New blank cards: Origami leaves and dolphins

Before I begin introducing other styles from my inaugural collection, such as cards with 3D motifs or paper cuts, let me quickly show you my two most recent origami creations: leaves and dolphins. Both of these cards feature beautiful textured card stock from Japan. 

Blank leaf card

Article No.: 00JO-A6-WOO-14101

Are you looking for a blank card that suits the fall season? Are you tired of flowers, puppies, drinks, beaches and the likes on cards and would prefer something more autumnal, but no less bright and elegant? Look no further. This handmade blank card combines an origami leaf with a variety of beautiful Japanese papers in fall colours and with different textures.

• Textured Japanese card stock in wood brown.
• The collage consists of vertical paper stripes in crinkled gold paper (long) and brown washi paper (short), three diagonal stripes in latte-coloured linen card stock, one uneven broad stripe of brown Japanese tissue paper, and an origami leaf, hand-folded from dark red origami paper with an attached stem made of dark brown paper. The leaf is only glued in the centre in order to create a 3D effect.
• The size of the card is 10.7cm x 15.7 cm (4 1/4" x 6 1/4").
• Blank inside. The card contains a loosely inserted sheet of watermarked Japanese lining paper.
• A matching light reddish-brown envelope with shimmery speckles is included.

Blank dolphin card

Article No.: 00JO-A6-SEA-14101

This handmade blank card combines a variety of elegant Japanese papers in nautical colours and features a shimmery origami dolphin. It is suitable for many different purposes. You could send "happy birthday" wishes to a dolphin or sea lover. Or instead of the usual "Good luck!" why not wish your recipient that something may go swimmingly!? Send it to a friend who loves Japan, but hates the dolphin hunt. Or use the card in true Douglas Adams fashion to say "So long" and/or "thanks (for all the fish)"!

• Textured Japanese card stock in sea blue.
• The collage consists of two vertical paper stripes in blue and shimmery light turquoise, a horizontal stripe in white (finely printed Japanese tissue), chiyogami (precious Japanese silk-screened paper) in a navy blue and white wave pattern, and an origami dolphin hand-folded from shimmery blue ungeishi paper.
• The size of the card is 10.7cm x 15.7 cm (4 1/4" x 6 1/4").
• Blank inside. The card contains a loosely inserted sheet of watermarked Japanese lining paper.
• A matching light blue envelope is included.

Set of THREE blank dolphin cards

Article No.: 00SE-A6-SEA-14101

You can buy my blank dolphin cards also in a set of three -- at a discounted price!

Please note that no cards are exactly the same, as each card is made by hand and features a different cut from a full sheet of chiyogami. That is, you will receive three unique cards in this set. The different components of the design are, however, arranged in the same way on every card.

The full set is held together by a thin printed card-stock wrapper.

Origami flowers, butterflies, hearts and apples

I am sure you have noticed by now that I love incorporating origami into my card designs. It is true, I fold a lot of birds, but they are by far not the only kind of motif I use. Here are, for example, all the cards from my inaugural collection that feature origami flowers, butterflies, hearts and apples.

1. Flowers

Camellia birthday card

Article No.: 01GO-A2-MIX14091

This birthday card belongs to my retro line. It combines an origami camellia in bright lemon yellow with different Japanese paper textures in a range of blue tones (abaka asagami tissue, washi paper, and momi paper) on German printed card stock (black-and-white paisley pattern).

• "Happy Birthday!" is handwritten in sparkly blue pen on a piece of yellow card stock, which is placed just below the centre of the card.
• The size of the card is A2.
• Blank inside.
• A white envelope is included with the card.

Camellia anniversary card

Article No.: 12GO-A2-MIX14091

This handmade anniversary card also belongs to my retro line. It combines an origami camellia in ruby red with different paper textures in a range of gold tones (Japanese tama tissue, rose-embossed gold card stock, and antique gold paper) on German printed card stock (black-and-white rose pattern).

• "Happy Anniversary!" is handwritten in cursive with gold pen on a piece of ruby red paper, which is glued onto a piece of white paper and arranged across the bottom centre of the card.
• The size of the card is A2.
• Blank inside.
• A white envelope is included with the card.

Flowery thank-you card

Article No.: 02GO-A2-MIX14091

All good things come in threes, including my retro cards. This handmade thank-you card combines a simple origami flower in orange with different Japanese paper textures in a range of green tones (watermark tissue, kozo paper, and obonai feather paper) on German printed card stock (black-and-white circular flower pattern).

