No comments about Build Your Own Paper Air Force: 1000s of Paper Airplane Designs on CD to Print Out and Make.

1 comments about Origami Spectacular! (Kit with Book & Paper).

1. My seven year old son, who is not the artistic type, is really into oragami. Many of the books we've taken out of the library are little difficult for me to handle, much less a 7 year old. However, we found a few titles by Michael LaFosse in the library and found them less difficult. So when I saw this kit, I figured it would be great. Some of the items in it are simple enough for him to work on his own and some I have to help with. There are a few that are a little difficult for me to handle, but not many. Overall, I think it's a great kit for a child or an adult to start practicing with and the value is good as you do get a lot of papers to work with. I would recommend it to others.

5 comments about Advanced Origami: More than 60 Fascinating and Challenging Projects for the Serious Folder.

1. This is a pretty good book, mostly focused on "practical" origami, with models such as envelopes, wallets, letter holders, etc. These models are fairly nice and useful as well. The few animal models are un-inspired and better versions can be found elsewhere.

   There are some nice photographs and the diagrams are pretty good.(although non-standard notation does pop-up)

   The title however is VERY misleading. This is an advanced-beginner to intermediate-level book.




2. I agree with Alan's review above, the title of this book is very misleading. When I first got this book I was quite disappointed that the designs here are not advanced. In fact, they are too easy to fold for advanced and experianced folders (for me they only ranked at too-easy to intermediate level). But just forget about it and then I find this book contains the richest practical origami models in a single book so far. These wonderful models are collected in the first half of the book. We can learn how to fold a purse, a clip holder, a booknote, a bookmarker, etc. In fact now my clipholder and bookmarker are folded as this book did by myself. In my opinion this part is this book's (true) merit. Models in the latter half are a bit trite and too easy. If you are interested on the practical usage of origami, this is a 5 star book. If not, this is only 3 stars. So take an average, 4 stars ^^



3. I must agree with the other reviewers. The models in this book are not advanced, but it does have some wonderful practical origami. The diagrams are very clear and the photographs are great as well. The models in the second half of the book are nothing special though there are a couple of nice airplanes. If you are interested in practical origami, by all means buy this book; just keep in mind the models are at an intermediate level at best.



4. Like other reviewers have stated, this book doesn't come even close to being targeted toward advanced folders. In fact, I'm sure most beginners could pick up this book and fold pretty much anything in it.

   Yes, there are some practical models, but these are mediocre at best.

   My main complaint is the way the author "cheats" on his models. Many, many, many models use odd sized paper (yeah, this maybe okay occasionaly, but he uses this too often.) By using non-square paper, the author is either trying to make it easier on the reader (Why? Isn't this an "advanced" book) or, more likely, is trying to cover up his ineptness at folding.

   What is even more frustrating is his liberal use of the "scissors" icon, signalling the folder to cut a portion of the paper during the folding process. Not only is this a slap in the face to true folders, but it is just another way the author is "cheating." For example, the model for the grasshopper requires the folder to, get this, literally cut out legs and antennae! Yes, insects and other many-legged creatures can be difficult to fold, but 1)this is an "advanced" book and 2)to me at least, if you're cutting the paper to make legs, you are no longer in the realm of "origami."

   Finally, despite what other reviewers have said, I don't think the diagrams are all that great nor are the pictures that beautiful. You are much better off buying any other origami book than this.

   One more thing...WAY too many paper airplanes!




5. clear instructions & wonderful color pictures make it easy to make complex origami shapes.

5 comments about Teach Yourself Origami.

1. Not only a carefully sorted collection of origami models, this is a book explicitly written for the aspiring paperfolder. Nice features include:

   - very clear diagrams and instructions using standard notation

   - can be used either as a self-study guide or as a teacher's aid

   - nearly 27 simple models, 12 intermediate, 5 complex (the latter include 2 models by classic creater Fred Rohm, the "impossible" vase and waterwheel)

   - each model introduces more advanced techniques and new folding maneuvers explained in detail, so just by following the book the reader learns not only _how_ each fold is done but also _why_ it is employed

   Excepting a few models like the Elephant, this is not a book for fans of Montroll's "complex" work (like "Origami for the Enthusiast", "Origami Sea Life" and "Origami Sculptures"); on the other hand, it is longer and more didactic than "Easy Origami" and also has more original models. Beware: there's a classic book by R. Harbin reprinted with the same title.




