Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Start, But Takes Time to Learn the System...
I have folded several basic butterflies, and this kit looked like just the thing to create more life-like butterflies! AND IT CAN!

However, I was disappointed with a fewthings:
1)The COLORS used in the instructions on several butterflies were the REVERSE of the photo of the finished model (all the paper in the kitis colored on BOTH sides). So, the first time you make one, it is easy to become confused.

2) For EVERY model the first several steps are from a set of folds which are diagrammed only in the first half of Book One. This means that while working on the BUTTERFLIES in Book One, you do a lot of page turning back to the intro until you have memorized those steps (about a dozen butterflies or so).

3) There was only ONEtypo, but it was a whopper - the duplication of a full paragraph on page 37 in book 2.

4) Often the text or picture of a complex fold was just too small for my aging eyes to see well enough to understand. I had to use a magnifying glass. Maybe that is a criticism of me and not the book....

Having said all that, once you "get it" and can remember the basic folds, you can stop all the page turning. Then you can see where the artistic details come into play, and you can see the genius of the author, as well as end up with some BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES !!.

I cannot really recommend this kit for beginning Origami students. But for motivated, intermediate or higher folders, this could give you hours if not days of challenging work with wonderful results. It just takes patience to follow LaFosse's technique.

Also, I would suggest to (or beg of) the authors that they put out a 2nd Edition (to remove that typo & fix the colors in either the photos or the diagrams) and to completely separate the introdutory fold diagrams (put them ALL in Book One) from the individual Butterfly instructions (put them ALL in book Two). Also, please make the books full-size (8.5"x11") with all the images bigger to match, especially the enlarged detailed folds. Now THAT would be a 5-star kit and well worth recommending to anyone! ... Read more

Product Description
Step-by-step guide to 50 miniature origami projects.

Minigami is packed with great new origami designs using all the popular new forms of miniature origami such as tea-bag folding and Iris folding.

These unique modular forms can be used as:- Home accents- Decorative display pieces- Greeting cards- Gift tags- Decorations.

The book includes practical advice for choosing the right paper and also explains the standard folding symbols.

The projects range from those for absolute beginners to pieces for intermediate and advanced artists. Step-by-step instructions illustrated in color enable artists of any skill level to create almost any miniature design.

Minigami is a fascinating craft that will challenge traditional origami enthusiasts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Not the Same ol' Same ol'
I have at least ten origami books and this is likely my favorite because the instructions are well written and clearly illustrated. It had techniques and patterns I have not found in other books.

Minigami: mini origami projects, cards, gifts, and decorations
This is a very good book. The pictures are excellent and the instructions are great! I highly recommend this book for those interested in origami, making cards, scrapbooking, doing paper crafts, etc.

YUPI!!!!
Soy un fan del Origami desde hace ya bastante tiempo y para mi, este libro de Minigamis me ha traido una gran sonrisa en los labios... Guau se me pasaron por la cabeza miles de ideas, una enorme cantidad de conceptos olvidados y le dieron uso a mi gran caja de papeles encantadores de pequeño formato... Creo que este libro es hoy en mi biblioteca uno de los que se queda fuera de la estanteria pq se le pasa encima de la mesa de mi taller...

Fun!
Lots of little things to make! The instructions are very well done, the various items are easy to do. I probably wouldn't make this my first origami book, but I found things in there I hadn't found in other books.

Great origami book
There are a lot of projects in this book with a variety of skill levels.There are ideas for using them as well.I find myself using it again and again. ... Read more

Product Description
Imagine folding a piece of pater into nail clippers that really work, or a Swiss Army knife that actually opens, or a surfer on a wave that crashes when the surfer is slid forward...There's no need to imagine-this is for real!In Origami to Astonish and Amuse Jeremy Shafer has taken the art of paper folding in an entirely new direction. Filled with hundreds of entertaining models and folding ideas, ranging from amazingly simple to ridiculously complex, this is origami at its most fun and creative. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

perfect gift for the interesting
I bought this book for a friend who has always taken an interest in origami.She is a very odd person, but with a good sense of humor.
This book has brought those two factors together.
Highly recommend.
I do not believe any of the folds were especially difficult so would be good for those who have just recently taken an interest.

try the invisible duck!

Wow
I am astonished and amused.Very clever models from a quirky, talented, and entertaining mind.My sixteen-year-old son LOVED this book and I am enjoying a new perspective on an ancient art.

Great book but not very serious
The book is a lot of fun, both with completely new ideas and variations on traditional origami. Lots of amazing models and it manages to be clearly written while being interesting the whole way through.
That being said, probably about half of the models are quite difficult (definitely not a book for beginners) and although they probably would work given enough time and patience, I feel that they more just there for show and to give ideas rather than fold seriously.
If you are looking for a serious book which you can fold all the models in, this is not it, but for ideas and amusement, this works wonderfully.

