Want to explore something creative? Attend this origami class in Thane

Bobbie Vijayakkar with origami tulip bouquets at a workshop. Pics courtesy/Bobbie Vijayakkar

If your busy schedule and excess screen time have left you grappling with mental and physical fatigue, Bobbie Vijayakkar's origami workshop can help you unwind. The three-hour seminar at Thane will teach you how to create interesting visiting cards, envelopes, and flower bouquets using the art of
paper folding.

(From left) An origami pig; Vijayakkar's unique visiting card

He explains the key elements of the workshop, "In three hours, we will be making 12 items. They will partly be utility and partly origami-related items. In utility items, I will teach how to make boxes, envelopes, among others. I chose these items because they meet daily requirements. For example, if you are going to a wedding and you want to give cash as a present, you can use these envelopes. A handmade envelope is much cheaper and more appreciated than a ready-made one."

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Vijayakkar, 72, is an architect and an origami expert. He says, "I was always fascinated with paper; I didn't even know that the art of folding papers is called origami. The idea of workshops came when I went to Jaipur to handle a big project. Evenings used to be free, and instead of spending time in bars, I used to work on my art. I started learning origami by watching online tutorials. I remember making caps for my colleagues on their birthdays. One day, I was walking wearing the cap that I had made using a random newspaper. A senior colleague asked for it, so I gave it to him. Gradually, more people started coming and asking for the cap. One smart kid suggested that I start a workshop. That's how I started conducting workshops in schools, colleges, and NGOs" Vijayakkar has been teaching origami in Mumbai since 2014.

A handcrafted paper flower

In a recent video on Instagram, he shows his origami visiting cards. The reel got more than 12,000 views. These cards are so unique that people to whom he gave the cards tend to remember him. He shares an anecdote, "I met an architect in Pune, and I had given him my visiting card. Recently, he was in Mumbai to launch his book.

Children wear caps made using waste paper at a previous workshop

Even in a large crowd, he recognised me because of my visiting card."

Participants will get a hands-on experience in turning simple papers into 3D models. The difference between this session and the YouTube Tutorial is that here, every fold will help you learn more about the art of origami. In addition to that, participants will get to interact with the expert as well.

ON May 27; 3 pm to 6 pm
AT 21, Bhagyvruddi Apartments, 2nd floor, Naikwadi, behind Alok Hotel, Ambedkar Chowk, Thane West.
CALL 7039157352
COST Rs 1,500 (includes materials and refreshments)