No comments about Kirigami Fold & Cut-a-Day: 2009 Day-to-Day Calendar.

5 comments about Origami with Dollar Bills: Another Way to Impress People with Your Money!.

1. A better way to give kids money than just handing them a bill. Plus you get a history and fact to repeat while folding. Makes you look like you know what money is all about.



2. This is a cute little book, but I was disappointed because it contains only 15 figures to make with dollar bills -- five using one dollar bill, seven using two, and three using three bills. Also, I don't consider most of the figures to be interesting ones or anything that most people will recognize upon seeing them. The figures are: eagle, eel, European dragon, fruit bat, horseshoe crab, Jedi, Klingon bird of prey, Oriental dragon, Phoenix, Roger's Rabbit, scorpion, sea lion, squid, tiger shark and vampire bat. Nevertheless, I set out to make every figure -- only to find that steps were missing from the instructions and photos, and I couldn't figure out how to get from here to there on several of the figures. After several failures I ended up giving up in frustration!
   
   There is a bonus included -- approximately every 12-14 pages there is a 2-page spread of "fun facts about dollar bills."



3. This is not what you would call a "bad" book, it is just one that did not live up to my expectations. The author gives us around 15 folding projects with a single dollar, a number of projects with multiple bills. I was looking for a book with only single bill folds. Some of the designs are cute, some not so cute. The directions are easy to follow though which is a plus and it is quite easy to teach the young ones the more simple folds. I must admit that the children were much more fascinated with this book than I was. The cost of the book though is reasonable and you probably will not be wasting your money in the purchase. Overall, an okay book, but I would have appreciated a bit more.



4. Not as good as I thought it would be. Too difficult for a beginner. Thought it would be a good gift for children, but more for adults.



5. Origami With Dollar Bills is a spiral bound book that will help you beat inflation by using the dollar bills in your wallet for something useful and decorative that will amaze your family and friends. If it had a few more designs, I would have added another star, but what the hey -- it's a cheap book and not a bad value at all.
   
   So, even though the dollar bills won't get you much at the gas pump or supermarket, it can now become a bunny rabbit, vampire bat, shark, dragon and more. There are 15 objets to fold in all.
   
   Now, that's getting your money's worth!

5 comments about Origami Boxes.

1. The directions were easy to follow...but putting the boxes together wasn't as easy to figure out.



2. I got this book for Christmas last year. I've enjoyed using its helpful diagrams to make boxes for myself and for gifts. I was able to easily follow the diagrams and produce some beautiful boxes. I'd recommend this book to anyone who has some origami background and is looking for some fun new diagrams to try!



3. Tomoko Fuse is fantastic! I would recommend almost all of her books. This book is no exception. As a lover of origami, and practical things, I can't go past Tomoko Fuse's box books.
   
   I was a beginner folder when I first bought her box books and have never had a problem following her directions. I have also taught the folding or some of her boxes to a group of 10-15 year olds. Although they needed a bit of help here and there, they were capable of folding the boxes. (Some, of course were better than others at understanding the diagrams, but most caught on eventually).
   
   The boxes have endless uses, paperclips at work, shortbread in them at Christmas time for gifts, to hold Easter eggs at Easter.
   
   If you are trying to choose between Fuse's Origami Boxes and Fuse's Fabulous Origami Boxes, my advice is to give in and purchase them both. They do not contain duplicate boxes.
   
   I reccomend Fuses's box books over Florence Temko's Origami Boxes and More!, however, Temko's book contains easier models.



4. I've been folding origami for about a month now, and as with just about everything I've tried, I've thrown myself into it with enthusiasm. This is definitely one of my favorite origami books I've checked out of the library (and I'm just about to order a copy for myself). A couple of the reviewers have expressed some frustration with the instructions, but I can't say I share the sentiment. Some of the models require careful examination of the diagrams (and sometimes it's possible to miss a small detail if you're a bit careless or distracted), but I've made all but three of the models in the book and any difficulty I've encountered was cleared up after a few minutes of studying the diagrams and/or experimenting with manipulating the model. When suddenly things come together beautifully just as they should, I always mutter "Aaaaah!" under my breath, and I love that little rush of accomplishment. (What can I say, I dream small.)
   
   I would say this is not a good choice for a first book of origami (not that it is presented as such), but for most people with an interest and a modest amount of patience, it is very nice. Practical, too - I enjoy folding the little jumping frogs, swans, doves, puppies, etc., but when they're done, I'm done and they go away. For these boxes, I can see lots of uses, especially as small gift boxes; I'm going to look for some kind of spray- or paint-on lacquer or other finish that will make the finished boxes stiffer and/or give them a glossy finish.