Greatness!
This book is wonderful fun. It arrived on time and in good condition so that it was given to my sister as a gift. She loves it and uses the astonishing and amusing origami patterns inside to entertain everyone she meets.

I can't cancel order right away although delivery time is far away.
I am not sure if your product is as sour as your delivery time and cancellation deadline. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Very Exciting and Fascinating Book Transfering the Ancient Art of Origami to Metal Clay
This jewelry design book is very simple in concept, yet very satisfying in the results the reader can obtain from following the author's original and inventive ideas.
I have been fascinated by the ancient art of origami, or paper folding, since I was a child and received my first book, including the paper sheets you use to make the different shapes as you get progressively better at folding. How clever of the author of Metal Clay Origami Jewelry to put the idea of origami paper folding and folding precious metal clay (or fine silver clay, if you prefer) together. It is a perfect fit the way Sara Jayne Cole guides you from one to the other. The paper is essential to practice with, at first, if you have never tried origami, however the author explains the difference between the feel of the paper and the feel of the metal clay, so you will know what to expect.
First, please do make sure you read the entire introduction and the basics, which will assist immeasurably later on, when you are working on the projects. These are very easy to understand. The author also lets you know what tools will be required as well. There is a great section on liver of sulphur, which continues to intrigue the jewelry world with its "spectrum of colors" as Ms. Cole says.
Unless you have never used metal clay and are afraid of new things(it really isn't so new any more! Try it!), or do not understand how to use a kiln, you won't have any problems. This book is going to be a blast for you to experience because the author is so enthusiastic and the projects range from simple to more complex.Some include gem stones or art glass. Ms Cole explains how to fire using art glass.She explains the slight shrinkage which occurs with precious metal clay as well, and how you can employ this to effectively enclose or hold a stone or an art glass bead. I particularly liked that. She also illustrates the times where a designer would choose to use a fine silver prong instead--for example to add a pearl to a finished piece. Very nice instructions!
Be prepared to be charmed and fascinated by the translation of origami into metal clay via this fine book. There are twenty five projects and each one is perfectly lovely. You haven't really seen origami until you have seen it expressed in this manner.
I liked the very first project right off the bat. This is a good sign to me, as it usually means that I will want to try an easy project and go on to progress further. This project is a folded ring, called the Diagonal Fold Ring. Because the author is so clever,she has also offered a variation on this which flips it to the reverse side. This variation sports the pearl on the prong I previously mentioned and is really pretty!
Eleanor's Star, named for the author's mother (it was a Mother's Day present) is the cover piece and a great project to try. Such a pretty pendant with a dichroic glass bead enclosed. The author says,"This star evolved from my fascination with crease patterns. I love to unfold an origami sheet and admire the complex pattern of lines that results from even a few folds".
I think that is very illuminating and a good trick to try yourself. What a thinking designer!
You will see what she means if you try this project, which is very lovely. You fold, you unfold, you pinch the crease linesand refold, and eventually you get to a star shape. As with all of the projects, EVERY step is clearly photographed so that there is NO confusion.
Ms. Cole finally shows you how to embed the art glass cabochon into the center of the star, which will shrink just enough to hold it after firing. She explains how to fire with glass which I previously mentioned during this project. Well done and so pretty.
There are other pendants,pins and beads to explore in this great book as well. With the beads you can make bracelets and earrings. There is a stunning charm bracelet with all colors of metal clay in three sizes (and a great variation using plastic mesh) called Bulb Bead. This is really striking and the author created hollow beads which will stand up to wear on your wrist no matter what. This may be my favorite piece in the entire book. Wait until you see it!
Other projects include a small charm you could use on a charm bracelet all by itself, a luxe necklace of Pinwheel Pod Beads you could wear anywhere and wow everyone, a big dramatic ring called Bling Ring which has a CZ crowning it (I would take that one too in a pinch!!!--guess I will just have to make it myself!) and so many more. I also have to mention the exquisite Lily Earrings and Pin.
I am finding it hard to stop writing about this book because it is so very good. To have an idea and transfer it over to another medium, and then experiment so very clearly and beautifully is just exhilarating to me to see and read about.
There is an inspiration section at the end, lovingly photographed.
I think Sara Jayne Cole is a perfectly fantastic designer and writer. She clearly loves what she does.This is so important in the jewelry world. It raises a book way up on the scale, to my mind.
Metal Clay Origami Jewelry is a unique and fabulous jewelry design book which should not be missed!

I want to try metal clay now!
It is always so fun to thumb through a project book that uses an unfamiliar technique. After looking through this book, I made a note in my head that I'd really enjoy working with metal clay. Specifically, I think that I'd love to make flowers using metal clay. There were a few flower projects included in this book that I really loved. The step-by-step photos look fabulous in this book, which is great because I am terrible with written instruction.

