The Girl With The Origami Earring

Photographed By: Isabel Nilsson
Make-Up: Karin Rydström
Model: Valentina
Styled By: Ellinor Forje

And here I was thinking that Rock-Paper-Scissors, is just a silly game they play. Valentina Wali, begs to differ.

YOU HAVE A SUITABLE BRAND NAME, WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? The choice of a brand name was very hard and I thought it would take forever until I realized that "Tamashaka" felt right. Something that may sound Japanese, but really means something like "Look!" in my native language.

WHEN DID YOU START DESIGNING JEWELLERY?
I've loved handicraft since I was child, it probably started in (primary) school with knitting, and Christmas cards. When craft disappeared (from the curriculum) somewhere during middle school, I continued with it as hobby.

In the early high school period, I worked more with jewellry made of glass beads and other similar materials. But, it was only a hobby then. Something that was a relaxing and therapeutic activity for me.

WHEN AND WHERE DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN THE ART OF ORIGAMI?
I folded this or the other paper crane when I was younger. But it was after my graduation (from high school) that I got more immersed. During the summer that followed I sat infront of my computer looking through ads for vacant apartments. And while I was waiting, I started folding. I tried everything that I found instructions for. Different animals, flowers and decorations. Within a short time I realized what amused me most, namely, unit origami. Several key points pieced together into a completed work.

HOW HAVE YOU OBTAINED THIS KNOWLEDGE?
With the computer habit that I have, I looked up lots of different tutorials for all possible types of origami. It's not difficult to fold. I have interest and patience. The instructions you find vary. Some are nicely illustrated instructions while some may be carelessly plotted by hand or even worse - in a completely different language. I'ts frustrating, but all you need is time to figure it out.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO JAPAN?
(The art of) Origami originates from Japan and it would be incredibly fun to visit the capital. I've promised my cousin that we should go there in the near future and stay at a kareoke hotel. It would be really exciting just to be there and experience the large and modern city, that Tokyo is.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CREATE A PAIR OF EARRINGS?
A pair of origami earrings, take just over an hour. The most boring aspect which also takes the most time, is the preparation itself. That is, marking and cutting out all the parts.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE ON THE FORM AND SHAPE?
Since I've focused on unit origami, I tried different weight charts until I found this unique shape. I like it because it's triangular, circular and square at the same time. At first my idea was this "square ball" as a decorative ornament until I realized that they were cool as earrings,too.

WHAT DIFFERENT TYPES OF EARRINGS CAN WE FIND AMONG YOUR DESIGNS?
Origami earrings are so unique to this particular model. But I also do "regular" jewellry of beads, wood and wire. The origami earrings are fun to make and reflects more of my personality.

WHO DO YOU TARGET YOUR JEWELLRY TOWARDS?
My jewellry and my products are targeted at those who appreciate handmade, original and personal items. I've had the chance to meet many of my customers and have realized that all were exuberant and had wonderful personalities, interesting and in a way or another enterprising people, that you can do nothing but admire.

YOU ALSO DESIGN LAMPS, WHEN DID YOU START THIS VENTURE?
A few years ago I found another kind of origami - where you fold strips of paper. I quickly found a favorite shape. Found it interesting and used it as decoration in the home. After the first success of the earrings, I thought it would be interesting to make the lamps and realized that the golden oldies would fit perfectly for this. They are more transparent and allows light to shine through the triangular shapes leaving beautiful marks on the walls and ceilings.

ARE YOU LOOKING TO WORK WITH OTHER MATERIALS APART FROM PAPER?
There are endless ideas for products from Tamashaka. I would like to work with fabric and metal in the future. In due course, everything will be improved and new ideas created. Hopefully I'll be able to offer a wide range of unique things.

HOW DO YOU DISCPILINE YOURSELF?
Since childhood, I realized that I'm able to do what I want if I just want it. I also very quickly realized that reluctancy can block me from performing. I have no objection to tear and fight for something that truly interests me, that I feel that I get something out of. I can handle that type of stress.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
I would say that it's mixed. I have gone through so many different styles and periods in my life that I've now become a lose bag of sweets. It's a bit sweet, a little salt and a bit sour. But, I feel balanced and happy. There are some who refuse to recognize that you can be a bit of everything.

IS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE REFLECTED IN YOUR DESIGN?
As for the style of jewellry that I buy myself, it's also mixed. I think a lot of fun color combinations, different shapes and funky patterns. I personally think that it comes forward in my constructions.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN ADDITION TO YOUR BUSINESS VENTURE?
The company is just newly hatched and a part-time job, as I recently started studies in Interaction Design in Malmö. I hope that Tamashaka eventually expands to the extent that I can spend all my time on it.

HOW YOU FIND TIME FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES?
With my studies and Tamashaka, there isn't as much time as I would have wanted to have had. When I have time, it's important to distribute it evenly with loved ones. Sometimes the balance can be difficult to keep up, but I do my best to do everything that makes me feel good. General well-being results in energy to succeed with your studies, and cope with stressful environments.

HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR BRAND TO DEVELOP?
The origami is only a small fraction of what I'd like to do. I want Tamashaka.com to have everything from an old-fashioned housewife spirit to personal geek humour. Everyone should feel that they found something handmade by artisans. Energy breeds energy. Creativity can be stimulated by others' creativity.