A little background first. I’m an experienced Origami folder. I understand the concepts of designing, and I’ve folded some of the more difficult folds out there. I’ve also taught all ages how to fold and have been known to diagram folds on occasion.

A couple of years ago I was in Singapore for a wedding. Over the course of the reception I found myself hanging out with this one 12 year old kid. He had never folded before, but like most kids his age he could catch on pretty quick. After teaching him a couple of folds I could see he was pretty good at this. So it was time to throw him a curve-ball. I taught him how to design his own folds.

It took about 15 minutes but in the end he had a fold that was easily distinguishable as the object he intended to create. He was impressed with the fold, and I was impressed with his ability, but we couldn’t let it stop there. I managed to dig up a piece of paper and a pen and started to diagram his fold. He picked up the symbols for an inside-reverse fold, mountains and valleys, and in the end he had a piece of paper which he could easily reproduce he fold from in the future. I dated it, and he signed his name so he knew it was his design.

Now, most kids after I have taught them how to fold something will usually say “thanks” but often at the prompting by their parents. This time was a bit different. I easily consider this to be one of the best compliments I’ve ever received in my life.

“You’re an excellent maker.”

And with that we went back to the party.

I often get requests about the projects I’m working on.

“Why are you building this?”

“Are you going to make this into an art installation?”

“You should sell this!”

The thoughts do cross my mind. But I do them for a different reason. I do them to be that excellent maker I was a couple years ago in Singapore. And you can’t be excellent at anything unless you keep working at it.

So really, the projects I work on are more for me to learn than anything else. If someone comes along and finds themselves moved by the project then it’s pleasing. If they happen to call me an excellent maker I’ll be inspired to be more excellent.