Celebrating 75 years, the Village of Yesteryear is an exhibit that demonstrates traditional handicraft and heritage skills. Held every year at the N.C. State Fair, the village has featured more than 100 artists and crafters creating, displaying and selling time-honored handmade crafts. “A Maker’s Dozen” is a series that tells the stories of these artisans and educates about their heritage crafts.
Invented as early as 1680 according to written records (and likely much earlier), origami is the art of folding paper into a three-dimensional shape, usually an animal or other figurine. It is the oldest paper art to ever exist. Susan Hansen has been a part of the craft for over 36 years. She has also been working with the N.C. State Fair’s Village of Yesteryear for over 20 years.
It all began in 1990 when Hansen was working with the Iowa State Fair. “They had wanted someone who could do some form of paper art,” said Hansen. “I suggested origami, as I found it fascinating. So, I went to the local library and picked up a book about traditional folding designs of origami. Since then, I haven’t put it down and have even made my own folding techniques.”
“I have done origami at the Iowa State Fair for over 30 years and go there every August,” said Hansen. “While I live in Raleigh currently, I lived in Iowa until 1987. I also demonstrate at the Mountain State Fair in Buncombe County in September. Other than that, I go to a few other festivals and my paperfolding is available from our website and in a few retail stores.”
“My inspiration is more family centered,” said Hansen. “People are fascinated by it, and I can say the same. I want to create something that everyone can enjoy and is reasonably priced. Often, it’s difficult to go to festivals and fairs and get a souvenir that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. With my craft, it is quick to fold in front of them and it’s fun to watch the folding too. Something about watching it all come together is just so satisfying.”
One of her favorite parts of origami is that fact that anyone can be a part of the craft. “It always makes my day to see people who come to see me at the Fair. I like seeing all the kids, and adults too, try and bring me origami that they made themselves. I love seeing that shared love through that art. It’s always nice to see others inspired,” said Hansen.
To this day, she still finds her art fascinating. “It’s simply amazing just to see a flat piece of paper turned into something 3D just by folding. And it doesn’t take a professional, it just takes someone with an idea. Origami is so versatile.”
“My family is very involved with paperfolding,” said Hansen. “All of my five adult children and several of my grandchildren are able to demonstrate and help at the Village of Yesteryear. We mostly just enjoy being together and the fun that we have demonstrating at the Fair!”
“I just love the Village of Yesteryear. It’s my favorite part of the fair,” said Hansen. “The demonstrations of amazing handmade items is always such a highlight. There are so many nice people who are so creative at the village. I am excited to be sharing origami there for the 2026 N.C. State Fair!”