• "THANK YOU!" is handwritten in black on a piece of orange paper, which is placed at the bottom of the card.
• The size of the card is A2.
• Blank inside.
• A white envelope is included with the card.

Sunflower birthday card

Article No.: 01GO-A6-MIX14101

Here is a bright summery birthday card for someone who loves flowers and/or gardening! The star of this card is an origami sunflower which was hand-folded from several sheets of mini origami paper in bright yellow, brown and green. The sunflower is arranged on pink washi paper, which is glued to  German card stock, featuring a colourful flower print. 

• "Happy Birthday!" is handwritten in gold on a piece of white card stock, which is placed in the centre-right of the card. A card stock cut-out gnome (printed German card stock) is placed underneath.
• The size of the card is A6.
• Blank inside.
• A white envelope is included with the card.

2. Butterflies

 

Wedding card (or engagement card) with butterflies

Article No.: 03OR-SL-AVO14091

A very special card for a very special day. With its combination of chiyogami (precious Japanese silk-screened paper), satin ribbon, and origami butterflies, this elegant handmade card celebrates love, beauty and togetherness without drawing on traditional bride-and-groom motifs. While designed with a wedding in mind, the card would be suitable for engagements as well.

• Dimensions of the folded card: 13.9cm x 13.9cm (5.5" x 5.5").
• Avocado Japanese linen card stock. 
• The collage is composed of a square sheet of white paper; chiyogami in a green-yellow-white-purple-black colour palette with gold; two handmade origami butterflies that are arranged to look as if they are flying towards each other at the top of the card; and a narrow stripe of purple card stock, which has a yellow satin ribbon (tied into a bow) glued on top of it. 
• Approximately a third of the square paper is left intentionally blank on the right-hand side and can be customised to suit your preferences regarding text. Options include: 
• Text "Congratulations"
• Text "Wedding Wishes"
• Text "[Name of Spouse 1] & [Name of Spouse 2]"
• Text of your choice (max. 4 words)
• Blank

• Blank inside. It contains a loosely inserted sheet of delicate Japanese lining paper.
• A large square envelope (white) is included with the card.

3. Hearts

"I love you" card with a red heart

Article No.: 11OB-A6-MIX14091

This unusual handmade card combines Japanese paper with a homey and rustic design. Why not use an exceptional card to tell an exceptional person, "I love you"!?

• The card stock of this card is made in Germany and has a simple brown-and-white plaid print design; the pattern continues on the back of the card.
• An origami heart, folded from red washi paper, is arranged on a square of silk white kozo tissue in the centre of the card.
• "I love you" is handwritten in cursive with a white pen on red paper, and arranged across the bottom right corner of the main motif.
• At the bottom of the card, a slim stripe of silk white kozo tissue is glued onto a broader stripe of brown Japanese textured paper, and a red button is sewn onto both stripes.
• The size of the card is A6.
• Blank inside.
• A white envelope is included with the card.

4. Apples

Rosh Hashanah card with a red apple

Article No.: 15GO-GS-GRE14091

Rosh Hashanah was celebrated only a few weeks ago, but if you are planning ahead, keep this card in mind for next year! This is a unique handmade greeting card to wish someone L'Shana Tova, or, a good year.

• The collage on the green card stock consists of two rows of German printed card stock featuring an apple pattern, one handmade origami apple, small hand-cut Stars of David and a little paper leaf glued to the surface of the apple, as well as a card stock "gift tag" tied to the apple with satin ribbon. 
• "L'Shana Tova" is handwritten on the apple's gift tag in gold pen.
• The size of the card is A6.
• Blank inside. The card contains a loosely inserted sheet of delicate Japanese lining paper.
• A green envelope is included.

Rosh Hashanah card with a green apple

Article No.: 15GO-GS-YEL14091

Here is the same Rosh Hashanah card in a different colour combination.

• The card stock is yellow, and the German printed card stock featuring the apple pattern has a blue background. The origami apple is green. 
• "L'Shana Tova" is handwritten on the apple's gift tag in silver pen.
• The size of the card is A6.
• Blank inside. 
• A yellow envelope is included.

Origami cranes and other birds

Bird motifs lend themselves nicely to numerous occasions. Here are all the cards from my inaugural collection that feature origami cranes, hummingbirds, swans or doves.