5. If you like origami or origami boxes, you need to own this book.
   
   It was written by the queen of origami boxes, Tomoko Fuse. This is an outstanding book because the directions and illustrations are nicely done and easy to follow.
   
   The book has SQUARE boxes. It has TRIANGULAR boxes. It has HEXAGONAL (6-sided) boxes. It has OCTAGONAL (8-sided) boxes. All boxes have lids and Fuse gives lid variations of many of the boxes.
   
   The boxes are beautiful AND functional. Use the boxes to organize office drawers, hold your jewelry, etc.
   
   They make wonderful (and strong) containers for gifts. It's fun to make them in graduated sizes and "nest" the boxes, tucking the gift (jewelry, check, watch, etc.) inside the final box.
   
   The first time origami folder will breeze through the beginning folds of most of the boxes. The final steps of the boxes are a bit more challenging and will take the new folder a bit more effort to figure out. In other words, the end steps where you fold the flat paper up into the 3-D side of the box can be a bit confusing to a new folder.
   
   That's typical of most origami books. However this book is far, far, far better than most in guiding you through the final steps. And if you get stuck, look at the next illustration to help you figure out how to do the current fold.
   
   If you're new to origami or to boxes, start with the regular 4-sided box at the beginning of the book. That will familiarize you with Fuse's diagrams and instructions.
   
   The square boxes are very fast to make ONCE you're familiar with the technique. You can easily do an entire square box (top and bottom) in 5-10 minutes. The square box is a very strong box and quite delightful. While it's not as stunning as the hexagon, use good paper and bright colors and you'll love the result. So will the recipient of the square box!
   
   Once you've mastered the technique of the 4-sided box, you'll definitely want to make the hexagon box. This once takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete once you're familiar with the steps.
   
   The hexagon box is my favorite. It's quite strong and quite stunning. You get a "star burst" effect on the lid if you use paper that is colored on one side and white on the other (or paper that is colored differently on each side).
   
   One more tip....these boxes are easier to make if you use REAL origami paper rather than colored copy paper. Why REAL origami paper??
   
   Because REAL origami paper folds MUCH crisper, holds its edges MUCH better, and slides MUCH easier than colored copy paper. "Sliding" is important when fitting the boxes together because paper that doesn't slide well crunches up or wrinkles when you try to put the boxes together.
   
   And you don't have to spend a ton on beautiful origami papers when you're first learning. You can buy Bulk packages of 100 to 500 sheets of assorted-color origami paper which works just fine for learning and practice.
   
   Happy Folding! :D

5 comments about Complete Origami: An A-Z facts and folds, with step-by-step instructions for over 100 projects.

1. If you're looking for nice models to fold, this is not the book you'll want. Instead, if you have some experience with folding and would like to understand the more advanced books and articles you may find on the Internet, you will appreciate the information provided by Complete Origami. As a glossary, it defines most words and concepts of Origami, and the projects complement nicely the definitions.



2. I bought this book to learn some simple things to fold in a Kindergarten I used to work in, and it was an instant success! I was sat at the table for hours folding frogs and boats to the kids, and they seemed to really enjoy the creations! This is a great book for parents and pre-school teachers, and it is a great way to learn a little bit about geometry too. Some of the models are difficult to understand, but folding is about taking your time. A great way of finding a corner of peace in our rush-hour lifestyle!



3. The directions in this book can be hard to follow. I don't think there are 100 great projects in this book. Maybe 10? This book is pretty disappointing.



4. I had this book when I was 5 or 6 and absolutely adored it. I lost it and found interest in it again when I sat for an origami class and was reminded of it. The instructions are really easy to follow and there are great models for all ages.



5. This book is not what I expected. Instead of a collection of origami patterns, it's more of a collection of folding trivia, history, and folding projects, everything from paper cranes to how to put a cloth diaper on a baby.
   
   It is set up A-Z, with at least one entry for every letter of the alphabet. If you are looking strictly for a book of patterns, this is not for you. If you want to find out about the history and quirky side of origami, go for it!

No comments about Money Folding: Making Banknotes into Gifts You Can Spend.

5 comments about Sticky Note Origami: 25 Designs to Make at Your Desk.

1. The book contains 25 designs. Many of these are pointless tile patterns. Most figures are standard designs - you join 2 post-its to make your starting square paper. A number of designs would require an explanation for a viewer to recognise what they are suppposed to be. When I ordered the book I expected I would end up with lovely little figures across my desk cleverly folded from post-its - there wasn't one figure I would display. Don't bother with this book - there are plenty better - even free stuff off the web is higher standard.



2. I thought the book was delightful. The directions for each design are extremely clear, which is NOT always the case with origami books. One great design is a sticky note take on a flexagon, which works very well since the paper comes with its own stickiness -- no transparent tape required. The models are relatively easy (till the last few), so this would be a good book for an origami novice. An experienced folder might want to take a look at a copy before purchasing.



3. this book is very nice and i like it a lot there are some really cool models in this book like diamonds where if you put the mtogether it lookes like a 3 dimentional shape i like this book a lot i has some really cute models like wizards and cool shapes A great buy for anyone who gets bored at the desk (or school for that matter.)



4. ... it wasnt what i thought it would be. but its great... something to do at work. i was able to make a few things... but i need'd the correct sized post-its and didnt have any... o'well



5. Sticky Note origami contains a lot of models that you would have already seen in many basic origami books. Many of the models do not actually have to be folded with sticky notes.
   
   If you want a book for some quick cleaver folds for the office, I suggest Office Origami: The Highly Successful Slacker's Guide to Workplace Procrastination. Its another basic book, but I'd rate it higher than this one.
   
   With that said, this book is not a complete write off, the Wizard shown on the front cover is quite cool. I guess its not too bad for the price, and maybe beginner folders would like it.

5 comments about Marvelous Modular Origami.

1. Meenakshi's web-site has been a hot spot for those of us who are hooked on making these intracate decorative balls for years and her new book does not disappoint! Very clear diagrams, helpful directions, multiple ways of forming the units to make different flowers appear, and the vast majority are not recycled from other books. For the bored begginer in origami on up!
   
   Warning! This is an addictive hobby. Fortunately tiny sheets of square paper are inexpensive.......



2. Este libro representa una estupenda muestra del ingenio y buen hacer de la autora, que ya nos había adelantado en su maravillosa página Web. Modelos sencillos de plegar y muy espectaculares.



3. Meenakshi has done a great job of explaining in a step-by-step manner how to create many simple to not-so-simple figures in Origami. Being a complete beginner, it has greatly helped me. I am sure the more advanced users will get much more from this book.



4. It's a nice book about modular origami, but not so original. I've found some of its diagrams in other books or over the Internet, but here they're detailed and made easy to accomplish. Where the book is original, it's because minimal changes over past work of others. Nonetheless, it's a good compilation, worth buying if you are new to modular origami.
   What is a real flaw is that the pics on the book aren't that good. Some are poorly shot. And others have average quality, but the models are badly assembled, greatly because most of the models deal with both sides colored paper, and the author build'em with single side colored ones. That spoils part of the beauty of the origamis.
   The good news are that in the coda of the book you can find some mathematical descriptions of paperfolding theory, and some color schemes on how to assemble the polyhedra contained in this book. An overall good book. For the beginner.



5. In so many ways, origami is the perfect activity for young children. Using only simple movements that even young ones can master at a high enough level, students can create beautiful things. The pot is made even sweeter by the fact that the cost of the raw materials is so low. By practicing first using printer paper, the students can hone their skills before moving on to the development of the finished product.
   This book contains some of the best and most functional origami patterns ever developed. The end results are spectacular and the directions are very easy to follow. I am on good terms with the education department at Mount Mercy College and will be showing them this book when classes start this fall.
   
   Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

5 comments about Folded Flowers: Fabric Origami with a Twist of Silk Ribbon.

1. I was so excited to hear that Kumiko Sudo had a new flower book out! I loved Fabled Flowers and I like this one even better! The photos are beautiful and the patterns are so nicely laid out that I could follow them without any problem. For a visual learner like me, that--and lots of pictures--is exactly what I need. I made two of the flower designs the first weekend after buying the book. I used some of my favorite floral fabrics and they look wonderful. I love Rose Hortensia--little fairy faces peeking out of the flowers . . . so cute! I can't wait to get started on one of the purse designs . . . Marcie in Chicago



2. Compiled and written by internationally renowned quilt and fiber artist Kumiko Sudo, Folded Flowers: Fabric Origami With A Twist Of Silk Ribbon is a carefully crafted, "user friendly", step-by-step instructional guide to creating beautiful floral-style decorations out of cloth and silk. Full-color photographs and diagrams fill this very highly recommended guide to a fascinating and lovely art, which is especially commended for quilter and cloth crafters from the novice beginner to the experienced and seasoned expert.



3. Each one has brought succulent abundance of devine offerings to feed one's creativity. As a watercolorist the exciting world of color has been understood. Now within the world of Fabrics, Kumiko has illustrated wondrous exciting ways again with color.
   She calls upon us to open our eyes observing the natural beauty found around us..our gardens, nature. Create your reactions with colors combinations design lingering inside yourself. It is inspiring to browse over and over each of her books. One seeks beauty and is over whelmed turning each page.



4. The ladies in my quilting group went crazy over this book and the new techniques it showed them. It has 24 original three-dimensional flower designs in fabric and silk ribbon. You learn to make a pompom dahlia, a lily, kalanchoe, hollyhock, China aster, an Australian waratah, passion flower, sweet pea, cockscomb, malaleuca, and others. She shows each flower in a finished project with detailed instructions to make the small quilt.
   There are also patterns for six purses so you can make your own elegant evening bags or give them as gifts.
   The steps are show in drawings with color so it is easy to see the folding and which side you are working with.
   The techniques taught are appliqué, Japanese sashiko stitching, beading and embellishment, all-in-one backings and borders, and others.



5. This is exactly what I needed to complete a quilt I am working on. I wanted to include some flowers in a pineapple log cabin made in batik to give more dynamism to the end result. The projects in the book are easy to follow, magnificient and have that oriental touch but which can easily be included / adapted in more standard pieces of work. It is a real pleasure also to glance through the pages.

5 comments about Fabulous Origami Boxes.

1. Excellent and practical designs. The octagonal box is especially easy to fold and looks great. My one and only minor niggle is that I wish this book had a spiral binding so that I wouldn't have to use a paperweight to hold the pages open as I folded them.



2. Tomoko Fuse is fantastic! I would recommend almost all of her books. This book is no exception. As a lover of origami, and practical things, I can't go past Tomoko Fuse's box books.
   
   I was a beginner folder when I first bought her box books and have never had a problem following her directions. I have also taught the folding or some of her boxes to a group of 10-15 year olds. Although they needed a bit of help here and there, they were capable of folding the boxes. (Some, of course were better than others at understanding the diagrams, but most caught on eventually).
   
   The boxes have endless uses, paperclips at work, shortbread in them at Christmas time for gifts, to hold Easter eggs at Easter.
   
   As the cover illustrates, this book has more boxes with raised details (such as the crane, flowers etc) than Tomoko Fuse's "Origami Boxes". Both books are fabulous though.



3. The author's name alone is what drew me to this book. Tomoko Fuse has come up with so many different variations of origami boxes that it absolutely amazes me! Not only does she design the actual box, but the adornments she designs that are integrated into the box tops are very creative. If you only build one box from this book, build the "Lamp Shaped Bowl w/Knobbed Lid". It is ornate, easy to make, has a unique shape, and is actually very sturdy. If you like origami boxes, BUY THIS BOOK!



4. The Book is a fairly good introduction into creative boxes but I felt the book was a bit short and had not many different box variations



5. I knew this origami boxes from tomoko's fuse site. The schemes were compiled in a very useful and great book - this one!
   It's worth buying :)

4 comments about The Joy of Origami.

1. This is SUCH a cute book! What a great idea to package the models, directions and paper all in one book. The choice of models range from the basic to the more complex (for those serious folders) and the paper (included in the back) is FABULOUS--from the super colorful to the super fun. I am almost through the whole book and am buying a few more copies as gifts for Christmas.
   If you liked her calendar, you will totally love this book. I hope she is working on Volume 2.



2. Great book for the beginer in origami. Many great and fun projects.



3. This is a nice book of general origami figures. For those who have never done it before, the book gives clear instructions and a good introduction to the basics of folding the most common and enjoyable of the figures. To you I would suggest reading ahead before you complete a fold. It will make the concept clearer for you and prevent frustrating mistakes.
   
   For those who have practiced origami for a while, there's probably nothing new in the book except the delightful papers provided at the back of the book. While not the traditional designs, these papers provide some pretty new ones motifs and some thoroughly delightful scenic designs that fold up into a shape that presents a unified image. You'll enjoy them, I think. I plan on using my copier to duplicate them for use in projects so that I can kept them nice.



4. My 8 and 10 year old daughters really enjoy this book. It makes a great gift. The instructions are very good but you might need to help a child do a reverse fold for the first time. I would definitely suggest this for creative children or for a beginner at origami.
   
   The papers in the back of the book are extremely nice and designed full color and labeled in the margin for each page. Each set of instructions has two sets of paper for it so my kids don't even argue about who gets to use which paper.