanese Paper

FYI: The One-Layer Wednesday Challenge will return next week. Thanks so much to all of you who have made it such a popular challenge!

I have no idea where I bought today's paper or what it's called, but it's beautiful! I'm calling it Japanese paper because I've seen similar papers called that. The shiny fibers are laid down in a pattern that is practically mesmerizing! I have white versions of this that would make lovely wedding cards, too, but which don't photograph well at all.

I went super-simple to let the beauty of the paper shine through. The first card is a reprise of my whole series of this layout from (I think) last December. I kept the color of the sentiment muted so as not to distract the eye, but now that I see it on my computer screen, I think it would look better in black.


For the next two cards, I went even simpler: a row of punched shapes, accented with pearls. No sentiment at all.





Remember, if you leave a comment on this post answering today's question, you'll be in the random drawing for a selection of 12 small pieces of art papers for your leisure-time enjoyment.

Today's Question:

Have you ever tried origami and did you like it?

87 comments:

  1. Yes I have tried origami. I like it when it is an easy fold project. Too many steps and I make it look awful.

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  2. These are GREAT cards! Love their, well, uh, simplicity!
    Yes, I've tried origami...a man's shirt...I like the origami papers better than the technique, thank you.

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  3. I love how sophisticated these looks.

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  4. Love the simplicity of your cards...beautiful paper. Yes, I have tried origami...dh bought me some papers years ago. Not too good at folding but did do a kimono card.

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  5. First, those are great simple cards.
    Second, of course, I adore origami and everything that goes with Japanese papers, such as Oshie or Kurumie, Kirigami. I am also teaching origami for Kinder teachers in some cities in my country. I love washi papers a lot. That's where my love of Japanese crafts began.

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  6. I'm enjoying your "paper" week. I haven't tried origami--looks too complicated. LOL

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  7. Really beautiful cards today, Love the simple disks and squares, perfect,x

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  8. Beautiful card designs! I have
    tried origami and it is more complicated than it looks.

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  9. Stunningly simple...love Japanese arty everything....

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  10. As much as I love the look of origami I find it's not for me. Not only do I have trouble following the pictures or instructions the musles in my forearms no longer support prolonged activity of one kind. The burning pain isn't worth the results I get...much nicer to just ogle the pretty paper.

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  11. Yes I tried origami when my son was learning it in 4th grade. He was much better at. Let's just say I'll never make money at it!!!
    Blessings
    Patti
    Word beawdlee
    Sounds like be waddley which I often am!!!!

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  12. My cousin is an origami "expert". She can make just about anything and also does modular origami that would blow your mind! Really amazing stuff. What I have done is pretty minor, but it can look really nice and graphic on a card. I even had a party once that was a White Elephant gift swap. I had my cousin help me make a bunch of origami White Elephants for decorations and then the guests took them home :)

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  13. I have tried a few things in the past. Nothing fancy.

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  14. Wow!!! What a fantastic question for me! (I'm a Japanese!) My answer is... "YES, Of course. I LOVE it!"
    Origami is so fun. But I've never used it to make a card. I would like to try it someday.
    Do you know Chiyogami? It is more beautiful than Origami. :)

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  15. Terri (blindstamper)June 23, 2010 at 9:02 AM

    Haven't tried it...not likely I will. Big clumsy fingers and poor eyesight probably not best combination for the intricate folds!

    Your cards and paper are gorgeous. I already cased the first version in December, might need to do these two new ones too!

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  16. I love origami. When I was a little girl, our church had a "visiting" minister and his wife who came from somewhere overseas. She had a kids ministry time and we did origami. I still have the book full of all the folded items .. a chair, flower, box, teddy bear, crane, you name it and it is in there. (we also made cream puffs one day). I have continued to dabble in origami and encouraged my son to try it too. We have a number of books on different folds. Sad part is, I'm just not very good at it!!

    Your cards are beautiful. That paper is beautiful!!!

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  17. I love the softness of this paper! Lovely.
    I became an origami NUT at 14 after visiting an exhibit of Japanese art somewhere in LA while visiting my aunt. Got a book and some papers from the gift shop then. Other paper activities have taken origami's place since then, but I can still whip up a waterbomb from memory!

