Monday, December 8, 2008

Beyond the Paper Crane

By now, provided you’re one of the millions of folks worldwide who observe the odd tradition of hauling a freshly hewn tree into your home for the holidays, you’ve probably already begun to ruminate on the subject of decorating that tree. If you’re the neighbor who yearly sets out to shame the others with that plum and gold, shimmering ball-festooned edifice sprouting with pheasant feathers in the window where every passerby can see it, you might have overlooked today’s featured item. If, however, you can appreciate a more organic, sensible approach, you might consider origami ornaments this year. You heard right. Origami, a lost art, has returned in time for the holidays, courtesy of Suanne of Paper Affection. Employing the elegant movements of such styles as Magenta Arabesque and Lime Star Petite, while also building with more traditional boxy shapes such as Blue Modular Petite, Suanne demonstrates the many possibilities of this art form as yuletide décor and awakens us all to an old/new design paradigm.

If the ornaments are unique and fresh, however, the earrings that Suanne manages to produce are downright striking. Since origami is essentially papercraft, it’s expected that these earrings would have a delicate, almost weightless bearing to them. Even so, the precision and inspiration of the Aqua Brocade Earrings, Blue and Green Flipped Cubes, Origami Cherry Earrings and so many others in this collection prove that Paper Affection’s catalog is as long on substance as it is short on wasted material. And say this much about origami accessories: You will never lack for a conversation piece with such a lovely conception dangling from your lobes. Finally, to encourage us even more to explore the boundaries of this ancient Asian tradition both in our fashions and by our firesides, Suanne is offering a very special giveaway: The winner will receive a generous $25 Paper Affection Gift Certificate, good toward the purchase of any item in the store. To qualify, visit Paper Affection, then come back here to tell us about your favorite product. Tell us in a second post if you happen to subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 12/16/08.

**We have a winner! Crystal said, "Awwww, How sweet the Winged Heart Necklace is...Love it:)"**

185 comments:

Digital Misfit said...

The Origami Cherry Earrings are so amazing http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17427498

A lovely & lightweight statement piece that would be so much FUN to wear!

heidig@gmail.com

Digital Misfit said...

I am a subscriber!

heidig@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I'm in love with the Origami Cherry Earrings! What an amazing conversation piece!
boldnessbe(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I'm subscribed.
boldnessbe(at)gmail(dot)com

Karen Faulkner said...

My favorite is the Winged Heart Necklace!
karen_faulkner@msn.com

Karen Faulkner said...

I'm a subscriber now!

Jennifer said...

I would choose the: Origami Ornament - Magenta Arabesque Petite

knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Jennifer said...

I am subscribed. :)

knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Rebecca MacLary said...

My fave is the Hello Kitty ornament!

rmaclary(at)gmail.com

Rebecca MacLary said...

I subscribe.

rmaclary(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

my favorite:
Origami Ornament - Purple and White Arabesque, Medium

Unknown said...

i'm also a subscriber!

Shelley K. said...

Wow...what a truly delightful shop. My favorite are the holly-day earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17412207

Thanks for a great giveaway.

tskrush (at) cox (dot) net

Shelley K. said...

I am a subscriber

tskrush (at) cox (dot) net

Kim said...

Its a tie between the cherry earrings and the violet butterfly necklace.

urikim00@gmail.com

Natural Mama said...

Great shop. My favoriet ornament is the "Red Arabesque". The colrs are great.

veggiemcveggie at gmail dot com

Natural Mama said...

I'm a subscriber too :)

veggiemcveggie at gmail

Christina said...

Christina - xristya@rock.com - I love the Origami Cherry Earrings, which cost $25, and that's what I would buy if I won! As a child I learned advanced origami from many books by well-known authors and so I know that many of these items are not easy to make!

Andrea Hatfield said...

I like the Violet Butterfly Necklace petite. Thanks for the great giveaway!

Andrea Hatfield said...

I am a subscriber.
andreastamps@...com

mverno said...

organami ornament

Annie1 said...

I just love the "Little Star Orange Earrings", they are gorgeous!

Thanks

nancyrobster@gmail.com

Annie1 said...

I'm a subscriber!

Thanks

nancyrobster@gmail.com

judybrittle said...

ally love the Hello Kitty Origami Ornament. That is adorable! Thank you!
judybrittle at aol dot com

Mia J. said...

My favorite is the Origami Ornament - Magenta Arabesque Petite. Love the color.

Deborah Stinson-editor said...

I fell in love with the Origami Cherry Earrings at first sight! I love paper art and jewelry. It's so unique and fascinating.

Jenn S. said...