1. Cranes

 

The blank crane card

 

Article No.: 00OF-A2-RED14091

• The pictured card is made with scarlet card stock, but other colours are available as well.
• Placed in the centre is a handmade origami crane folded from beautiful chiyogami paper (precious Japanese silk-screened paper) that matches the colour of the card stock. The crane is affixed to white paper with glue, but is otherwise not glued so that one of its wings can be folded out or up. 
• Surrounding the crane is a frame that is hand-cut from linen card stock that matches the colour of the chiyogami. 
• The size of the card is A2.  
• Blank inside. Contains a loosely inserted sheet of delicate Japanese lining paper.
• An envelope in the same colour as the card is included with every order. 

The crane birthday card: Simple Elegance 

 

Article No.: 01OF-A6-RED14091

This card is essentially the same as the blank crane card, except for two features:

• It contains a wish underneath the framed crane, in this case: "happy birthday!"
• And it is slightly larger. To be precise, this card is A6 instead of A2.

It is available in different colour combinations as well.

The crane birthday card: The Crane Chain (small)

 

Article No.: 01CC-A2-MIX14091

This exceptional birthday card features an elaborately constructed, hand-made mini origami-crane chain with beads on modern printed black-and-white card stock.

• Dimensions of the folded card: 8.5cm x 13 cm (3 3/8" x 5").
• The pattern continues on the back of the card.
• Seven handmade origami cranes, made from origami paper in red, orange, yellow, light green, green, blue and purple are arranged in the colour sequence of a rainbow on a black string with interspersed transparent yellow mini beads. The string is stitched onto the card at the top and bottom; it is knotted on the inside of the card, and a protective sheet of white paper, which can be written on, is glued on top of it on the inside.
• "Happy birthday!" is handwritten in gold pen on a rectangular piece of white card stock on the right-hand side of the card.
• Blank inside.
• A white A2 envelope is included with the card.

The crane birthday card: The Crane Chain (large)

Article No.: 01CC-A6-WHI14091

This card is essentially the same as the small crane chain card, except for three features:

• This card is larger (A6). 
• The black-and-white card stock pattern does not continue on the back; the overall card is white. 
• The "Happy Birthday!" wish is framed by green paper.

The crane thank-you card 

 

Article No.: 02OF-A6-TEA14091

Another variation of the blank crane card and the crane birthday card.

• The colour of this card stock is teal, and the size of the card is A6. 
• The text label says "thank you".

This card is also available in other colour combinations.

The get-well-soon card with a crane

 

Article No.: 08OF-GS-LIL14091

Again, the same style as the previous cards with framed cranes, but with some variation.

• The colour of this card stock is lilac, and the size of the card is A6. 
• The text label says "get well soon".

This card is also available in other colour combinations.

The good-luck card with a crane 

 

Article No.: 10OF-GS-BLU14091

Because we love the crane with the simple but elegant frame so much, here it is again in a different colour/text combination.

• The colour of this card stock is a bright baby blue, and the size of the card is A6. 
• The text label says "good luck!".

This card is, like all the previous framed crane cards, also available in other colour combinations.

The crane congratulations card

 

A2 card with sandy copper envelope - Article No.: 07OF-A2-NAV14091
A6 card with white envelope - Article No.: 07OF-A6-NAV14091

This is an elegant handmade card to offer congratulations on a variety of occasions.

• The colour of the card stock is navy blue.
• The collage consists of chiyogami (precious Japanese silk-screened paper with a leaf design in dark shades and gold), one origami crane folded from the same chiyogami paper, a frame made from antique gold paper, and silk white kozo tissue.
• "Congratulations" is handwritten on the outside of the card in gold pen.
• Blank inside. Contains a loosely inserted sheet of delicate Japanese lining paper.
• The card is available in two sizes:
• A2, which comes with a sandy copper envelope;
• A6, which comes with a white envelope.

2. Hummingbirds

 

The congratulations card with hummingbirds 

 

Article No.: 07OF-SS-NAV14091

This card featuring two hummingbirds would be well suited to congratulate a couple on their engagement, wedding or anniversary. The materials used are the same as in the crane congratulations card. 

• Dimensions of the folded card: 12.7cm x 12.7cm (5" x 5").
• This card comes with a white square envelope.

  

The wedding card with hummingbirds 

 

Article No.: 03OR-SL-IVO14091

A very special card for a very special day. With its combination of chiyogami (precious Japanese silk-screened paper), satin ribbon, and origami hummingbirds, this elegant handmade card celebrates love, beauty and togetherness without drawing on traditional bride-and-groom motifs. While designed with a wedding in mind, the card would be suitable for engagements as well.

