Frog Origami
20 Jan
A couple days ago, I got an email from a friend about a girl named Heather, who is 11 years old. Heather was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a type of cancer commonly found in adolescents, in 2008.
Heather lives in Osterburg, Pennsylvania, which is right around the corner from my hometown. I drive through it almost every time I visit my family. As my friend said in her blog entry about Heather: “In small towns, everyone is a friend of a friend.” I couldn’t agree more and decided Heather was the next recipient on my letter list.
Heather really likes frogs, so I decided to make her one using origami. I found this tutorial online and spent some time constructing this little bugger. I named him Fred for now (I love the name Fred), but I figured Heather might want to call him otherwise.
I like Fred a lot. The construction process was engaging, relaxing and easy to follow. There were only a few points of confusion (step #13 had me for a few minutes). However, I did notice there were other tutorials online in which you could inflate the flog. I wanted to do this but worried about how this would travel in the mail.
Check out Fred’s belly. This feels slightly risqué. I thought about giving him a Steelers tattoo but refrained.
I tried thinking of some booky forms for Fred, but it was late and my brain was turning off. I knew I wanted to write Heather some sort of creative letter, so I went back to basics and made her a Steelers-inspired matchbook. In addition to loving frogs, Heather is also a HUGE Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She’s pretty tight with Troy Polamalu.
I used yellow pages for the inside sheets and wrote her a four page letter about frogs, the Steelers, origami, bookmaking and other fun items.
This might have been my most favorite letter to write so far. Not only did I have fun – but I know that Heather will appreciate the mail. I just hope she doesn’t think I’m too corny.
If you want to learn more about Heather or write her a letter, click here.
That is a very sweet, sad story. So nice of you to do something for her. And I think you should give it a Steelers tattoo.
your origami skills are impressive . . . so is your heart! I’m sure she will love it, so thoughtful
Thank you so much, Rose. It is perfect. She will just love it. You are so sweet.
That’s so cool Rose and not corny at all!
My uncle has ewings sarcoma and it’s been so rough on my family. It’s always nice when a community gets involved. Letters, meals and words of support mean so much.
That’s so sweet of you to send her a letter and a frog! I read her story and it sounds like she could really use all the love she can get.
wonderful!
Oh Rose, you have such a big heart. That is so evident in your blog and actions!
You are truly an amazing and wonderful person Rose!
That frog is so cool!!! And what a sweet letter
Your paper art is so awesome. Such a cute and sweet idea.
What an awesome idea. I love what you did with the frog and the letter.
That is so very sweet and thoughtful. Heather will love it, and I don’t think it’s corny in the least
What you did was awesome and so thoughtful and very inspiring!!!
My friend Wendy has written about her extensively. She lives in our coverage area.
What I lovely gift, I also am going to write her a letter. I miss writing and I hope she enjoys it.
Thanks for being a thoughtful and caring person.