The Violet Butterfly Necklace - Petite is my favorite. So dainty, so pretty.

janeh said...

everything is wonderful...I would choose the Origami Ornament - Silver Arabesque Large...and would add the tassel.......

Anonymous said...

I am truly amazed at how talented this woman is! I'm awestruck over her origami jewelry.
The Little Star Blue earrings are my fave.

lilnamekangelivy[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

My favorite right now is the Violet Butterfly Necklace, its so sophistacated, and in my favorite color!

captain_ani@comcast.net

cathyhall said...

I love the Winged Heart Necklace, and all the ornaments, they are so detailed and intricate, thanks.

cathyhall said...

I am a subscriber

Stephanie said...

Origami Ornament - Silver Arabesque Large is very cool!
tvollowitz at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

Awwww,How sweet the Winged Heart Necklace is...Love it:)

cyclona66@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I am a subscriber:)

cyclona66@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I like the Jewelled Ringed Earrings best
hollyollyberry[at]yahoo[dot]com

Jess said...

I love the Star Origami Ornament - it's adorable!

jessica.tupper{at}gmail.com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

winged heart necklace mrs.mommyyatgmaildotcom

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

subscriber mrs.mommyyatgmaildotcom

Anonymous said...

The red, orange and yellow origami ornament set are so happy!

Anonymous said...

I am a subscriber :)

Anonymous said...

I love the Jewelled Ringed Earrings.

stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Origami Ornament - Green Modular Petite is wonderful!
ashlomb at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe, ashlomb at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Great contest, thanks so much! Love the:
Aqua Blue Butterflies Earrings :) they are gorgeous..

Unknown said...

I am a subscriber.

Jingle said...

I really love the violet butterfly necklace! It is so pretty!
jinglesells at gmail dot com

Jingle said...

I am a subscriber!

David Johnson said...

I think my favourite is the Violet Butterfly Necklace but everything is so creative, thanks titanicluck at gmail dot com

Christina said...

Christina - xristya@rock.com - Almost forgot to put in my proud subscriber extra entry! Remembered far later!

Anonymous said...

The Petite Violet Butterfly Necklace is so beautiful!!!
Its delicate detail and gorgeous
design would accentuate any
neckline!! Thank you for the contest!
txgigggles@yahoo.com

37 Questions said...

I love the Modular Origami Earrings in Pink, Orange, Black, and White. Thanks for a great giveaway!
jjdragonfly [at] gmail [dot] com

toughturtles said...

Violet Butterfly Necklace - Medium

Carolyn Sharkas said...

I have never seen this type of stuff before, very original and beautiful. I love the winged heart necklace and the origami winged heart earrings.

thanks for sharing

ceashark at aol dot com

mogrill said...

The Little Star Orange Earrings are so pretty!

UnrealBaby said...

I love the violet butterfly necklace. What a talented person! love it all!

Anonymous said...

Winged Heart necklace is Awesome!

kristin said...

Love the Origame cherry earrings.

Erin Lowmaster said...

I love the Shakespeare Hair Flower Bobby Pin and the Violet Butterfly Necklace!

Erin Lowmaster said...

I'm a subscriber!

ellybean (at) connected2christ.com

Jayme said...

what a talent! i like the Origami Ornament - Green Arabesque Petite.

jayme[dot]bouwens@yahoo[dot]com

Unknown said...

I think the Origami Ornament - Orange Star Petite, is very pretty and I love orange. I love origami!

erin, maker of chimes said...

Such a neat shop! I like the pink ornament
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17831232

dinnertimechimes at aol.com

Alice H said...

The shakespeare hair flower bobby pin is amazing - thanks for the chance! alicedemske at hotmail.com

GothBarbie said...

These are amazing and lovely!
What a craft.
I adore the pink ornaments and especially the Pink Arabesque Petite!

Thanks for the Fun contest!

killercancer at hotmail.com

kdkdkd said...

Origami Ornament - Silver Arabesque Large is very cool

Anonymous said...

Oh, the sound of snowflakes earrings!! Too sweet!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18429435

:)Kat

kjams1213@yahoo.com

Aleda said...

Those holly earrings are just delightful.

Aleda said...

I've also just subscribed via Google Reader - I'm looking forward to seeing what else you post!

Anonymous said...

I love the Pink Arabesque Petite Origami Ornament.

Thanks!

Dee

mhgatti (at) yahoo (dot) com

Anonymous said...

Love the shakespeare hair flower bobby pin.

Anonymous said...

I'm a subscriber!!

earthyoga said...

The Origami Cherry Earrings are awesome!

Anonymous said...

Your blog is really, really lovely!
Etsy Greetings from equivoque

Anonymous said...

