Of Paper Cones, Origami, and One Good Turn Deserves Another

Last week I received a Priority Mail package from the United States Postal Service. “What could it be?” I wondered. “I’ve already received my two Harry Potter books, one from the States and one from Canada so I could have the British version. I haven’t ordered anything special lately since all our money is going into the kitchen…”

I opened the box, and inside was not one surprise but three! A package from Miz. Smoochie Lips with the following treasures inside:

a beautiful handmade cone, which will be hung in my classroom come September, and:

a card and packages of beautiful things to make my own creations! I can’t wait to give it a try.

So, I was thinking, “What could I send back for a small thank you?”

My favorite paper crafts, besides book-binding, are origami related. I make little origami objects when I’m bored at a meeting, or waiting for the bride in a wedding, or for my students to win as small prizes in the classroom. I sat down this morning, and folded a few objects I hope Miz Smoochie Lips likes:

a little boat…

an inflated ball (the water bomb, which can be filled with water and dropped from heights)…


a box filled with tiny puffy stars (Japanese girls fold these by the hundreds to give to their friends)…

a magic star which can be opened into a circle…

Finally, two cranes which are the international symbol for love and peace. I hope you like them, Miz. Smoochie Lips!

Now, I have a passion for Asia. Not only do I love making Japanese origami, and eating Chinese food, but this book I’m reading? Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong? It’s fabulous. So, I have a proposition: If you would like to read the book yourself (which qualifies as an option for The Book Awards Challenge since it won an Anthony Award for Best First Crime Novel) I would be glad to make you an origami object or two of your choice. Anybody interested?

16 thoughts on “Of Paper Cones, Origami, and One Good Turn Deserves Another”

  1. Wow, Bellezza – those are gorgeous! You are very talented. Those little stars are especially delicious! I'm sure Miz Smoochie will be thrilled.I'm looking forward to your review of Death of a Red Heroine. If it's not depressing, I might take a stab at it! 🙂

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  2. I love your origami! I added Death of a Red Heroine to my long wishlist after Iliana mentioned it awhile back. I may have to look into getting it sometime soon.

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  3. Here's the thing about The Red Heroine: not only is it a murder mystery (and not violent/gory at all), but it's FULL of information about Shangai when Mao was still in charge. It takes place in 1990, which somehow doesn't seem all that long ago to me, and it's just such an intriguing place to me. Imagine, your place of work dictated where you would live, and the lucky ones had an apartment 8 square meters big. It makes me ultra thankful for what I've got, besides being an interesting and educational-in-a-good-way read. I'm only a 100 pages into it, so I'll write a full review with no spoilers later. (Les, I'm glad YOU'RE BACK!)

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  4. Your origami creations are beautiful. Many moons ago, I used to do origami. It's very relaxing, isn't it? I need to get back to it, I think. Maybe I'll find some of my old bits of paper when I do the fall cleaning. May I ask what the background you photographed them on happens to be? I love the way you did that!

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  5. Oh, Bookfool, it's very complicated, but I'll share my secret with you: the background is the black desk blotter our computer sits on. Isn't that hilarious? It just gives the items I photograph a nice pop of color I think. So, nothing too fancy over here in the Land of Dust and Chaos (while we wait for the kitchen remodel). Thanks for the compliment. And yes, origami IS relaxing once I got the hang of all the folds. Here's the thing; my husband and son watch inordinate amounts of television. Usually, I read while they watch TV. But, now I find that I'm feeling excluded. It helps to fold origami, or do something with my hands besides eat, while I'm in that televsion family room.

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  6. Beautiful origami! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying Death of a Red Heroine. I've had it on my shelf for awhile, and am saving it for Carl's upcoming RIP challenge. Now I'm really looking forward to reading it. Thanks!

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  7. Robin, I was unaware that this book had already captured so many people's attention. It's a good thing I came out from under my rock! I just picked it up in the library the other day because the spine looked intriquing. Now you, Iliana, and a few others ahve mentioned you have it or were planning to read it. It'll be loads of fun to talk about when everyone finishes it, and I think saving it for Carl's R.I.P. Challenge is a good idea.

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  8. My my, what a talented lady you are. :o) My Still Waters loves to do origami. It takes lots of patience, something I don't have too much of. Guess I have to log onto our library's website and request the book you mentioned. We too are fascinated with Japan. Did I ever mention that we've hosted Japanese students? It was a wonderful experience. Guess that's something else I'll have to blog about. :O)Since I'll be reading the book, do I get an origami object or two? :o)

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  9. Absolutely! What would you like, Lady G~? Any special requests? I think a box of stars would be nice if you so desire, or a few cranes. Let me know, and email me your address. (p.s. The book is set in Shanghai, China, but I may have been confusing in my discussion of origami which is Japanese. It must have been fun hosting a Japanese student!)

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  10. Thanks for sharing that, B. A desk blotter! Who'd have thought? :)That's a terrific idea, folding while you watch TV with your guys. I have trouble just sitting to watch TV, so laundry-folding time is my movie time. Except, now, I'm getting to the point that I can no longer tolerate having a laundry mountain in my living room. Sigh. Where did I put that origami paper?

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  11. You fold the laundry? Just kidding; my mom and I had a discussion yesterday where she said that she (the cleanest, pickiest wife I know) just tosses my father's underwear higgeldy-piggeldy into his drawer. On the other hand, I have been taught to fold my husband's into thirds with the, ahem, crotch part in front. Now you can see why origami skills come in handy?! I'll help you look for your paper if you want. 🙂

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