Woman in red dress sitting surrounded by colourful origami pieces.

Origami Est

bletchley, MILTON KEYNES

Origami Est is founded by origami ninja - Esther Thorpe. She has a passion for passing on her love for all things paper folding. Est has been designing, folding & teaching origami for over 10 years & she's also a published author of Paper Home. Est is passionate about origami making a difference to people's lives - improving mental health, creating community and championing sustainability. She also has two adorable long haired guinea pigs who are often confused for walking toupées.

The story behind the business
Meet Origami Est

It’d be impossible to put a date on it, I have always been obsessed with making things, especially using paper. Even when preschool I remember endlessly making paper homes for my cuddly toys. My parents were brilliant at allowing me to be creative, even though creativity wasn’t something they’d claim came naturally to them. As a source of inspiration my mum would frequently take me to exhibitions both local & further afield. I distinctly remember being struck by the beautiful work of Bridget Riley when visiting the Tate Gallery and this seemed to spark a fascination with geometric pattern (& Bridget Riley books – of which I seem to have a library).

When I was at school I couldn’t get enough of art, design and maths. Which never seemed to make sense to both myself & teachers but when I went to university to study Graphic Design, it quickly became evident that origami marries all 3 passions together! Throughout my degree and since, I have enjoyed stretching myself with more & more complex models and still find so much satisfaction transforming 2D square sheets into something even more beautiful!

At the moment I live in a central England with my husband & two small people. I enjoy being a mother by day and a ninja folder by night! I find origami truly addictive and love to give you the folding bug too - why not join me for a workshop or buy a copy of my book Paper Home?

Through my journey into origami I have discovered a passion for multi-modular creations. I enjoy celebrating the traditional Japanese art of paper folding while adding a contemporary edge. I have a background in both graphic design and teaching primary aged children, so running origami workshops is one of my favourite things to do.

founder Credentials

  • Female Founded Business
  • Socially Positive
Woman is folding paper squares on a low rise table, with scissors and tools to hand. She's smiling as she folds.

Returns

71 Skye Crescent

Milton Keynes

MK3 5AY

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