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  18. I think it's called chigogami and I have a TON of it because we have a fantastic Japanese Paper shop in Toronto and I can't resist buying beautiful things, even if I have no use for them.Now I'm inspired to use it!

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  19. oops - just looked it up -"chiyogami"paper

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  20. Beautiful paper and I love how you used it on your cards.

    Yes, I used to do origami as a kid and it was really fun! Haven't tried it for a long time. Maybe my kids will get into it and I can do it again!

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  21. My dd was very interested in origami when she was about 12, and she got me started on it. I do enjoy watching the folds turn flat paper into something 3D. Actually, I really enjoy mixing that into card making with things like tea bag folding or dahlia fold cards!

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  22. I have tried origami, but I'm not very good at it. I managed to make a man's shirt, but not much else! I used the extra papers to make beautiful cards though!

    Your cards are beautiful.

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  23. Your cards are absolutely stunning! I love the shimmery look of the art paper!

    Yes, I have tried a "form" of origami...and I discovered that is NOT one of my talents!

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  24. I really love the cards you are showing today. It's hard to make cards without words look good sometimes, but you are the master!

    I have done some very simple origami. My daughter is really good at it, she knows how to make stunning irises.

    Petra

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  25. Yes, I have tried origami, and liked it, but it isn't something that reached out to me enough to buy any supplies. That's hard to believe because I usually have to have everything!
    Your cards are beautiful!

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  26. Love your cards, have cased the first many times since December.

    Origami frustrated me, but I did enjoy using the papers and love making Asian-themed cards. I think people have to have the same gene for Origami that is needed for perfectly precise placement of elements on a card........I got left out when that gene was passed around. BUT, it is the backbone of my husband's personality, so I must get him to "help" me with an Origami project. I'll watch while he "helps". :-)

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  27. Lovely cards...the green is pretty! I love folding origami...one of my favorite models is the giraffe. :)

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  28. I've tried origami, and even though I wasn't great at it, I enjoyed it. I guess you could call me a Karen Thomas wanna-be.

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  29. Beautiful card and the paper is so lovely...green my favorite color.

    Yes I have tried origami but I am not very good with following the patterns. My son makes some really fabulous things.

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  30. Your cards are beautiful.
    I love origami and I love trying various things -I have made a basket which i learnt frm an expert during a craft festival.

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  31. These are just beautiful, Susan...and I love the pearl accents!!

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  32. Lovely cards! Yes, I've tried origami, and I like it. But I'm really only good with the simple folds. A friend showed me how to make a flower for the center of a handmade card - it's a wonderful surprise for the card recipient!

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  33. I have an origami kit I bought for DD and me (Christmas "08) but we have not opened the box yet. I think she is finally old enough to learn it and I may have the required patience...

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  34. Learnt origami in school and loved it. It was awesome..and these papers are way beyond beautiful.
    Thanks for the awesome series! don't know what else to call it.

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  35. Susan, your cards are fabulous....as always!! I visit your blog daily and have never been disappointed. ;o)

    As far as oragami...do paper airplanes count? heehee!

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  36. Yes, I've done origami and enjoy it. I made a beautiful set of gold and silver cranes for my Christmas tree.

    Love your Japanese paper and how you used it.

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  37. Yes, I've done Origami. Since High School, actually. I make shirts and trees for my cards out of my bazillion Parent Sheets of paper.

    LOVE these cards, by the way.

    As I've mentioned before: DO NOT PICK MY NAME DO NOT SEND ME MORE PAPER. Thanks.

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  38. Love your simple circle card with the pearls. Yes, I have tried origami, but was not very proficient with it. I know a teacher that had her 4th grade class create TWO 1,000 crane mobiles using origami. They turned out fantastic.

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  39. Charlotte GundersonJune 23, 2010 at 11:47 AM

    Many years ago as a young lady I tried oragami, but not since then. I have tried Iris folding but to me it was too tedious, and I don't do well with choosing patterns that go together. I love what you did with the Japanese paper, so simple, but so beautiful.

