About

21 Folds is a celebration of transformation, craftsmanship, and friendship.

This shop is run by artist and designer Denaé Vorster from the Netherlands, in collaboration with original 21 Folds founder Carmen Esterhuizen in South Africa.

The original 21 Folds was founded in South Africa by Carmen Esterhuizen in 2020, inspired by a simple hobby that unexpectedly became something more. What began as paper folding for enjoyment gradually evolved into a small business creating handcrafted origami jewellery and keepsakes.

Years earlier, when I emigrated from South Africa to the Netherlands, I left behind an origami set at Carmen's house. Rather than letting it gather dust, she began folding. One fold became another, a hobby became a creative practice, and eventually that practice became a business.

Today, despite living on different continents, we still fold together over video calls. What started as an abandoned box of paper has become a way for two friends to remain connected across oceans through a shared creative ritual.

The name 21 Folds comes from one of the world's most iconic origami forms: the crane. Creating a traditional origami crane requires 21 folds, transforming a simple sheet of paper into a delicate sculptural form. That idea of transformation sits at the heart of everything we make.

Each piece begins as a hand-folded paper sculpture. The folds are carefully preserved beneath multiple layers of resin, creating a smooth, porcelain-like finish while maintaining the character and geometry of the original paper. The result is jewellery that is remarkably lightweight, durable, and designed to be worn for years to come.

Using carefully selected papers and high-quality stainless steel findings, available in both silver and 18k gold-plated finishes, every piece is individually folded, finished, and assembled by hand.

Drawing on the rich heritage of origami while embracing contemporary colour and design, 21 Folds brings a modern perspective to an ancient craft. The collections explore the space between fragility and permanence, tradition and reinvention, sculpture and adornment.

At its heart, 21 Folds is about finding beauty in transformation. A sheet of paper becomes a sculpture. A sculpture becomes jewellery. A forgotten hobby becomes a lasting connection between friends.

Small sculptures, made to be worn.