2. I couldn't pass up a book on origami with "teach yourself" in the title. I was expecting an organized presentation of the basics, and that's just what I got. The author introduces the basic folds one at a tim, using simple models for practice, and then expects you to be able to use them by just referring to their names. That can make for some paging back and forth, but I have no problem with that. But I did wish that he included more verbal instructions for some of the steps. Studying the diagram alone just fdid do it for me, though I eventually figured out what I was supposed to do. I think this criticism could be applied to very origami book I've seen.
   
   I'm am still at what the author calls the beginner level. The book contains 27 models at the beginner's level, 12 intermediate, and 5 advance,. Most of these are animals, with lots of birds.



3. I learned a lot from this book. Montroll follows a very logical sequence, with a very gradual increase in difficulty. Along the way, he not only explains how the folds are done, but why. My progress using this book was faster than I would have believed possible (I have succeeded in folding the elephant, and am about to attempt the bee with reasonable confidence.)
   Highly recommended



4. Sometimes, I didn't understand the diagrams in other books.
   So, It was frustrating, and I said "this is not for me".
   I start with this book "Teach Yourself Origami".
   And... Every project is a success. It's an excellent book. Very nice diagrams. Because Montroll teachs step by step. If you have this book you will learn origami.
   You will learn something funny, and you will relax.
   Start to fold!



5. The illustrations are clear and easy to understand; hand this product (and a pack of origami paper) to a bright, interested 7-year-old and watch origami sprout all over your house.

5 comments about Origami Step by Step (Origami).

1. Good things with Origami Step-By-Step: 1) it's very inexpensive, and 2) it has a good number of fantastic models the likes of which would be very difficult to find in another anthology. Patricia Crawford's designs are innovative and original not only in form but also in content. A few of the more original models include a birdbath (with birds), a squirrel on a log, a mermaid swimming along seaweed, and Christ praying on the Mount of Olives(!). Her other models are perhaps slightly more characteristic of origami -- cat, kangaroo, unicorn, scorpion, three-masted sailing ship -- but are also very well-conceived.

   A few caveats of Origami Step-By-Step: 1) the overutilization of foil-backed paper. The intro states that the tensile strength of foil is actually a necessity for many of the models. I have not tried folding all of these models yet, but I suspect you may be able to get similar results using wet-folding techniques. Still, I would have liked to have seen less models that depended on the malleability of the paper for its effects. Also 2) the instructions are anything but "step-by-step." In most of these models, many steps are combined into single steps, making a first-time fold very difficult if you don't already understand the mechanics of the folding. These models rely heavily on pre-creasing, and you can expect to see the first step of a given model to be a square with numerous dotted lines criss-crossing everywhere indicating the creases, but not the folds that lead to said creases. Needless to say, this book is not one for beginners, and even intermediate to advanced folders may be stymied by the lack of instruction.

   Still, this book has some models you won't find anywhere else, so it's definitely worth a look. Just don't expect to go through it in a day.




2. Well, the book is ..., contains interesting models that you will not find anywhere else, BUT: Title absolutly misleading. Even thought it contains several easy models, majority of interesting models are very complex. Even if you could handle it, be aware that: Diagrams are awful and I would like to emphasize it: every model contains a steps that are difficult to follow , from misleading to sometimes erroneous, imcomplete - some very complex steps are just sketched and you will not even see a result picture on next one, text description of steps is very pure. May be that is what autor wanted to say in the title: you will fight for every step to find out what is drawn here. I would recomend it to buy only for VERY expirienced folder who loves to solve puzzles.



3. Although I have started folding for about 3 months, I would consider myself as an advance folder having folded models such as Voyer's horse, pegasus, Brill's elephant, Ronald Koh's rocking horse, etc. The first time I came across this book, the cover say "step by step", so I skip it. During my last visit to the local book store I browsed through it by chance and was pleasantly suprised. 30+ models and mostly advance, for just US$4.95, what a great deal! The diagrams are not "step by step", but adequate for advance folder, it does save a lot of space.



4. This is one of the best. 30+ model in a thin and inexpensive volumn. It's really step-by-step if you fold the model page-by-page. I recommend beginners not to skip. It really like an exercise book. For advance folders, there are many great models to fold. Because of this step-by-step approach the number of diagrams are kept to the minimum. Beginner picking models (not from the start) will find this a difficult book to follow.