From the back cover: "FOLD IT, FIRE IT, WEAR IT!" Sounds so easy and fun!

In this book you will find:

-origami and metal clay basics
-projects for earrings, pendants, pins, beads, and rings
-25 innovative origami projects
-contemporary and nature inspired design ideas
-clear step-by-step photography

Basic but informative
I have worked with PMC Sheet clay for a couple of years and am interested in the ideas and projects presented in this book.Based on my own experience it is a very practical guide to both origami and to the use of sheet clay.

amazing book
This is the only book I have found about this subject.
It is very informative and inspiring. ... Read more

Product Description
This richly illustrated book provides step-by-step folding instructions for the construction of over 40 modular origami creations. The author describes how to fold the modules and how to use them as building blocks to construct larger polyhedral models. These beautiful designs are elaborate three-dimensional geometric patterns, some resembling stars or flowers. One chapter focuses on models representing mutually intersecting planes in the shape of stars, hexagons, etc. Some of the models are advanced variations of favorite models from the author s previous book, Marvelous Modular Origami. The folding diagrams are clear, crisp, and easy to follow and are accompanied by color photographs of brilliant finished models. The book is aimed at intermediate folders, but the origami basics included at the start of the book make it accessible to beginners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Amazing examples of what "simple" paper folding can accomplish
The increasing complexity and resultant beauty of origami designs continues to amaze me. When looking at the end result, it is hard to believe that the object was constructed by executing a series of simple folds and bends of paper. The designs illustrated in this book are complex and when done, create objects that look very much like flowers. The title is very appropriate; the end results of the operations are very ornamental in appearance.
Explicit instructions for each of the designs are given, yet while they are reasonably easy to follow, that trait is relative. By that, I mean that the experienced practitioner of origami will find them easy to follow; novices will be forced to take some time to learn the details. Nevertheless, this book is a valuable container of some exquisite designs for origami objects.

Another great book!
This is the second book I have of the author and I am loving it. I have folded only one model so far from the book and the result is great-looking but easy to fold.

Some of the designs in this book are enhancements of designs from her first book but mostly they are new. Like her first book, this one too is one in category with variety of simple to complex modules, clear diagrams and specially the beautiful color photographs of the finished model which instantly catches the eye.

She also recommends the paper size and type for different models and the size of the finished model, which makes it much more easier than deciding on your own. I sometimes have not been too happy with a finished model because I had started with the wrong paper size. So her recommendations are very helpful for the less experienced folder like me.

Also her first chapter about modular origami basics and the mathematical relation to the modular origami is a good summary for a beginner. Overall, an excellent book for a new folder with patience and ready to explore the modular origami world as well as a modular origami enthusiast.

Great Book, Nice Models
It's a quite good origami book, many models and the instructions are pretty clear. The book not only shows how to make origami models it has also a small mathematical appendix and some exercises to think about how to create your own models.
It's good for intermediate origami enthusiasts.

Great for Intermediate Origami Makers
This is a great book to branch our in to the geometric shapes of Origami.It is for people who have been folding and doing Origami for several years as some of the instructions are truncated since it is assumed you know different beginning folds.Still an excellent book to expand your knowledge and Origami collection with.

Good book!
I haven't dived in to this book yet, but I have the author's previous book and have done several of the designs and can recommend both books. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
An abundance of diagrammed instructions help paperfolders create25 fascinating creatures, with all models keyed according to difficulty—from the easiest (a duck and a swan) to more challenging projects (crocodile, ibis, parrot, kangaroo, hippopotamus, and even a horse with rider). Includes a helpful section on wet-folding, a technique that creates firmer, more permanent models than ones formed from regular origami paper.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Fun book fold
As you can see from the other reviews that it is a good collection of models to fold.If you are interested on what the models consist ofthere are 26 of them and they are the Crane, Duck, Swan, Goose, Sparrow, Swallow, Sitting Cat, Sitting Dog, Eagle, Parrot, Apatosaurus, Rabbit, Squirrel, Horse, Bear, Bison, Anteater, Crane, Ibis, Kangaroo, Coyote, African Elephant, Lion, Hippopotamus, Crocodile, and Horse with Rider.Happy Folding.

More of the same
Montroll's books usually rate 5 stars when compared with other origami books in the market but when compared with his other books, it rates only 3 stars, or average, hence the title, "more of the same". Peoplewho have folded many of Montroll's models would know what I mean.

I haveall if not most of Montroll's books. His later books generally do not ratehigher than "Origami for the Enthusiast" or "Animal Origamifor the Enthusiast".

