Grief Is an Origami Swan

Grief Is an Origami Swan is a tender, illustrated guide to navigating loss through the simple ritual of folding a paper swan. Using black-and-white botanical drawings, pressed flowers, and step-by-step instructions suitable for complete beginners, artist Mich鋩e Saint-Michel offers a meditative practice for honoring those who have passed. Each fold becomes an invitation to pause, reflect, and allow grief to move through the body.

Created after the passing of her father, the book was first made in a small log cabin near the Missouri River, where Saint-Michel pressed flowers between pages and explored how grief reshapes a life from the inside out. This 5-year anniversary edition continues to serve as a companion for readers seeking healing, comfort, and quiet rituals during bereavement.

Part art book, part memorial practice, Grief is an Origami Swan has been shared widely among those who want a gentle way to process grief, whether through hands-on activity, reflective imagery, or a simple, meaningful gesture made in memory of someone loved. Ideal for individuals, families, support groups, or as a thoughtful gift for anyone experiencing loss.