The Purple Butterfly Necklace is enchanting...I do origami and I enjoy it, my paper folding is much larger.... the items here are angel-work! Very pretty and the colors used are radiant!

Thanks for the inspiring giveaway!

pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com

Hyla said...

Oh my, what a beautiful shop!
I am loving the butterfly earrings!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15277168

~Hyla

Hyla said...

Im subscribed RSS!

~Hyla

Anonymous said...

I just found you today ... and just subscribed today! :)

carolinaren at bellsouth dot net

herblady said...

I love the Violet Butterfly Necklace. Thank you for the chance to win!

hrbeck_98 (at) yahoo (dot) combusni

herblady said...

I just subscribed to your feed.

hrbeck_98 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I love the Yellow Arabesque Petite Origami ornament and also the Magenta one the best - very beautiful!
anastacer at verizon dot net

Anonymous said...

I'm also a subscriber
anastacer at verizon dot net

Anonymous said...

I love the Green Arabesque Origami Ornament-so lovely and unique!

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

Lorri S said...

Wow, Amazing! I like the Blue and Green Flipped Cubes Earrings. Beautiful ornaments too...

Paddywack Designs said...

I was an english major so I have a thing for the Shakespeare hair pin, too cute.

Rebecca R. said...

I like the Origami Ornament - Green Arabesque Petite--all of her things are great, though!
elireeves at stny dot rr dot com

Unknown said...

The Origami Cherry Earrings are beautiful. Those ornaments are awesome!

Anonymous said...

My favorite is the Wishing for Paris. I wonder if you are ( or have done so) a Wishing for Rome?

miller lawn service said...

Lovely! I like the Bronze and Gold Butterfly Necklace. Thanks!

miller lawn service said...

I'm a subscriber. Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

i love the blue and green flip cubes. they look great!

fertawert AT yahoo DOT com

Jen said...

These items are all cute. My favorite from the Etsy store is the Winged Heart Necklace in Aqua.

Jen said...

I am a subscriber footejennifer(at)hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

what a neat concept

Shari & Andrew said...

The arabesque ornaments are beautiful!

Shari & Andrew said...

I'm also a subscriber! sharilht (at) gmail (dot) com

Leah said...

The Violet Butterfly Necklace - Medium is just gorgeous! So aesthetically beautiful! : )))

Thanks so much for this give~away! : )))

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

I love subscribing!

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

momof3teens said...

Love the little star blue earrings for daughter

Sarah said...

Love the Red Arabesque ornaments.

Laura Lee said...

I love the silver orgami ornament.

JJ said...

The Magenta Arabesque looks like fabric, it's beautiful.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17825416

trisha too said...

I like the cherry earrings!

Kari said...

Origami Ornament - Magenta Arabesque Petite

Kari said...

Im also a subscriber!!

Charlotte said...

I love the Arabesque Petite ornaments, in every color! I think maybe the Magenta might be my favorite.

charlotte(dot)evard(at)comcast(dot)net

Melanie said...

I like the green arabesque ornament

melanieinaz2003 at yahoo.com

Melanie said...

subscribed
melanieinaz2003 at yahoo.com

janetfaye said...

I like The Sound of Snowflakes Earrings.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

I am subscribed.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

Craftymoose Crafts said...

The aqua winged heart has to be my favorite!

Twincere said...

I love the Bronze and Gold Butterfly Necklace - Medium

twincere[at]hotmail.com

RE said...

The oragami cherry earrings would be great! Thanks for the contest!

RE said...

I'm a subscriber! Thanks!

rosannepm said...

I like the Origami Ornament Set - Red Orange Yellow
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

I'm a subscriber via e-mail
rosans4@comcast.net

bison61 said...

I like the Origami Cherry Earrings

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Betsy said...

wishing for paris. cool.

Anonymous said...

My favorite is the Hello Kitty Origami Ornament.
-Terra
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Sheila Hickmon said...

I like the Origami Winged Heart Earrings!

Sheila Hickmon said...

I subscribed!

Jenn S. said...

The Bronze and Gold Butterfly Necklace is really nice.

grannyvon said...

The Sounds of Snowflakes and Jewelled Ringed Earrings would be my winning pick. Amazing site. ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I am a subscriber, Merry Christmas. ybutler@oppcatv.com

janeh said...

I love the Silver Arabesque Ornament.....beautiful!

The Jackson Family said...

I absolutely love the ornaments!!! in every color please.
jil@jildesigns.com

The Jackson Family said...

I'm a subscriber!
jil@jildesigns.com

Anonymous said...

I like the Pink Arabesque Petite Origami Ornament. Thanks for the chance to win.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

I love the aqua Blue Butterflies Earrings.

