The origami crane is undoubtedly the most easily recognized of the paper folds. In Japanese folklore it is a symbol of longevity as the Japanese believed the crane lived for 1000 years. In modern day Japan it is a symbol of World peace because of the story of Sadako and the Thousand Cranes. Here in America they have come to symbolize good luck to the bride and groom at weddings; on the mainland 1000 cranes are used, in Hawaii 1001.

To me, tiny cranes are beautiful and elegant sculptures in miniature. "Do you use tools to fold them?" I am often asked. I don't. I just use tiny pieces of paper and my fingers. My favorite sizes to fold are cranes that are 3/8" or 3/4" high. To view a picture in scale look at the Tiny Gestures piece. I began creating cranes as a mixed-media art form in 1997. Since then I have folded more then 15,000 of them!

Stacie Tamaki