A couple of weeks ago, I attended my first BTS concert in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium as part of their ARIRANG World Tour! I was so inspired by the sea of lights that I had to recreate one in origami form.

The concert itself was one of the most intense and unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had. If you could somehow bottle up all the excitement, energy, and connection of that night, it would probably be illegal. But also the best drug ever.

For those who aren’t familiar with ARMY Bombs, they’re the official light sticks used at BTS concerts. They’re those glowing orb shaped lights you see fans waving during performances. These days, nearly every major K-pop group has its own unique light stick, but the tradition actually has some interesting history behind it.

Back in the early days of K-pop, fans would bring colored balloons to concerts to show support for their favorite groups. Then, during the second generation of K-pop in the early 2000s, things evolved. BigBang leader G-Dragon helped design a crown-shaped illuminated light stick called the “Bang Bong” for fans to carry. And wow, did that idea flourish.

Today, an official light stick is practically a rite of passage for K-pop groups. When a new group announces their first light stick, it’s a sign they’ve truly arrived.

The variety is incredible. Katseye has their Eyeliner Highlighter, BLACKPINK has a light-up hammer, iKON has a baseball bat, TXT has their Moa Bong and ITZY has a light ring. Meanwhile, groups like BTS, SEVENTEEN, and Stray Kids have orb-shaped designs, each with their own unique details and symbolism.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the BTS ARMY Bomb.

This origami version starts with a preliminary base and uses a few familiar techniques, including squash folds and valley folds. After that, the process is pretty smooth…

…like butter. (hehe, you know I had to )

These origami ARMY Bombs can be used in all sorts of creative ways. Add one to a handmade greeting card for the BTS fan in your life, use them as decorations for K-pop themed parties, or tuck them into concert freebies to share with fellow ARMY. They’d also look adorable in a scrapbook, shadow box, or memory display alongside concert tickets and photos. Or, if you’re simply looking for a fun way to practice basic folds while celebrating your favorite group, this little project checks that box too!

So grab some paper, turn on your favorite BTS playlist, and let’s fold an ARMY Bomb of our own.

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More weird paper adventures coming soon
Toya Pham

Hello origami lovers and ASMR friends,

It seems like love is in the air lately. Theres been weddings, celebrations, all the good things goin on. With so many people around me tying the knot, I felt inspired to create something that fits that soft, elegant energy…so I made a wedding themed origami ASMR video.

If these origami crane card holders look a little familiar, its probably because you’ve seen me with them a number of times at my markets and art events. I use them to hold my business cards. They’re one of my favorite functional folds. Simple and surprisingly versatile. But for this video, I wanted to reimagine them as wedding place card holders. As I think they fit the role perfectly.

The video starts with a plain table and slowly transforms it into a dreamy wedding setting. A tablecloth is laid out, silverware finds its place, candles flicker to life, and flowers frame the scene. Then comes the final touch: an origami crane resting on a plate, holding a handwritten name in soft, cursive script. Which I realize, I have not written in cursive in forever! So that was fun to do.

Origami cranes are so special. They’ve always symbolized peace, hope, and meaningful moments which makes them such a beautiful detail to include in wedding decor. Turning them into place card holders is a simple way to add a handmade, personal touch while still keeping everything refined and elegant.

After setting the scene, the video shifts into the heart of the experience: the folding process. You’ll hear the gentle sounds of paper folding, crisp creases, and soft taps as the crane slowly takes shape. It’s calm and super satisfying to watch.

By the end, multiple cranes appear, each holding a different guest name like the moment right before everyone sits down to celebrate. The video closes with the soft clink of glasses, tying everything together in a quiet, celebratory way.

If you’re into origami tutorials, relaxing ASMR, or just looking for a bit of calm creative inspiration, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.

Watch the video below to see this origami crane card holder come to life and maybe get a little inspiration for your own wedding decor or next creative project.

Happy folding and happy relaxing,
Toya Pham