5. This book was originally published in the 70s under another title. My High School library had a copy.
   I'd found the simpler models to be quite nice, as a beginner at the time. The more complex models were absolutely eye popping, and gave me something to aspire to.
   Five years after grad., I'd tried to buy a copy, and found it out of print. I was glad to see it's come back.
   The mermaid is very cool, and seems to be floating through a tuft of seaweed, and the fully rigged ship is a truly
   majestic vessel. The unicorn in this book is one of my favorite models.
   Don't pass up this book, especially at this price

No comments about The Art and Wonder of Origami (Quarry Book).

5 comments about Polyhedron Origami for Beginners (Origami Classroom).

1. This is hands down the best book about making modular origami polyhedron I have ever encountered (I own about 6 or so books on the topic). The text does an excellent job of presenting three different ways (solid, skeletal, and outline) to make each of the five platonic solids. Towards the end there are also sections about how to make some stellated polyhedron and polygon tiles. Two things make this text wonderful for the beginning folder. Each fold is lucidly diagrammed and includes a well written explanation. The full color text is an added bonus. If you're interested in getting started as a polyhedron folder, this is the best place to begin. Happy folding. :)



2. I'm not really an origami fundamentalist, but I prefer modulars that hold together without glue. Miyuki's models are wonderful, but many of them do require glue. I've overcome my aversion and enjoyed them greatly, but you should be aware of the fact that it takes a little more than simple folding for these!



3. I was a bit disappointed with this book. I feel that many of the models are "simple looking" and therefore, couldn't figure out what to do with them once I'd folded them. They seemed too simple to put on display anywhere I do, however, really like the star section of the book.
   
   As normal with modular origami, be prepared to fold many units!
   
   If you are not a beginner folder, I recommend Tomoko Fuse's Unit Origami: Multidimensional Transformations over this book.



4. We have used many origami books but this is the first that has consistently stayed on the kitchen counter for weeks at a time. We have origami tetrahedrons, dodecahedrons, and tetrahedral skeletons all over the house! My 8 year old son has gone origami crazy, all because of this book. The photos are gorgeous - colorful and full of inspiration. The illustrations are excellent - easy to understand, although some of the more complicated figures did take more than one try. Now we need a good source for bulk origami paper.
   
   My son has tried using different size papers, experimented with variations on the instructions, and deconstructed the tetrahedron to see what folds it creates on the paper. He has discovered that the dodecahedron has 20 sides - it can be made with 10 tetrahedrons, each showing 2 sides out (I think - I haven't spent nearly as much time as he has on this stuff). He is still an early reader and has been able to do many of the designs just by following the illustrations and ignoring the written instructions.
   
   Hands down, a wonderful book. Highly recommended!



5. The directions in this book are very clear! It is an exceptional origami pattern book/instruction manual.

5 comments about Origami Sculptures (Origami).

1. In this book Montroll not only makes some of the best animal models so far but also creates systems of folding 4-leg animals and 6-leg insects. The folding steps in each model are very natural, with great logic and wits. Montroll is so scintillating in these designs that he creates 2 outstanding origami bases, Montroll's Dog base and Montroll's Insect base. In application of these 2 bases many vivid animals (REALLY VIVID!) are folded and exhibited. Other animals are well-designed too, including a cock, a penguin from the front side, etc. In my opinion, this is the finest among Montroll's origami books.



2. This, in my opinion, is Montroll's best book out there. The small details of the models are superb, especially the panda bear and the camel. Most of the animals stand up by themselves and make great displays.



3. If you like John's origami books, this one is a must! I would rate it as my favorite of all of his, and that's saying a lot. In addition to the models mentioned by others, this book has the two bases in it, which I found particularly fun to play with on my own. I used the dog base to fold my own versions of about a dozen different dog breeds. I'm sure any experienced folder could come up with others!



4. I found the instructions difficult to follow; some steps are not clear on how to get there. I bought this book to share it with my kids. It turned out to be quite useless because we couldn't make any of them.



5. I am really very new to origami, but the illustrations and instructions are very easy to follow.

3 comments about Jewish Holiday Origami.