I would prefer if he is able to put in at leastthree or more extra complex models like his lobster, crab and stegosaurusin every new book he produces.

This book generally follows the samepattern as most of his books and the models are in the intermediate range.The wet folding technique mentioned in the book does not raise this bookabove his other books (note I compare with his other books, not origamibooks in general). I did not see any new models which makes me excited andwanted to fold immediately. I will probably keep this book for a slowday.

If you are new to Montroll's models, this book would interest youand recommended. If not, it depends on you, a Montroll fan or not. Theusual topics are there. Montroll's models are usually easy to follow andfold and a worthwhile book to purchase for those who have not seen thatmany Montroll's books.

John Montroll, if you are reading this, I amwaiting for Montroll to produce a book on origami insects and/or origamivehicles. Remember to add at least 3 super complex models to satisfy oldtime fans like me.

Thanks.

Montroll's best book yet!
John Montroll has done it again with his newest book, Bringing Origami to Life. I think that the book is wonderful in that the models can all be wet folded, which allows them to be shaped and molded to suit the folder.Mypersonal favorite is the howling coyote...which, looks incredible foldedfrom grey paper!The seamless backs help to make the models more threedimensional as well.This is a must have for the origami artist that wantsto explore diversity and creativity with wet folding! I highly recommendit!

The main theme:A collection of seamless-back models
In recent years, we can find that every book of Montroll is trying to solve a technic problem of origami. "Origami in side out" creates models of two colors using of a single paper, "Mythological creaturesand Chinese zodiac" struggles to make creating animals a routineformula. And this new book is trying to make "seamless back"animals. Models in his former book "Origami sculpture" areexcellent, despite almost of them are not seamless-backed. Now in this bookMontroll shows us how to fold legs, head and tail from the edges of apaper, leaving the center to be the back. At the same time Montrollcontinues to make creating models a nature and understandable process. Thisis a different approach from other BASE-based folders. Besides, whenfolding in wet, effects of models in this book are well. However, I thinkthis approach can be more mature, for some aethetic reason .

Another collections of Montroll.
It's merely an another collection of models by Montroll. Most of them ranked about above-med difficulty level. While it's a good book for new folders, I really hope I can find some challenges in it (but I fail). In myopinion, as a famous folder, Montroll should as well develope some newmodels as show his long-time devotees(like me) some incredible ones.Besides, origami art has been developed to a splendid state, but, alas,this newest book of a international renowned folder cannot reflect this.After all, we have had enough elephants, birds, cats and dogs from Montrolland other folders. ... Read more

Product Description
From world renowned origami artist, Michael LaFosse, comes the essential collection of classic origami projects featuring traditional designs as well as a few new twists on old favorites. Perfect for the beginner, or for the advanced student looking for a traditional origami collection, the Classic Origami includes everything needed to get started in folding.
The kit contains:
* A64-page book with complete instructions and clear, step-by-step diagrams for 45 different projects
* 98 6.75 x 6.75-inch sheets of folding paper in eight different colors and gold foil ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very simple book, a lot of papers
I bought this kit in order to restart my long forgotten hobby: origami. It was a disappointment. The book is ridiculously easy with very few interesting models. The only thing left to remember from this specific purchase are the 98 sheets of paper that I use with the other books I purchased. If you want to give this to a kid below 10 years old, go for it. If you are an adult, there are much better deals out there.

With easily-followed instructions for 45 beginner's projects
Package a 64-page book that introduces basic folding techniques with easily-followed instructions for 45 beginner's projects and 98 sheets of folding paper in a range of colors and patterns, and you have the perfect introductory gift item in Michael LaFosse's Classic Origami. The competitors just offer books with diagrams, whereas this entire program provides eye-catching projects and all the tools necessary to achieve them.

models from different folders
a book for kids, all the models super simple, and you can find most of them in other books, and a lot cheaper. ... Read more

Product Description
The phenomenal bestselling classic that brought the ancient art of Japanese paperfolding to the U.S. explains the history and the universal symbol system used in origami texts and presents basic folds and models, with precise illustrated instructions for 44 models, from hats and caps to birds and people. Line drawings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A rose by any other name...
Years ago I had a wonderful beginner's origami book by Robert Harbin called "Paper Magic".I lent it to a friend and never saw it again.I spent years... nae decades... searching for a replacement.

Imagine my joy when I received "Teach Yourself Origami" and found it to be the same book with a different title!The same logical progression, good illustrations with clear directions, and simple but charming models... it was like seeing an old friend.

Even the more advanced folder will find these models rewarding and for introducing a friend, even (or especially) a child, I have found none better.

Teach Yourself Origami
Great illustrations and good instructions. Easy to comprehend. This book is nice because it teaches you the universal signs of different paper folds. This helps when you come across a fold you don't immediately recognize in another book.

