Jim wanted to go to Cracker Barrel for dinner yesterday since he hoped that the gift shop might have something that his Mom might like for Christmas. We got seated right away though it was a little crowded. We were pretty close to an older couple that was already eating and while we were waiting to place our order, I got out some paper and folded some small origami pine trees. We ordered and waited some more and I folded a few more things since I had plenty of paper.
The couple were the best kind of people to sit near – if you have to sit near anyone in a crowded restaurant. They spoke quietly to each other and the only time we heard them was when they shared a good-natured laugh. Delightful folks.
They finished their meal and as they were getting their coats on I leaned over and set the trees – one for each of them – on the table.
“Excuse me,” I said, “Before you leave, I made you some christmas trees,”
The woman picked hers up with a slight look of puzzlement as she studied it.
“You made this?” she asked.
“Yes, just now. It’s three pieces of paper and a little glue later on will help hold it together,”
Her eyes lit up and they were both astonished at my little creations. They thanked me and were delighted over the simple present. Both were all smiles as they left the restaurant.
It’s funny how the simple lines and folds of some paper can, suddenly, become a Christmas tree. The shape is a pair of triangles at right angles. Stack three of those and it’s a pine tree. Add the appropriate season and it’s a Christmas tree.
I made up two more trees as I was finishing up my dinner and gave those to the not-quite-as-delightful-but-still-were-pretty-nice couple on the other side of us. I also left behind some shapes for the server.
We ended up not finding anything for Jim’s Mom in the store, but it was still a good trip.
I’m always satisfied when I learn a new shape – and the trees are an “anthony original” – but nothing beats the delight of giving away a small treasure to someone as a surprise.
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Back in October, one of my friends shared a link on facebook to some origami bats – some of her favorite creatures. I didn’t have a chance to see her for a bit, but knew she’d be at a party hosted by some mutual friends in December.
I found a slightly more realistic bat design and some black paper – and set to work on learning how to make some bats. Once I’d figured them out with test paper I got out the good paper and made seven for her. I put these in a big envelope and took them with me to the party.
When I saw her there, I gave her a hug and said, “I have something for you,” and held up the envelope.
“Did you make me an origami bat?” she asked. I was a little surprised she remembered, but recovered as I opened up the envelope and showed her the collection.
She lit up and was all smiles as she turned them this way and that – and decided she was going to make Christmas Bat garland out of them.
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Lastly, I made ornaments that I gave to my student employees – along with gift cards – for finals week/early Christmas presents. They were all amazed by the ornaments and liked them I think as much as the gift cards. And those were Chipotle and Starbucks.
I’ve said this before, but it continues to amaze me how much people like these. They are so easy to do – 12 pieces of paper, a few folds, and…well… some spatial perception puzzle solving. But other than that, super easy. 🙂
It’s a pretty sweet hobby and I’m glad I’ve gotten to share it with people over the years.