Free workshop to explore origami art

Origami expert Scott Macri holds a free workshop on the traditional paper art at 1 p.m. today at Kailua Public Library, but he won’t be teaching your papasan’s origami.

Macri has been doing origami for 15 years and has studied many aspects of origami, from folding simple animals and flowers to more complex, scientific shapes, as well as learning the complex mathematics of origami.

"It is an amazing hobby, art and science," said Macri, who has worked his way through 50 books and magazines on origami. "I hope people not only learn to fold some tradition models, but also explore all the different areas of origami so that they may learn the area of origami they are interested in most."

The three-hour workshop is suitable for ages 12 and older and will be held under the Reading Tree. Kailua Public Library is located at 239 Kuulei Road.

‘Tarradiddle Tales’ to feature colorful masks and stories

Hot on the heels of ‘Ohi’a Productions’ kid-friendly revival of "TiQri, the Little Snow Fox" at the Hawaii Theatre comes another show suitable for families with kids, 3 and older: "Tarradiddle Tales," a collection of four stories based on folk tales from several cultures, runs next weekend for four performances at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Earle Ernst Lab Theatre.

Director Sara Skinner-Probst said that the production, with its colorful masks, hats, puppets, brightly colored boxes and musical instruments, is intended to "encourage imaginative play."

"We want children to leave our show and be able to go home, pull items from their closet and put on a show of their own," she said.

Swap fundraiser for baby clothes

Baby Awareness and Hot Mama Maternity are hosting a "mom and baby clothing swap" on Sept. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Manoa Marketplace. Drop off a bag of gently used women’s and baby apparel and take the same amount you bring or for a $10 donation, fill up a bag. A name, phone number and e-mail address should be included with the donation. Advance clothing drop-off is required, now through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A 10 percent discount will also be offered on all store purchases that evening. For more information, call 988-0010.

Kaplan test prep free in Aina Haina

College applicants looking to get the best possible PSAT and SAT scores will have the opportunity to get some help at a couple of upcoming seminars, both presented by Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions.

Next Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Aina Haina Public Library, the seminar will present an overview of the format and content of the SAT, and discuss test-taking and preparation strategies. In addition, Kaplan advisers will provide information and answer questions about the overall college admissions process.

The following Saturday, Oct. 2, a similar seminar addresses the PSAT from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Kailua Public Library.

Admission is free, and parents of students are invited to attend the seminars as well.

Call the Kaplan Honolulu office at 951-5885.

Blaisdell to host pumpkin carving

Get in the Halloween spirit at the Pumpkin Carving Festival, which debuts in Honolulu on Oct. 24 at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Families will receive tips from master carvers and executive chefs during three seatings — 9 to 11 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Safeway has donated 1,000 pumpkins for the first-time event.

Participants can purchase a pumpkin kit, which includes carving tools and stencils. The cost is $45 for a whole pumpkin, $55 for a scooped and hollow pumpkin.

At the festival, a Safeway Pumpkin Patch showcases unique pumpkins by local chefs, celebrities and master carvers. Photographs with Dorothy and Toto, the Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow can be taken on the yellow brick road.

A corporate carving competition follows the family festival at 5:30 p.m. Each 10-person team will be given two hours to carve four pumpkins. The entry fee is $650. Visit pumpkincarvingfestival.org to download reservation forms or call 591-7700 for more information. Registration deadline is Friday. Proceeds benefit Keiki o ka Aina Family Learning Centers and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

 CORRECTION: Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions held an SAT seminar Saturday at the Aina Haina Public Library. Their next seminar, on the PSAT, is this Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Kailua Public Library. A previous version of this story gave the wrong date for the Aina Haina seminar.