A fun place to start.
I've had a copy of this since it came out in 1969, and it has some of my favorite models.Years ago I made a mobile with the fish model and was pleased enough with the results to repeat it several times for friends.Although I've since progressed to other books which I like even better, I still treasure this one because of it's clear diagrams, gradual build up of skills, and delightful imagination.

Patience is a virtue
This book is "Step 1". I originally began with "the Great Origami book & kit", but ... that book is too advanced for beginners. It does offer, I believe, the best "Step 2" option to follow on your journey to master this ancient art form, but begin with THIS book.
It is more detailed that most origami books and leaves out no steps to the intricate folds you must master to proceed to the next (series of fold). The folds are very difficult for beginners and this book proceeds very slowly going over each and every tiny movement your hands must make. With origami..there can't be ANY mistakes. It is about perfection. If you are a fraction of a millimeter off on a fold, your product will not turn out professionally. I also recommend taking what I joke as "stress breaks" while proceeding. Many times I have become too frustrated, only to walk away from my project and return to see the mistake I made. My second tip is to BREATHE..the paper will not harm you, although at times you feel it's torture. Use this book and follow it up with a great kit like the one I previously mentioned...you will have two steps (a beginner and more advanced kit) for making a litter of cute creations.

Familiar Things From A Sheet Of Paper
Step by step - fold by fold, you will see a rabbit take form in your hands.Or it might be a squirrel.A Christmas Tree.Or the ever familiar 'flapping bird'. Dozens of shapes are taugh in this book.So get paper, scissors and your folding finger ready to create some intricate figures. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Nice package with good instructions
I bought this for my grandson.A video is included to explain how to fold the different types of paper airplanes.My grandson enjoyed it.It includes quite a variety of aircraft. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great book for beginners
This was the first origami book I received from my parents.I was about 10 years old at the time, and I spent most of the following year reproducing the various models contained therein.It was probably the best introduction I had to origami.

That said, however, I would recommend this book solely for beginners.Many (if not most) of the more complex models are constructed from two different "bases" and glued together creating the final product.Others (such as the shrimp) entail cutting various pieces of the paper to illicit the final model.

For purists (such as myself), this is unacceptable for any intermediate (or above) origami.Separate pieces of paper for different _aspects_ of a model (e.g. a horse and a rider) are acceptable, in my opinion.This book, however, goes one step further in using separate pieces of paper for a single, atomic model.

Great book on origami
Of the many Oriental art forms that have entered Western culture, few is more accessible and enjoyable as origami.Known primarily thru the paper crane, this Japanese art form is actually quite complex and capable of producing a wide variety of objects from paper.This book by Isao Honda showcases many of these objects such as birds, insects, mammals, vehicles, etc... along with the instructions on how to make them.

This book is quite long for an origami book, and is probably more oriented towards teenagers and adults.Many of the projects shown are quite involved, and may be beyond the abilities and/or patience of little kids.But for someone who already has practice in origami, this book is wonderful, and I highly recommend it.

Almost perfect...
In the 1970s, my grandfather used to send origami books home from Japan. The prize was the big hardcover by Isao Honda.

The oversize paperback is a significantly abridged version -- and that's the only thing wrong with it.

Since then, I've had dozens of books on origami & related arts. None but Honda's, though, gives me the feeling of having a one-on-one experience with a master. There's only one thing I can make from memory that didn't come from that book.

So, the paperback isn't as good as the original, but it's still one of the best ever produced. If you love the art, you need this on your shelf.

Wonderful for beginners
As stated in the title, this book is wonderful for beginners. The use of compound folding is easy enough, but doesn't really stick true to the fundamentals of traditional origami, as I've heard it.Don't let yourself get held down by folding only compound animals.Check out other books as well...I personally loved this book!heh.

A Classic, but Like Many Classics, Dated
There is no doubt that this is one of the great classics in the world of origami.But, just as Shakespear and Dickens are great documentations of the Elizabethan and Victorian Ages, Honda's book is a documentation of the"state of the art" in the early 60s.The majority of the animalfolds are compound (two sheets of paper are joined after folding; usuallyhead and tail), and extensive "sculpting" is required to formpleasing results.This is NOT the book for people looking for thetechnical wizzardry of Montroll, Lang, Brill, et al.I place great valueon it as a historical document, but it is certainly NOT the first of my 40or so origami books that I turn to if looking for a model to fold.I wishJapan Publications would re-release the unabridged edition - even in softcover. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