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  40. I read 1000 Paper Cranes to a class of fifth grade students. Their teacher was critically ill so we made 1000 Paper Cranes for her. The kids really got into it. Sadly the teacher passed.

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  41. I love the papers and have tried many times to use them...I seem to have a spatial disorder kick in if there are more than 4 steps though! My classroom students usually save the day - they can do origami and computer tricks. Love 'em.
    Thank you for showing a simpler, and beautiful way to use the papers.

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  42. Tried origami a few times but not very good at it. Made one crane that I liked. Your green paper is lovely....and I like how you have used it so elegantly!!

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  43. FABulous cards, Susan!

    Yes, ummm, I DID try origami ... I liked it but it didn't like me. BUT, I DID love the neat origami papers ... and still have some in my stash. I don't use it 'cuz, of course, 'cuz then it would be GONE but I do have some.

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  44. I love these cards. The first is my favorite. Such amazing beauty in their simplicity. I have not tried origami, though I think I would enjoy it.

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  45. No, I haven't... but being a paper addict, I'd probably like it.

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  46. There you go,at it again inspiring me! I so love checking out your stunning designs!.x

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  47. Ooooo! So pretty! I love the green paper!

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  48. Love your cards. The first is still my favourite.

    I teach Grade 3/4. We do several origami projects a year. The kids love them and are so proud to teach others what they've learned. We usually do flowers (Mother's Day), stars (to match our socials units), paper balloons (June fun) and the crane.

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  49. I love making origami boxes and [I forget the name for them] money holders, they make wonderful containers for earrings, among other things. I also love the papers!

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  50. Beautiful cards, Susan!

    Yes, I have done origami. MANY, MANY years ago (in high school) I got a book from the library that had such fabulous patterns in it. I have never seen it since. I still make my origami lily every once in a while, just so I don't forget how!

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  51. these cards are lovely! If you pick my number for the giveaway, please move on to the next pick, as I am avoiding collecting stuff!!

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  52. pretty cards!!!

    I used to do oragami in grade school!
    and just last year I tried an ornament that the instructions are posted on Split Coast, it was way to complicated but the result was sooo pretty!

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  53. i love origami! i've done it as a child, still going. i love making turtles. now i'm also into iris folding and also tea bag folding! fun fun!

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  54. Gosh, I am so taken with your work.
    Can't figure out why it doesn't look the same when I try to CASE it. I have tried some origami, but never using the papers meant for it. Am thinking about giving them a try. I even have one of those 365 day calendars around somewhere where you make an origami items each day.

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  55. I have never tried origami, but would like to. Your cards are pretty, this is beautiful paper.

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  56. I'm loving all the stories about your paper this week. Interesting how you started out making books. I often move over into books when I get bored with cardmaking. I'm doing those a lot right now. And happy to say using up some paper to make room for more.

    Origami? I've tried it a few times, feel like I should like it, love the papers, but I'm just not precise enough in my folding and get frustrated :(

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  57. Yes, I can say that I have tried origami.... yes, I can say I did not like it~ LOL

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  58. Wow, I love how you used that paper! Simple and elegant! I have tried origami. I make a lot of boxes and have made some ornaments. I would love to do more but I find I can't follow directions in a book. I need to see someone doing it and I have to see it from their perspective not as a viewer. Does that make me a visual learner or just a simpleton?

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  59. Love your cards--the simplicity lends to the elegance! I folded 1000 origami cranes for my wedding 30 years ago. Loved it then, not as much now...

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  60. I have done some origami but it had to be simple--otherwise I made a mess of it! Plus I can't seem to remember how to do it without reading through the steps. It can look really elegant if done right.

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  61. I really your cards which are always so elegant. No, I have not tried origami, but I do like everything Japanese.

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  62. I have never tried origami before, but I love the cards!! :)

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  63. I have tried origami, and I really liked it! I made a few boxes.

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  64. I have tried origami. I did not do it very well.

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  65. I do like origami, and I especially love the papers. Right now I am looking for an easy butterfly pattern to use with some butterfly stamps.

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  66. Nope.....have never tried. Have a friend that does it...and very cool to see. She's tryin' to get me to try...hmmmmm....maybe NOW I will! Lol

    Thanks for sharin' your AWESOME talent with us!!

