Danish Hearts – improbable paper topology

May 11 Sat

Workshop

3:00pm - 6:pm @ The IFF

Danish paper hearts workshop.

Danish hearts woven from paper at first appear to be a topological impossibility. Two paper pieces are magically interwoven to form a basket-shaped network. Seeing one for the first time, without having observed its construction, a typical reaction is: “How can that be?” Figuring out the puzzle for oneself is an energizing mental exercise. First described by the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen in his 1845 story The Fir Tree, these clever paper confections have become a beloved handicraft across the Nordic world. Once one understands the key, ever more complex designs can be constructed. In this workshop — part of our ongoing Making Space series of mathematical construction events — we will learn the basic techniques of paper heart construction and then embark on an open-ended exploration to see if we can find new and unexpected forms. The workshop will be led by math and craft enthusiast Judith Tanenbaum.

Suggested Door Donation: $15. Materials and patterns will be provided.

Please RSVP to anna@theiff.org.

Judith Tanenbaum is a math enthusiast with a long-standing interest in patterns, origami, and birthdays. She enjoys the thrill of numeric palindromes on her odometer, celebrating pi day, and folding gum wrapper chains. Her great hope is that the US will convert to the metric system in her lifetime.

Designs for Danish paper hearts from the classic book “How My Mother Taught Me To Weave Christmas Hearts” published by the Museet Falsters Minder with patterns by Knud Vaegter. This delightful guide contains a brief history of this traditional craft along with 150 patterns for a stunningly diverse array of hearts – from a classical angel-themed design to little modernist masterpieces.

EVENT REPORT:

Inside a Danish Heart: The interior universe of a paper confection. IFF Archives, May 2013.

Who would have thought that making a paper heart could be so challenging? Simple hearts are easy enough, once one grasps the basic assembly algorithm, but more complex designs are surprisingly hard, requiring mental and physical dexterity. Knut Vaegter’s beautiful designs inspired us all and our patience was rewarded when we opened our hearts and discovered unexpected geometric patterns within, as if each heart contained a miniature kaleidoscopic universe. Traditionally, Danish hearts are woven from paper that is only colored on one side, with white on the backside, thereby making for an all-white interior. By using brightly colored copy paper, plus black+white stock we revealed an interior beauty as well.

Judy Tanenbaum teaching Danish Hearts workshop at the IFF, May 2013.

Danish heart in Astrobright papers reveals an interior universe of geometric complexity.

Mother and daughter folding team – Mary and PJ – at the IFF, May 2013.

For those who’d like to know more about this complex, ever-expanding art form, we recommend the website PaperMatrix, by Danish crafters Lena and Anna Schepper. Here you can see an astounding array of patterns for incomparably beautiful and complicated hearts, cones, balls and other paper constructions. A whole universe of topological marvels awaits. Be daring, be bold, try some of these for yourself. At the IFF we intend to challenge ourselves for our 2013 Christmas Tree.