What's with the cutting and gluing??
Had the description of this book included the fact that nearly all the models involve some cutting or gluing or "coloring," I would have passed on buying it.Duy Nguyen is a clever fellow, for sure, but the birds presented in this very pretty book are not the standard one-piece, no cutting, no gluing, no coloring origami that many people prefer.If you are going for some type of "paper sculptures" that do involve cutting and pasting, then SAY that is what is in the book.Obviously, one or two cuts here and there, I can live with, but at least 15 of the models involve various cuts and several are made up of two parts.Not good -- for what I was looking for.You'd be better off working on the LaFosse kit, even though the cardinal has a significant error which I did bring to the attention of the publisher.Anyone want to buy a book that is about 10 minutes out of the box!Paul C. - Grand RapidsMI ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Dont judge a book by its cover
I bought this book thinking it would have some interesting new designs and there were so few that I would want to make. Some of the shapes like skull face and bull face - don't look like what they say they look like. In trying to fit everything in this little book they have forgotten to explain or expand some hard steps.

Junk Mail Fun!
What fun! Duy and Tramy Nguyen bring new life to plain old junk mail by means of great paper folding projects! The illustrations are easy to read, even for the beginner, and the results are fun and clever, the book has wonderful instructions, and even lies flat for easy reading while folding your paper. Who thought saving junk mail could yield such incredible results! This book is great for budget crafters or group leaders; you will have fun! See our entire review on our website along with pictures of our origami elephants! ... Read more

Product Description
The origami book, reinvented. From Margaret van Sicklen, author of the Origami Page-A-Day® Calendar and a tireless proselytizer for her craft, The Joy of Origami brings a delightfully fresh twist to the ancient art of paper folding. Traditional in spirit—she reaches back to origami’s original aim, as a way to share unique gifts with friends and family—yet contemporary in look and feel, with 100 sheets of paper featuring bold, often whimsical patterns specially designed to complement the models, it’s a jazzy, essential book for every origami hobbyist, whether an old hand at folding or new to the craft.

The 57 models range in difficulty from a simple Elephant in Pajamas to a more challenging Tyrannosaurus Rex. There are models for special occasions (Stars and Stripes Pinwheel), action models (the Foxy Puppet), models for kids (One-Trick Pony) and models for friends (the Kissing Cranes). The Everyday Paper section includes models using found paper: four cool ways to fold a dollar bill, an awesome newspaper baseball mitt, and fun ways to turn unwanted business cards into origami creatures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Got me hooked!
I hadn't done any origami since my Campfire days, and I'd forgotten even the simplest patterns I'd learned. This book brings back a few of the old patterns, but it's mostly fun, new projects. I found the instructions easy to follow, although some of the diagrams took a bit of study before I understood exactly what to do. I would recommend some practice with the basic folds at the beginning of the book before moving on to the actual projects.

The included paper is gorgeous and just the right size. The only problem was that I quickly ran out of it--but a trip to the art store fixed that and now I'm folding away to my heart's content. I highly recommend this book for beginners, or for intermediate folders looking for original models that are lots of fun.

Greate Activity Book for Kids
My kids (4 and 6 years old) love this book very much. We pick some to work on every day and they love to share what they made with their friends. They can follow the graphic instructions in book with a little help from me although my 4 year-old cannot read yet. They learn fast from the book and they feel proud of themselves when they teach other kids to do the origami. They love the origami paper coming with the book and they also like to make it from other color paper and decorate it in their own way. It is a place where they can really use their imaginations and be creative.

Wouldn't recommend
Of the 10 models attempted, I was only able to complete about 5. Thinking it might be me, I had a few friends try. Alas, they too were confused. Definitely not the "joy" I was looking for. Even though I purchased this on sale I'll probably return it. If it weren't for the nice paper included in the book, I'd have given it no stars. Maybe this book is good for experienced people but if you're a beginner and looking for a book, I'd keep looking.

Great Book
Being new to Origami, I think I choose the perfect book to get my family started, great instructions, pictures and my family and I have had a great time learning together.Highly recommend this book.

Paper Folding
I was surprised at how quickly this book came.It was in good condition. ... Read more

Product Description
With step by step instructions and clear ill ustrations, 50 Nifty Super Animal Crafts will teach children how to create a whole zoo full of origami animals and provi de hours of fun. ' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

It not one piece origami
This book has many models but alot of them you have to ether cut or add string to make them look right.It's ok for someone new to origami.

Very Simple Folds
This book has very simple folds and just like advertised it is written for a younger crowd.If you are looking to get started with in standard origami or something with a challange then you might look elsewhere like atMontroll or Lang.

It's absolutely excellent
From Catherine (age 8) I like this book because it has many different animals to make, and the instructions are pretty easy to understand.The pictures are easy to follow.When you're done with the animals, you canmake a zoo. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Great easy origami
This is one of the coolest origami kits ever made..the angel is especially awesome.
I would recomend this to anyone who loves origami

lifetime interest, but never done before
Interesting and was able to complete a few projects without refering to DVD.Have not had a lot of time with item and have not yet reviewed the DVD.

money origami
some are easier than others so there is something for all stages whether beginner or advanced; it would have helped me if the diagrams had been in color rather than gray.

