Layered Passion Flower Kudusama

I have been on the lookout for a Kudusama pattern that more closely resembles a star which I can use as a Christmas lantern. This is the closes one I have found so far.

It took me around 6 hours to complete this Kudusama ball. It's quite easy to make. You will need glue to attach the different components together.

Try this Kudusama pattern.  It's called Layered Passion Flower, with easy-to-follow video instruction at YouTube. Thank you M. Mukerji for this nice project!

Technorati tags: kudusama

Can Session Road be like this?

This appeared in one of the threads in the  Kafagwayan - Baguio back to the future Facebook group.  I recently joined this group and was mesmerized by these photos.  Session Road re-imagined, a place which can comfortably sit amongst European towns. 

Is it possible for Session Road to be like this?  A Session Road park, where people can take a leisurely stroll along the main thoroughfare, surrounded by trees and flowers, and homey shops.  It could be a future for Baguio, if only people can claim the city as their own and have a feeling of responsibility towards its development.

Join the Facebook Group - Kafagwayan - Baguio back to the future - and share your ideas!

Technorati tags: Baguio

Cherry flowers Kudusama

If you will complete this Cherry Flower Kudusama, you will need 60 square pieces of paper.  However in my case I made the flowers too small, making it a chore to assemble the complete Kudusama.  I decided to just create one-half.  It still looks great, especially with the pearl beads I placed in the centre of the flowers.

To make each flower, you need 5 paper pieces.  The individual flowers look great too and can be used as ornaments.

The complete instructions can be found at Folding Trees.

Technorati tags: craft

Kudusama Paper Parol

Kudusama is a Japanese paper folding artform.  It is also called modular origami because you need multiple pieces of papers formed and designed to interlock with each other to create a work of art.

I have been looking around for suitable materials to make a traditional Parol (Christmas lantern) but could not find a bamboo substitute.  I know of the existence of Kudusama for quite some time now and decided that might be the way to go.  So I tried out the quickest Kudusama model I can find for testing purposes and added the traditional tail to it.  Usually, Kudusama calls for 30 modules.  This one needs only 6, so it's a really good introduction to Kudusama.  The result looks good, if I do say so myself.  Patterned paper could look even better.

I found another Kudusama pattern which users stars as its dominant shape so I think that will be more appropriate as a Parol and I will also share that once I get around to doing it.

In the meantime, here is the video for this Kudusama Parol in case you'd like to try it out too.

Technorati tags: craft

Michael LaFosse: origami author extraordinaire

I spotted Michael LaFosse's Advanced Origami in the International Book Fair in Manila a couple of years ago.  But it was way above my budget (it was over P2,000). I saw the book in National Bookstore some time after but passed it up again because the cost was still above my range.

I knew for sure that the content of the book was worth every peso, and until now I wish I could have gotten it.  I've paid by credit other stuff that were not exactly worthwhile before, so I was not sure why I chickened out on this one.

Then another one of Michael's books made an appearance in the Wellington City Library's new books list: Origami Art.  This one also proved difficult to catch as one borrower after another got their hands on it.

I finally had my turn.  When I saw in the online directory that the book was available, I rushed off to the Library.  And finally, it's in my hands!

Michael LaFosse's passion in this art shines through in this book.  His works are amazingly lifelike.  An excellent feature is the direct and easy-to-follow instructions that challenge you to engage in Michael's creations.  I will post here some of the projects I have done from this book.  It's a joy to fold these creations!

Now, if only the Library also buys copies of Advanced Origami...


Technorati tags: origami

Tabi po: online Filipino comics

Do you know what 'tabi-tabi po' is for? If you do, then you come from a generation who's familiar with the supernatural and mysterious side of Philippine folklore.

For the benefit of those not in the know, it is believed that we share the land with lamang-lupa, or beings that dwell in the ground. They can be nuno sa punso, dwende (dwarves), or other spirits. At nighttime, when you walk on the field or in a dirtpath, you might accidentally step on or cause harm to these creatures. The punishment can be severe, usually resulting in physical harm to yourself. And so you say aloud "tabi-tabi po!' so that these creatures can be warned and they can scamper to safety.

As a kid I used to go on vacation in Dagupan and I was told to say "bari-bari-bari! bambano bai-laki!" (hope I got the spelling right) which is essentially the same warning but in the local dialect.

The online Filipino comic created by Mervin Malonzo also talks about a Filipino mythological creature: the aswang. It is a creature that can live among us and look like an ordinary person but it can change its shape, usually an oversized animal such as a dog or a wild pig. It can also fly; it becomes disjointed at the waist and out comes bat wings, feeding on humans. I wonder if it is the same as the tik-tik which feeds on unborn babies?

Needless to say, the comic has some graphic content so if you're squeamish it's not for you. Otherwise jump on to the Tabi Po website!

Technorati tags: Filipino