1. What a great idea, superbly executed! By following Stern's simple steps, enhanced with 'this is how it should look' photos, one can decorate and learn about the Jewish holidays. I'm looking forward to putting the Four Sons on the Seder table according to who's who. There is even 'Two Zuzim." Each origami object is rated according to difficulty so that the 'craftsman' does not immeditely get frustrated by starting with the more difficult ones.
   Here is a craft item that adds fun to the teaching of the Holidays. Each origami object is accompanied by a simple but complete explanation of the meaning of the holiday and the object's place in it. Some of the objects even have movable parts, like the Torah and dreidel.
   The book itself is a perfect gift. I'm looking forward to teaching my grandchildren about the Holidays while having fun folding paper.



2. Books devoted to themed origami, like hearts, fairy tales, flowers and dollhouses, have always held a special fascination and charm for paperfolding enthusiasts and have attracted some of the world's great origami designers. Florence Temko blazed the Jewish and bible origami trails. Now, Joel Stern has created 25 festive models for his new book, "Jewish Holiday Origami". The models in "Jewish Holiday Origami" are well-designed and diagrammed, easy to master and ideally suited for diorama displays. The three dimensional pyramid may be one of the best 11-fold pyramids ever created! And with a few more creases, it is transformed into a Purim pastry! All in all, Stern's designs are a pleasure to fold. Clever maneuvers abound and a crease here and repeated crease there often yield hidden surprises and delights. Many of the models like the wine glass, pastry/tart, pyramid, candles, human figures with display stand, book, frog, goat face and meat bone can be folded and enjoyed all year round, adding to their versatility and timelessness. Models in "Jewish Holiday Origami" are conveniently indexed by experience level (beginner, intermediate and advanced) and by holiday (Sabbath, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim, Passover and Shavuot).



3. This slim paperback volume includes instructions for 24 Jewish origami projects, along with a black and white photograph and a brief explanation of each project's historical and spiritual significance. The introduction provides basic information about origami and explains how Judaism can be expressed through this ancient paper folding art. The table of contents lists the projects by level (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) and by Jewish holiday (Sabbath, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot). While not nearly as attractive as Florence Temko's Jewish Origami, Jewish Origami II and Bible Origami, which include full-color photographs and diagrams as well as origami paper, Stern's edition is more comprehensive and content-rich - a worthwhile addition for libraries that collect Jewish craft books. For ages 8 and up. Reviewed by Rachel Kamin

4 comments about Origami Treasure Chest.

1. This is a wonderful book. I first saw it at the library and knew that I wanted to purchase it. What caught my attention was that the origami pictures inside were actual colored photographs--not drawn pictures. It definitely helps alot more when you see the actual photographs. It makes folding origami much easier!

   I am not exactly very good at folding origami and the things I tried came out wonderful. This origami book is different from others I've seen because it teaches you how to fold useful things besides the typical animals. You can learn how to fold special envelopes, boxes with handles, wreaths, and decorations.

   I definitely recommend you to get this book. It is excellent!




2. This is a wonderful book. I first saw it at the library and knew that I wanted to purchase it. What caught my attention was that the origami pictures inside were actual colored photographs--not drawn pictures. It definitely helps alot more when you see the actual photographs. It makes folding origami much easier!

   I am not exactly very good at folding origami and the things I tried came out wonderful. This origami book is different from others I've seen because it teaches you how to fold useful things besides the typical animals. You can learn how to fold special envelopes, boxes with handles, wreaths, and decorations.

   I definitely recommend you to get this book. It is excellent!




3. I do origami as a hobby, using the results for presents for friends and family. This has been my favorite origami books since I first discovered it. The instructions are very good; I have usually been able to understand them during my first attempt at a design. If you're just beginning origami, with no previous experience, there is an explanation of the folding symbols on the back of the front cover. However, there are no detailed beginners explanations, so, unless you feel up to it, you may not want to get this book if you have never done origami before. If you do have a little experience, this is a very good book. Some of the designs are more simple than others, and even the simple designs look good. I am always annoyed at "easy origami" books that are easy, but have horrible looking designs. This is not the case with this book, and, in fact, I have created some beautiful origami mobiles using only designs found in this book. There may not be as much variety in this book as you might find in other origami books, but you can be reasonably certain that you'll be able to fold all the designs found in this book. I have yet to encounter an origami book that I have gotten as much use out of as this one.



4. Origami Treasure Chest is a real treasure. It contains easy to follow instructions and diagrams with illustrations of the finished origami models. It contains a variety of models with some variations for some of the models. The models are simple to intermediate. I recommend this book to origamists who want some easy models to create.