Money Origami Kit
The packaging of this book is beautifully designed with a box, some sample money to play with, written instructions and how-to movies of all the folds. I always find a video of origami a thousand times easier to follow than written instructions. So that was appreciated here and well worth the price.

I bought The Money Origami Kit as a gift for someone who knows nothing about origami but says he wants to know how to make money folds. I thought this a perfect way to introduce him to origami where he can learn some of the easier diagrams and at the same time create something that has special meaning for him.

MichaelLaFosse's Origami Money Kid is a wonderful gift for anyone including yourself.

Worth the MONEY
Very nice gift for a beginner or a child.Comes with some actual sized "monopoly money" dollar bills. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

It is not the edge.
I believe it is not the edge of origami.
Models in it are not cute and realistic.
I think it is ordinary level origami book.

A refreshing change of pace
I grew up folding origami animals and simple shapes, and I thought that's all there was to origami.I even said that to a friend whom I knew to be an advanced folder, and he responded by showing me some of the models from this book.Wow--they were definitely more exciting than the cranes and water bombs I remembered folding!

I would recommend this book to anyone who has folded origami a fair amount and maybe grown tired of "the basics."

Disappointing.
I was initially excited to see this book, as I've seen photos of Xander Arena's motorcycle, which is a very cool model. I preordered the book, and sat down to wait for its release. By the time it was released and I got a shipment confirmation, they had changed the cover for the worse, and I hoped the content inside reflected the first cover instead of the second.

I was disappointed. The Motorcycle was very good, as was the Komodo Dragon. The rest of the diagrams, while well-drawn, were often awkward; the models seemed to speak more towards Xander's limitations as a designer, instead of his strengths.

Origami on the Edge
The title of this book is apt: Origami on the edge, with some awesome designs that are way out of the origami mainstream. Complex designs with detailed diagrams - definitely not for a beginner. I love the motorcycle! Skilled practitioners will have a lot of fun with this book.

Original Design
Wow - this has a great collection of designs I haven't seen before.Not the usual origami book.Definitely outside the box... ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

You'll need a high level of intuition to complete the designs in Classic Origami
I purchased this book Classic Origami by P.D. Tuyen on 1/05/07 at retail price at a bookstore.I was really excited about it until I tried to create the first project of the dragonfly.I just recently mastered the dragonfly, squirrel, and fish. I was so frustrated about trying to do even the nesting swan which took 6 plus months to finally accomplish with a librarian who also has done alot of origami.She couldn't figure out the dragonfly either! I have been doing origami for 18 years and this book was the most frustrating to imagine the steps that were missing. I have done many other dragonfly patterns that were very complete in their steps.So make sure that you take out a library copy first and see if you can do these designs.

Classic Origami
The models in this book are very stylistic and are unlike any others I've seen.That being said, I find the instructions in this book very difficult to follow compared to other 15 books I own.I consider myself a low intermediate folder but I am only able to complete about half of the models in this book (and even they don't look very good).There is at least one fold in each model that is very difficult to figure out.The diagrams leave something to be desired.A good book, just not for folders of lesser skill.

Classic Origami
Tuyen's presentation of figures from the crane to his spider is a refreshing interpretation of ten basic forms.The diagrams and instructions make folding the models in this book easy yet the figures themselves are a challenge to complete.This is among the top 20 of my favorite origami books. ... Read more

Product Description
Over 1,200 clear and easy-to-follow diagrams guide paper folders step-by-step in the creation of 24 African animals: lion, elephant, crocodile, gorilla, rhinoceros, gazelle, flamingo and more. Projects range from simple to complex, making this collection ideal for both beginners and advanced origamists. 1230 black-and-white illustrations.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

One of the greatestorigami books of all time!
I think that this is one of John Montroll's best books. It is amazing how he thought of making several pockets and spreading the edges to form stripes on a zebra, or using squash and mountain folds to make spots on a giraffe,still having enough paper to make ears and horns. This is a great book particularly for intermediate origamists.If you buy this book, you won't regret it.

One of my favorite Montroll Collections
This is one of my favorite books by John and I would highly recommend it to any intermediate to advanced folder. Like most of his books, it gives you some fairly simple models to start out on (grass, tree) and then move to some more intermediate ones (various African birds, snake, crocodile, etc.) Getting into the more difficult animals you have things like a hippo, gorilla, chimp, aardvark, etc. Next you will tackle models like the elephant, rhino, gazelle, plain giraffe and lion. Finally when you are ready to tackle the hardest models, you have his "multi-colored" animals which make full use of both side of traditional origami paper, the striped zebra and the spotted giraffe. You can see John's developing skill as one of the premier origami authors in this book. The diagrams are all wonderfully done and easy to follow for any experienced folder, and the models themselves are all quite detailed, even some of the easier ones are beautifully representative of the real animal. John clearly puts effort into making a number of these models capable of standing up and often having 3 dimensional aspects such as the lion and hippo in this book which have large bulky heads similar to the live counterpart. If you love animals and love origami, this is definitely not a book to miss!

