Paper Crane Decorations | Satsuma Press

This is my favorite of today’s guest blog posts that the fabulous Lynn Russell of Satsuma Press has written. It’s so innovative and fresh, I am in love, love, love.

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Paper cranes are such a lovely and simple way to both decorate and have friends contribute to your wedding.  For my own wedding six summers ago, I first printed ‘paper crane party’ invitations that I sent to a group of girl-friends. As you know, I am a letterpress printer, but you could easily print these invites with your computer – or perhaps try using a vintage typewriter – especially if you’re trying to budget.  You can make the invitations extra pretty by glueing a piece of the paper you’ll be using for the cranes to the back of the card and wrapping it around to the front, as shown.   There’s no need to get too matchy-matchy; you can pull one pattern from the stack or keep the invitation plain and simple, too.

We spent several hours folding paper cranes – I pre-cut some Japanese washi into squares and taught those who didn’t yet know how to fold a paper crane – and had tea and snacks and a wonderful time.  I strung the finished cranes using an embroidery needle and thread.  We got married at an old cherry orchard in the Columbia River Gorge and we hung the cranes from the chandelier in the big red barn where we had dinner.

I asked my friend, Alyson, of Unruly Things to draw up a tutorial for those of you who might not know how to fold a paper crane.  It’s really easy and fun (and sort of addictive) once you get the hang of it! 

There are so many beautiful paper choices out there.  For my own wedding – at a place called Cherry Hill – I used the cherry blossom washi in shades of ivory, pale pink and light blue.  I think it looks beautiful, though, to mix and match papers and patterns.

I’m particularly drawn to Japanese and Italian prints – both of which you can find at Paper Source ().  A few sheets will go a long way, too, when you cut them down to squares of various sizes.

A thousand paper cranes are also traditionally given as a wedding gift by the folder, who wishes a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple.  What lovelier symbol could there be at the start of your own wedding?

PHOTO Credits:  By Satsuma Press, except last photo by Brooke Mackay Castro.