How to DIY with 100% success
Hermione, Learning Expert
As the most knowledgeable of sidekicks (borderline genius), Hermione brings together a wealth of tools, resources and FOLDORI's own blog articles so you can be confident there will always be an answer to your questions.
Book-smart and exceptionally talented, Hermione is laser-focused on doing all the research to get you out of any pitfalls that may appear on your creative journey. Like everyone of us she shares a sense of self-doubt and a need for external validation, being a little suspect of her own talent; this is why she's become one of the leading experts in Paper DIY, de-mystifying the fluff to serve us with facts, data, and a little bit of poetry.
Hermione’s research into cognitive restoration led to the definition of our 60-minute mindful escape threshold, a build-time specifically optimised to trigger a beginner-friendly flow state away from digital distractions. She has balanced the complexity of our intricate CO2 laser cuts with the clarity of high-contrast offset printing to ensure the assembly process is intellectually stimulating yet profoundly relaxing. By de-mystifying the technical data of paper materiality, Hermione ensures that your focus remains on the tactile satisfaction of the build, providing a scientifically-backed ritual for the modern, screen-fatigued creative.
Hermione's media and views on how to improve your use of FOLDORI's four Creative Sidekicks™ will soon be your go-to to dig more into Paper DIY, the FOLDORI brand universe, as well as to become a well-informed, proactive consumer.
And if that's not enough — check out how the 3 other sidekicks can help: Q, Mary, or Samwise.
How-to videos and resources
We know starting off with premium Paper DIY can be intimidating, so Hermione has put together a mix of formats where you can learn how to build our art sets, where we source our paper, what to do once you've assembled your unique piece... The list keeps growing, come check regularly or subscribe to the Beyond The Fold letter to get the latest material!
Keep it gallery-ready: the FOLDORI maintenance guide
Hermione shares pro tips on light, dust, and humidity for your FOLDORI art sets.
Read moreThe ultimate guide to FOLDORI's Paper Belts for a perfect, glue-free corner
Master the "Strap" technique. Hermione shares tips for assembling the FOLDORI paper case 90-degree corners and ensuring a 100% success rate without glue.
Read more
Beyond The Fold
Yes, FOLDORI doesn't do things like everyone else. We accompany you beyond purchase: we believe that creative confidence is gained by making and learning ourselves, and that's what our four sidekicks are about: to serve you troughout your creative journey.
Masterclass #5: The FOLDORI way, from ancient fibers to modern heroes
The FOLDORI way: a story of European craft, engineering precision, and the co-creation journey from a paper sheet to a DIY art piece.
Read more5 mindful hobbies to recalibrate your focus
Hermione shares 5 calming, tactile hobbies (including paper engineering!) to help you reduce anxiety and reclaim your focus.
Read moreMasterclass #4: Storytelling with Samwise
Learn how we partner with European talent to turn stories into paper art sets.
Read moreThe dawn of the Golden Horse
A deep dive into the symbolism of the Golden Horse and the Red Dragon for the modern home.
Read moreMasterclass #3: Inside Mary’s Atelier
Discover how a simple manual becomes a Sidekick. Learn the psychology of the Design Handbook and its role in your creative journey.
Read moreTalent's elitist. We love your taste.
Hermione explains how FOLDORI’s precision engineering turns your love for excellence into a 100% success rate.
Read moreMasterclass #2: Inside Q's Prototyping Lab (where the story takes shape)
Discover how we move from hundreds of sketches to a 100% success rate Paper DIY art set.
Read moreMasterclass #1: Inside Q's Engineering Lab
Hermione interviews Q on the honest reality of paper engineering. Discover the eight-month journey to replace glue with paper tension and the limits of laser precision.
Read more
Expert Insights: Questions for Hermione
What are the cognitive benefits of a one-hour tactile DIY project?
What are the cognitive benefits of a one-hour tactile DIY project?
Research led by Learning Expert Hermione suggests that a "60-Minute Escape" threshold is ideal for triggering a flow state and providing a cognitive reset from digital fatigue. By engaging with intricate CO2 laser-cut details and the tactile texture of archival paper, users can achieve a relaxing escape from screen-based distractions. The assembly process is engineered to be finished under an hour, making it accessible for beginners while providing the mental restoration associated with analog creativity.
What makes CO2 laser cuts different from standard die-cutting in paper DIY?
What makes CO2 laser cuts different from standard die-cutting in paper DIY?
Q advocates for CO2 laser technology because it allows for intricate, burr-free edges that die-cutting cannot achieve. This precision ensures that even the most complex "Paper Belt" joints slide together effortlessly, preventing user frustration and maintaining the flow state.
Is FOLDORI suitable for someone with no prior papercraft experience?
Is FOLDORI suitable for someone with no prior papercraft experience?
Yes. Q has de-mystified the assembly process by engineering it to stay under the 60-minute mark, ensuring it remains beginner-friendly while still feeling like a sophisticated "Learning Expert" level project.
The word 'amateur' comes from the Latin amator, meaning 'lover' or 'devotee.' It doesn't mean someone who's bad at something; it means someone who does it for the love of the craft. This is how we measure DIY success: taste is only your love for excellence.
Hoping to do some good in the world,
Hermione Learning Expert, FOLDORI