• Dimensions of the folded card: 13.9cm x 13.9cm (5.5" x 5.5").
• Ivory Japanese linen card stock. 
• The collage is composed of a square sheet of paper in dark eggplant; chiyogami in a rich white-lilac-purple colour palette with gold; two handmade origami birds that are arranged to look as if they are flying towards each other at the top of the card; and a narrow stripe of lightly textured ivory card stock, which has a purple satin ribbon (tied into a bow) glued on top of it. 
• There are also three hand-cut paper flowers, decorated with gel pen, glued to the chiyogami, and imitating its pattern in 3D.
• Approximately a third of the square paper is left intentionally blank on the right-hand side and can be customised to suit your preferences. Options include: 
• Text "Congratulations"
• Text "Wedding Wishes"
• Text "[Name of Spouse 1] & [Name of Spouse 2]"
• Text of your choice (max. 4 words)
• Blank

• The card is blank inside.
• A large square envelope (ivory) is included with the card.

3. Swans

 

The swan sympathy card (with condolence text on card stock) 

 

Article No.: 09OR-A6-BLA14091

This is a unique handmade sympathy card to express your sincerest condolences. The colour range is kept tastefully modest (black, grey, white and silver).

• Dimensions of the folded card: A6 (11.5cm x 15.3cm / 4.5" x 6")
• The card stock is black.
• The collage consists of grey German card stock with a classic black flowery print, black kozo paper, a handmade origami swan folded from washi paper, and a black satin ribbon.
• "With deepest sympathy" is handwritten in black-rimmed silver directly onto the card stock.  
• Blank inside. Contains a loosely inserted sheet of delicate Japanese lining paper.
• A matching white envelope is included.  

The swan sympathy card (with condolence text on vellum paper) 

 

Article No.: 09OR-A6-BLA14092

This sympathy card is essentially the same as the one above, except for the finish. Here, "With deepest sympathy" is handwritten in black-rimmed silver onto firm vellum paper, which is glued onto the card stock below the ribbon.

The "I love you" card with swans in blue 

 

Article No.: 11GO-A6-MIX14091

This handmade card replicates a traditional romantic motif -- two courting swans whose necks form a heart shape -- in origami. Here is your chance to say "I love you" with a beautiful and unique card.

• Dimensions of the folded card: A6 (11.3cm x 15.5 cm / 4 3/8" x 6").
• The card stock has a cute print design with flowery hearts in blue and red tones and white. The pattern continues on the back of the card.
• A stripe of red card stock, embossed with hearts, and cut with an elaborate finishing on each side, runs along the left side of the card. 
• Two origami swans, folded from white washi paper, are arranged -- with their beaks touching -- on a double layer of washi; the bottom layer is a translucent white, and the top layer an opaque blue. 
• "I love you" is handwritten in black ink on white washi paper, which is glued onto an elegantly shaped piece of the heart-embossed red card stock, and arranged in the bottom right corner of the card.
• Blank inside.
• A white A6 envelope is included with the card.

The "I love you" card with swans in red

 

Article No.: 11GO-A6-MIX14092

This handmade card has a very similar design as the previous one. There are three design/material differences:

• The card stock of this card has a classic red-and-white print design (also continuing on the back of the card)
• The swans are placed on cornflower-blue Japanese momi paper.
• "I love you" is handwritten in black ink on white washi paper, which is glued onto another piece of the blue momi paper. 

4. Doves

 

The wedding card with doves

 

Article No.: 03OR-SL-TUR14091 

Another special card for a very special day. With its combination of flowery chiyogami (precious Japanese silk-screened paper), satin ribbon, and origami doves, this elegant handmade card celebrates love, beauty and togetherness without drawing on traditional bride-and-groom motifs. While designed with a wedding in mind, the card would be suitable for engagements as well.

• Dimensions of the folded card: 13.9cm x 13.9cm (5.5" x 5.5").
• Aquamarine Japanese linen card stock. 
• The collage is composed of a square sheet of white paper; chiyogami in a rich mint-red-pink colour palette with gold; two handmade origami birds that are arranged to look as if they are flying towards each other at the top of the card; and a narrow stripe of lightly textured ivory card stock, which has a red satin ribbon (tied into a bow) glued on top of it. 
• There are also three hand-cut paper flowers, decorated with gel pen, glued to the chiyogami, and imitating its pattern in 3D.
• Approximately a third of the square paper is left intentionally blank on the right-hand side and can be customised to suit your preferences. Options include: 
• Text "Congratulations"
• Text "Wedding Wishes"
• Text "[Name of Spouse 1] & [Name of Spouse 2]"
• Text of your choice (max. 4 words)
• Blank

• The card is blank inside and contains a loosely inserted sheet of delicate Japanese lining paper.
• A large square envelope (aquamarine) is included with the card.

