Make a wish +1,000 Cranes

My son set out to make 1,000 origami paper cranes to give to a friend for a birthday gift. He showed so much perseverance and dedication.

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creatures (others include the dragon and the tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years. In Japan, it is commonly said that folding 1000 paper origami cranes makes a person's wish come true. This makes them popular gifts for special friends and family. (Wikipedia)

I pulled out several pages from my journal (it is a truly mundane notebook) and scraped on layers of different colored paints. I used these painted papers to create my paper origami cranes.

As I was folding the cranes, the repetitive nature made it easy for me to reflect on my deepest wishes. 

Peeking through the paint are my most private thoughts and feelings.

Each bird is unique

and carries my wishes for 2011.

Congratulations to my son for reaching his goal! I on the other hand have settled for 250 cranes and feel quite accomplished. In the process of folding so many cranes I have gained greater clarity. This clarity is a key step in reaching any goal or in making one's wishes come true.

What do you wish for in 2011? How are you gaining clarity? Pull out your journal or better yet, tear out the pages and get folding.

Namaste,

Kathryn, Collage Diva

Comments

[Paula - Buenos Aires]

Such an inspiring story!
Congratulations to both on your perseverance. :)

[Jaime aka artsyfartsyme]

These are just beautiful! What a great idea to use your journal pages and paint. The beads add just the extra touch, so pretty! Congratulations to you and your son, what an accomplishment! I'm sure the recipients are thinking they are the ones with the luck!

[Mary]

Lovely paper cranes and what a wonderful project. A few years ago my daughter, with the help of some friends, folded 1,000 paper cranes for an ailing relative's recovery. There is a wonderful illustrated children's book, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.

For 2011 I am wishing for creativity, growth, connection, and renewal.

[Angi]

What a profound and inspiring story! I love the idea of creating 1,000 origami cranes.

Love, peace and joy,
Angi

[Kim]

Your cranes are truly beautiful. 250 is quite an accomplishment on its own, but 1000 - wow - that is, words escape me, I can't even imagine what 1000 cranes in a pile looks like.

I do have some wishes I would like to come true but I don't think I'm up to folding 1000 cranes so your sone must have a lot of perseverance and drive.

[Shell]

That is amazing gift your son has done for his friend and for himself. Tell him to make a really great wish.