African Animals, another classic
For all you John Montroll fans out there, buy this book.For everyone else, buy this book also!It is one of the best books for animals, with a wide variety of difficulty levels.From simple 'grass' to complex striped zebras, this book has it all.I enjoyed making some of the more unique models, like the bee-eater and rhinoceros.Another nice thing about this book in particular is that the models are much different than what are in many other books.Because the theme is Africa, a lot of the animals in this book I have never seen made in another book.(Some however, have been made elsewhere, and quite honestly, better, such as the elephant and gorilla).
The Bottom Line:
If you like Montroll, animals, or semi-complex models, buy this book.If you are a beginner, there may be better choices, likewise, if you are an expert, there isn't a lot to whet your appetite.For everyone else, a great book for your collection.

Animals, Animals, and More Animals..
This is a great book for experienced folders.This one along with North American Animals makes a great pair.One thing I find missing in most reviews is the contents is so here it is.There are 24 models in African Animals in Origami and they are Grass, Tree, Sacred Ibis, Crowned Crane, Flamingo, Crocodile, Hippopotamus, Snake, Chameleon, Bee-Eater, Hoopoe, Hornbill, Gorilla, Chimpanzee, African Elephant, Ostrich, Vulture, Aardvark, Rhinoceros, Gazelle, Lion, Zebra, Giraffe, and Spotted Giraffe.Happy Folding.

Excellent
This is my most favoured book in Origami. I have done all the models from the zebra, giraffe, elephant. All models are par excelance. Montroll is my best folder. I think folders who like folding animals should try Racoonfrom Inside our Origami book by Montroll. ... Read more

Product Description
Delightful treasury of unusual and inventive projects; includes step-by-step instructions for creating a camel, rooster, butterfly, bullfighter, magician, an Arab on horseback, scores more.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Fascinating but not practical
I would agree with other reviews in that this book does not contain clear instructions.Many individual steps are cramed into a single confused diagram.Most of the instructions lack clarity and a simple step by step approach that is common to how-to origami books.I also am of the opinion that many of the folds are not good, clean origami.Additionally, even in the diagrams, several of the end result objects do not look like what they are intended to be.There is a basketball player project where the end result looks more like E.T. holding a crystal.

More of the pages should've been used showing step-by-step instructions instead of short-cutting many of the diagrams into step-step-step by step-step-step drawings that look like the artist was as confused as most people attempting to use this book.

This book is not for beginners or intermediate users.It might be a good book for experienced users looking for a challenge.

Weird diagrams, weird book
There are some things about this book I enjoy.Many of the subjects are very cool and original.I love the Vulture.On the other hand, the diagrams are just strange.Each step would be 2 or 3 steps in another book. Difficult for beginners, I even had a hard time trying to figure out what was supposed to be happening in some of them.

I appreciate the fact that Adolfo came from a different school of origami, but many of his diagrams are cumbersome to fold and are (GASP!) modular.Many lack an "economy of folding" that makes a good model great.

A picture's worth a thousand words
After reading two grossly conflicting reviews, I decided borrow a copy of "Fascinating Origami" from a friend. My thoughts: this book is NOT for beginners - unless you ace all of Mensa's spatially oriented tests. On the other hand, if you have folded any of Montroll's medium-hard creations, you should be able to make it through the pictorial instructions without much trouble. (Most of the time. But use a scrap piece first, just in case.) The resulting models are also at a par with some of Montroll's best, making it well worth your while!

Models very complicated
Foldings are poorly explained, very difficult for beginners

The best origami book I've found!
Adolfo Cerceda's "Fascinating Origami" is by far the clearest, easiest-to-understand book of origami that I've found so far.In most books, there will be those one or two folds that throw you no matter whatyou do; not so here! His instructions include no text and at first glanceseem very complicated, but are extremely accurate and easy to follow.If you want to learn some of Cerceda's models, this is the book to do itwith! I have folded some of his models using other books, andfound thatthe instructions there were much harder to follow and often used much morecomplex folds to achieve the same end.Lastly, I've found the originalfigures in this book to be more lifelike than most that I've folded. Youdon't have to use much imagination to see the life behind his models; manyof his birds are especially realistic.I recommend this book highly toany person with a minimal background in origami. Its easy-to-followinstructions lead to some wonderful pieces of origami. ... Read more