Aisling said...

I love the necklaces - can't decide if the Violet Butterfly or the Winged Heart is my favorite. What lovely and unique items!

Aisling said...

I'm a subscriber.

chromiumman said...

love the Holly-Days Earrings - in Gold

Salleefur/Jesselyn/Jesster said...

I love the "Origamido Orange Butterflies" (earrings) and the "Violet Butterfly Necklace" (in both petite and medium. You have so many exquisite designs and creation. You can reach me at

reality1203(at)aol(.)com

Salleefur/Jesselyn/Jesster said...

BTW - I just subscribed!

reach me at Reality1203(at)aol(dot)com

Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

I love the Origami Brocade Earrings in red! Very pretty!

stormraven at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I love the Bronze and Gold Butterfly Necklace.

galeogirl(at)comcast(dot)net

Sherry R said...

My favorite is the Aqua Blue Butterflies Earrings!

jnkrim (at) qwestoffice (dot) net

Luck Happens said...

The Large Silver Arabesque Origami Ornament would look great on my retro tinsel tree! Thanks for the giveaway.

Kellifrobinson2 AT gmail DOT com

Luck Happens said...

I am a subscriber of Wishing Willow via Bloglines.

Mommyhood is Thankless said...

Origami Ornament - Blue Modular Petite is beautiful, I wish I had this kind of patience, it looks so perfectly done!

mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com

Mommyhood is Thankless said...

I am a subscriber!

mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I loved the oragmi ornaments and the oragami earrings were truly unique


barbaraeford@yahoo.com

Aisling said...

My favorite piece is the Violet Butterfly necklace.

Aisling said...

I'm a subscriber.

elenalecue said...

i love the arabesque ornament! beautiful shop

elenalecue said...

i'm a subscriber via therethere at mail dot ru

jennem said...

My favorite is the Violet Butterfly Necklace - Medium
Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

arvard said...

I like the Origami Ornament - Magenta Arabesque Petite.

Unknown said...

The Little Star Oramge Earrings are my favorite. garrettsambo@aol.com

kdkdkd said...

the Origami Ornament - Silver Arabesque Large is very pretty

mogrill said...

The Origami Cherry Earrings are adorable!!

justicecw said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE the mini mod disco earrings! thanks, justicecw@hotmail.com

klp1965 said...

i love the Jewelled Ringed Earrings

klp1965 said...

subscriber

Anonymous said...

Origami Brocade Earrings - Aqua are awesome! How creative!

jvly13@comcast.net

Amira M said...

i like the blue brocade dangle earrings

Xenia said...

I love how sweet the Winged Heart Necklace - Aqua is, definitely my favorite.

Thanks!
xpbloch@juno.com

Xenia said...

I'm a subscriber!

xpbloch@juno.com

vibrantfun said...

Love the origami ornaments.

danosor said...

I am a subscriber.

Anonymous said...

Like many others, I am beautifully stunned by the origami cherry earrings.

kujoko at att dot net

Jinxy and Me said...

I like the Petite Violet Butterfly Necklace

mverno said...

christmas is wonderful for little ones

MySentimentExactLee said...

I love the Origami ornament!

Lee :)
leechrista @ gmail dot com

Lesley Marcacci said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lesley Marcacci said...

I am also a subscriber!

Lesley Marcacci said...

I LOVE this ornament:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17831778

Very delicate and beautiful!

LAXLesley@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love the pendants! The Bronze and Gold Butterfly Necklace is my favorite in the shop :-)


greenyak [at] yahoo [dot] com

Deb said...

Holly Days earrings. Thx for the chance.

Anonymous said...

I love the silver arabesque ornament!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

Anonymous said...

subscribed!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

Unknown said...

I like the holly days earrings.

Anonymous said...

How cute-which one do I pick I'll take one of each please :)

(ladykort at comcast.net)

SantaFe said...

The Violet Butterfly Necklace is beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway.

chazvgo said...

I like the Magenta Arabesque Petite, very cute.

Anonymous said...

I like the cascading Autumn earrings.

ladycat713@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I like the Aqua Blue Butterflies Earrings

jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com

Donna said...

I like the Origami Cherry Earrings
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I am a subscriber.
donna444444@yahoo.com

skytoucher said...

Origami cherry earrings are incredible -- my choice.

Helen said...

I'm a subscriber and I love the Hello Kitty Origami Ornament.

masonsgranny59 said...

I heart the Winged Heart Necklace!

/\Heather/\ said...

Dig the Modular Origami Earrings.

lilyk said...

I love the Violet Butterfly Necklace - Medium!

lilyk said...

I subscribed to your blog.