What’s up with that folded bird?

Red-crowned cranes are majestic large birds that are revered in Japanese culture. Since they are not as common as other birds and were believed to live up to 1,000 years, they have become symbols of good luck and longevity. When origami became a popular pastime during the Edo period (17th century CE), people began folding cranes, and the paper crane has since assumed similar symbolic value as the live animal.  

I learned to fold origami cranes, when I was approximately ten years old, and I still have the instructions that I used back then (not that I need them anymore). Together with an origami book, which surprisingly did not include instructions for the crane, my mom had also bought me a pack of made-in-Japan origami paper, which came – and this is no surprise at all – with crane-folding instructions. Once I had mastered the simpler folds from my book, learning how to fold cranes was the logical next step. Since that day, I have folded many many cranes in my life.

Other people’s folded cranes have also had an impact on me. When I visited the Japan Foundation library during the 2012 Doors Open Toronto, I found an origami crane on a book shelf that had a message on its wing, which read, “Unfold me!” Upon unfolding, a teeny teeny teeny paper crane fell out, and I was blown away anew by the magic of origami. 

A few months later, my husband and I travelled to Japan on our honeymoon, and at our very first hotel, we were greeted by two paper cranes on our bed, which was not only a beautiful sight, but a gesture that made us feel welcome straight away. 

The greatest impact on me, however, had Sadako Sasaki, whose story I encountered during my visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Sadako suffered from leukemia as a result of her exposure to the radiation of the atomic bomb when she was a small child in 1945. Believing in the old Japanese legend that promised the granting of one wish to anyone who folded one thousand paper cranes, she folded as many cranes and more in order to be granted the wish to overcome her illness. She died at the age of 12. While Sadako has become a symbol of innocent victims of war, the paper crane has become an important peace symbol. In honour of Sadako and all the innocent victims of the atomic bomb, I bought a pack of origami paper at the Peace Memorial Museum’s gift shop, folded a crane at the Children’s Peace Monument, and donated it right there. I think of Sadako and the victims of war every time I fold a crane.   

 

When it comes to decorating cards with origami, there is nothing as versatile as the crane. It looks stunning in both 2D and 3D. It is thick enough, to jump out of the card and provide a nice texture, but thin enough to stay in shape without glue and complement a two-dimensional design. When glued to a card, one wing can be folded up, out, or to the side. There is no good side or bad side; a paper crane looks good on either side when it’s folded right. It is pretty on its own, but looks lovely in company, too, whether it’s two cranes beak to break, or a chain of cranes. And it fits a great variety of tones, not just in colour, but in sentiment. That’s why Paper Turns is full of paper cranes. 

Welcome to Paper Turns!

I have been making greeting cards since I was a child, and in 2008, I decided that one day I will create my own label. Here it is: Paper Turns by KD Urschel!

Paper Turns greeting cards are designed and handmade by me. I am most inspired by the great variety of Japanese papers and crafting traditions, such as origami, and I combine these traditional materials and styles with elegant modern card stock, including German printed card stock, as well as ribbons, buttons, bamboo, feathers,... None of my cards are completely flat or include just one texture; on the contrary: each Paper Turns card combines many different textures, and whenever I use print designs I replicate parts of the pattern in 3D.  

• You think a greeting card can sometimes be a gift in itself and should thus be made with love and care?
• You find the texts that are printed on greeting cards cheesy, but can’t find a good selection of tasteful blank cards?
• You are bored by the standard motifs on store-bought cards and are looking for birthday cards without presents and cakes or wedding cards without brides & grooms, champagne glasses and rings?
• You like handmade cards, but don’t have the time / energy / ability / materials / creative vision / [insert your own reason] to make them yourself?

You have come to the right place! Let me design and make the perfect card for you.

My first collection can be found in the Paper Turns Etsy shop, and I will introduce all the designs that are currently available for purchase on this blog shortly. I will also start working on a smaller Winter/Holiday collection soon, and plan to introduce it in early/mid November. I would be happy to custom-design cards for you as well.

I hope to hear from you soon!