An unique OOAK Artist Book Volume 1: Victorian-Inspired Cobweb Origami Valentines by Robert Wu, 2023-2024.

Predating the invention of envelopes, folded letter correspondences in the past utilized a fascinating method called letterlocking to secure their contents with intricate folding, strings and sealing wax. Some Love letters were fancifully handmade with cobweb papercuts and even more rare origami like folded pockets to reveal hidden messages. Inspired by historical surviving examples, I designed over dozens of floral foldout pockets incorporating with origami principle, paper cutting and hand watercolouring to further revive and develop this unique lost correspondence art form. Each cobweb origami valentine letter is filled with poetry, short verses or inspiring quotations and then painstakingly hand illustrated by me.

The first volume is ready and it contains five cobweb origami designs depicting a poppy, morning glory, poinsettia, marigold and Sakura cherry blossom.

Each valentine measures 4”x5 1/2” and goes into an embossed envelope. All five valentines are stored inside the paper cartonnage handmade scrapbook album decorated with my own handmade paper lace and dresdens and collaged with antique scrap pictures. The inside covers are lined with my very fine jade green marbled paper. A grey ribbon secures all the contents and is housed inside a white cartonnage box. The album measures 5”x7”x2.