A few days back we hosted our very own Etsy Craft Party where over 100 people joined us in the spirit of Craft for Community and helped us bring 1000 paper cranes to life.

1000 paper cranes

 1000 paper cranes

1000 paper cranes   1000 paper cranes

All images Alexander Chin ©

To describe the day as fun, awesome, heartwarming, amazing, special, joyful and creative would be an understatement. There was magic in the room as so many people came along to be a part of it all and really band together to help achieve our goal of 1000 paper cranes. It was on for young and old and I was witness to so many happy faces folding away in their own paper paradise. There were a few people who were expert crane folders but for many it was their first experience of folding a paper crane. Seeing the awe in the expression of these first-timers upon their first completed crane was priceless and made my heart sing!

1000 paper cranes  1000 paper cranes

1000 paper cranes  1000 paper cranes

 All images Alexander Chin ©

Of course the day was also a huge celebration for the 1st Birthday of our wonderful friends at the Boyd Building in Southbank. By the end of it all we successfully turned their rather lovely but simple wooden staircase into a rainbow of colour and creativity. Crane by crane, string by string we worked hard to complete the installation and once the last chain was secured the final few of the folding army cheered and stood in awe of our collaborative efforts.

 

1000 paper cranes 1000 paper cranes

1000 paper cranes

All images Alexander Chin ©

1000 paper cranes hold a special place in my heart and I would love to thank each and every one of you for making this childhood dream of mine possible. If you haven’t read about the inspiration behind it all check out my post here.

1000 paper cranes

I’d like to personally thank the following individuals whom without their help the day would not have been possible! To event manager and all-round can-do master Chris – thank you for all your hard work in the lead up and smooth running on the day. To Chandni (from Kishmish Moon), Daphne & Rebecca – each of you worked tirelessly and relentlessly! Thank you for sharing your awesome origami skillz with the masses.

To Alex from Chronolapse who captured the day with photos and a time-lapse video and Ryan from PurpleMonky who offered to film the day – thank you for graciously offering your time and expertise. To our our wonderful Boyd family – Natalie and Darany – thank you for all your support and efforts on the day and for all your support thus far.

And to each and every one of you who came along and helped create the 1000 paper crane rainbow I am forever grateful for you being a part of the day!

The 1000 paper cranes will be on display for all of July at the Boyd Building in Southbank so be sure to check them out. They will also make a special appearance at the Hiroshima Peace Mass at St Michael’s Church on Collins Street on Sunday 4th August.

I hope that the 1000 paper cranes will continue to travel and exhibit for many more people to enjoy.  If you are interested in having the cranes displayed for an upcoming event please get in touch.

To find out more about 1000 paper cranes and the Children’s Peace Monument go here.

In Sadako’s words…

I will write peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world”. 

 

 

We’re you with us? Would love to hear your stories from the day via the comments below!