    Lori Morton :)

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  67. I have tried Origami but all it did was make me feel terribly lacking in skill! :-) I do think it's beautiful and absolutely love the elegance of the paper you chose for your cards!

    Thanks for the opportunity to win some of that paper so we can try this ourselves!

    Marianne

    mkd1061@aol.com

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  68. For Father's Day I made an origami shirt (found on the Scor-Pal website) for my card. I loved the effect and it stands out so well. I would definitely do something like this again :)

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  69. Love all your simple but beautiful cards and I like the muted sentiment on the first one.

    On one of the SCS challenges we did a dahlia fold which was a form of origami-made a pretty flower-lots of folding.

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  70. The only origami thing I've done is a small box with a separate lid. The origami paper I bought would be perfect for a card like one of these. I especially like the one with the squares and the pearls in between.

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  71. I have made origami boxes, but my DD's MIL makes adorable little elephants from dollar bills. Amazing! Thanks for posting these great cards...I am eyeing a large box of lovely papers I have collected over the years and now I have a great way to use them!

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  72. Love the oragami papers, have not tried the techniques.

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  73. linda patti tpatti@windstream.netJune 24, 2010 at 9:20 AM

    yes i have tried origami and i do like it, at least some of the easier folds. :-)

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  74. These are all gorgeous, Susan! My favorite is your first card, and I am glad you didn't use black! Yes, I have tried origami. It's beautiful, and I love looking at it!

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  75. I've made little origami shirts before - nice to use on masculine cards. Pretty easy once I got the hang of it.

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  76. I've made those fortune tellers as a child,you know,the ones where you have to choose a colour etc but apart from that I've made the Origami shirts for card toppers in the past,and once followed instructions on how to make a pop-up flowers type card,very clever though have never actually used it to make a card.x

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  77. Oh my gosh...what a gorgeous way to showcase the paper.

    Yes, I've tried a few origami projects - folded money to look like a shirt and made a few flowers. My family caters to my whimsical tastes-my sister gave me a book-origami from those sticky post-it notes!! My colleagues at work thought I was losing it :->

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  78. Yes I have tried origami but my hands are so big I never did a good job. I have used Japanese papers in cards because they are so lovely and can add such lush colors and textures to mt creations.

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  79. Just love your ideas on using the Japanese "Washi" paper. What an inspiration! I have used washi paper in covering boxes. In my card making craft, it adds a beautiful Asian touch. Using the origami techniques, I have folded washi paper into cranes and they are beautiful on cards. Also, fun folding them and seeing the results of using the assortment colors and prints of the paper. Thank you...truly love your card ideas!

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  80. Yep tried it, love it but oh so time consuming for me.

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  81. I have tried but only with making things for the kids, they love jumping frog.

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  82. (I'm a little late commenting, but I have an excuse! Not just an earthquake, but also a tornado passed through my town yesterday! No fatalities, thank goodness, but we only recently had power restored.)
    I love these simple, delicate cards. I also happen to like the understated sentiment on the first one.
    I enjoy origami a lot! I like the precision folding and the creations that result. I often taught it to my school classes. Thirty voices all saying, "Like this? Is this right? I don't get it!" -- not quite so much fun. :P

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  83. Wow! This paper is something else! I love the simplicity ~ especially the first one. :) The pearls just set off the paper so well.

    Origami can be pretty frustrating ~ I don't usually take on the challenge...

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  84. Beautiful papers, showed off well with the great layouts.
    I've dabbled with origami on and off. First as a child and more recently with the kids making animal shapes. For it to work it does need to be done perfectly which doesn't always go well with children. It does show people have been playing with paper for a long time now!

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  85. Pretty paper! Yes, I have tried origami, and I did enjoy it. Paper cranes are a neat way to dress up a boring gift bag.

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  86. I LOVE Japanese paper!!!!!! Your first card is absolutely divine. I think origami is a ton-o-fun and don't do nearly enough of it.

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  87. On cards? Nope! Haven't tried to make a crane since I was a kid.

    Gawjus paper!
    d

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment!