3 comments about Fun with Easy Origami: 32 Projects and 24 Sheets of Origami Paper (Origami).

1. this has very simple modles. It is good for the beginer. The paper comes in many colors.



2. This kit is fun and not too hard. I needed help on some of them, but the directions are very detailed and I was able to do most of them on my own.
   Ben, age 8



3. I thought it would be fun to do some origami, but it is hard to figure out the instructions for a beginner. The easy part of the title was lost on me. I ended up with a butterfly that actually looked like a road kill frog. Oh well, I guess this just isn't for me. Other's may enjoy this paper kraft.

5 comments about Dollar Bill Origami.

1. I bought this product for myself and my boyfriend this past holiday. So far, we both really enjoy it. The book offers three levels of folding and many projects. As a novice, I've been able to do many of the basic and a few of the second level folds, luckily the book also offers a glossary of folds!



2. I picked up this book for the "shirt & tie". It was pretty easy to follow and I feel like I'm a pro at it now. There are tons of other things you can make out of a dollar all detailed in this book.



3. This is very similar to his other book. It has some great ideas but the directions are less than desireable. Not for beginers. (barely for the hard core folder) The tree on the front of the book we pretty easy. But most of the folds seem to skip steps and leave you scratching your head. It is a good addition to my collection but "the buck book" & "the guide to Hawaiian-style money folds" are the best ones I own.



4. I bought this title for a 16-year-old female who really likes origami but she couldn't successfully complete most of the projects. Though the book offers a neat variety of end products, the directions are confusing/inadequate. This item should be purchased mostly by/for origami lovers with lots of experience, who can intuit the steps and folds that must occur between the steps that are actually illustrated.



5. I thought this would be a fun way to give money as a gift by tucking 20 one dollar bills between the pages. When my sons and grandsons flipped through, they were definitely delighted with the dollars, but most of the origami was pretty advanced and hard to follow. They soon lost interest, but still talk about the novelty of the packaging.

5 comments about Origami Insects.

1. My 11 year old grandson is an origami 'master'! he has been doing ORIGAMI for 5 or 6 years. He says this is the best ORIGAMI book he has - he has a library full of them! He just ordered another Robert Lang ORIGAMI book.



2. I was able to fold one of the models in this book (the ant.) I aspire to fold the others someday, after much, much more practice with easier books. They look really cool, so they give me a goal to aim for, but I am not certain if I will ever get there.
   Five stars because they are great designs.



3. This book is the best one for the paperfoldinging advanced beginners, this have many advanced origami and the results are very great.



4. Long live Robert Lang! I attended Lang's origami demontration at Mingei International Museum in Escondido, CA just over a year ago when the museum had its origami exhibition: Lang folded his famous KNL dragon using a square paper 9X9 feet. The finished dragon was 5 feet long!
   
   Lang's Origami Insects is close to a masterpiece because it offers many detailed models; I said, "close to," because nothing is perfect. Ha!Ha! Lang spent countless hours figuring out these diagrams to share with the world, and for around $11.00, this book is a steal. Make sure to get large square papers above 12X12 inches and a couple tweezers, LOL! By the way, Lang wrote a similar book called, Origami Insects 2, but this book is extremely pricy and is not well known: I remember it was selling for around $40.00 through Origami USA.



5. I see I'm in the minority on this book, and I'm sure I'll get a bunch of "unhelpful" votes from people disagreeing with my opinion, but I found this book really frustrating for the amount of steps that are just so difficult to get through. To be honest, until I got this book, I'd never really had major difficulties with any origami I've done, I've been folding for over 30 years, I had even folded Lang's previous monster the Cuckoo Clock from The Complete Book of Origami, Montroll's Stego and other such complex models. I've done plenty of insects before (I loved the mantis in his Origami Zoo book) but the majority of the ones in this book just drove me nuts. He clearly loves sinks and those in particular often just really tripped me up for the complexity of the layers you were having to sink. There were a few that I simply could not figure out, they just seemed totally inexplicable how you were supposed to get those layers properly reversed. I'd try such models again and fail again, and I personally just do not find that enjoyable to put so much time into something only to get totally stuck and unable to continue. Sure, it happens once in awhile regardless...but with this book it became commonplace. For me, what makes an origami book great is the ability to take extremely complex, interesting models and diagram them in such a way that a reasonably competent folder can accomplish them with a concerted effort. And this book definitely missed that mark.
   
   I'd certainly recommend you avoid this book until you have quite a few years of experience folding and can easily handle any type of model, and advanced steps like reverse folded sinks, etc. But I'd also suggest you consider whether you are the type of folder that doesn't mind spending an hour or two on something and have nothing to show for it, but is able to move on and try again (and again and again...) I am used to messing up a model on the first try once in awhile but there are models in this book I tried several times and honestly felt like I just could do over and over and still not figure out. I personally just don't have quite that level of perseverance, so this book tends to sit on my shelf while I do other, not necessarily easier models, but ones that at least have more reasonable steps to get from point A to point B.

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 :)

1 comments about Decorative Origami Boxes.

1. Being interested in origami boxes, and seeing the low $5.95 price for this book, I bought it. I am not at all disappointed. It teaches 18 boxes w/variations, ranging from very easy to intermediate level.
   
   For beginners, Rick teaches the Nik-Nak Box (from 8.5"x11" paper), The Printer's Box and Harbin's Box-In-One ( a small square box with a lid from one piece of paper). He moves on to the A4 Thin Box (again, from an 8.5"x11" paper), which is a long skinny box with a lid, all from one piece of paper. From there he moves on to teach Boxes w/Lids, Boxes w/Dividers, the Flower Box, a Shell Shaped Box, a Heart Shaped Box, the Peace Crane Box, a Triangle Box with a Rose on top, and my latest favorite, due to its simplicity, the "Pacchetto Regalo box", one that closes onto itself and locks, all from one paper piece. He finishes the book by teaching a 5-sided box, complete with 3 lid variations. All in all, this book is a deal for the small amount of $$$ it costs.

5 comments about Origami Sea Life (Origami).

1. This book is well written with easy to understand diagrams. The models range from easy to extremly hard, but most of the animals are high intermediate.Most of the diagrams are so specialized that they can't make other models from the base, but the end result is an elegant model that isn't bulky like other models of this difficulty. I have most of Montroll's and Lang's work,and this is one of the best.The deep sea angler fish is my favorite with a full set of teeth. The binding is breaking apart because I've used it so much. Overall this is a book with the best models!
   (Watch the binding of the Dover books!)



2. This is one of my favorite Origami books ever. If you are thinking about getting it you should. This book will appeal to any body, from beginner to advanced. I love the models in this book. It contains various models of many genera and cover many of the marine phylums such as variety of gastropods, cephalodops, crustaceans, and many fish from Angler Fish to sharks to Sun fish.



3. I've owned this book for a number of years and only recently have I been able to fold most of the creatures in it. This book is definitely not for greenhorns, but if you look closely at every single diagramme in the book, and interpret them exactly and are very careful, every model in the book is foldable. The end result is gorgeous paper sea creatures that can impress basically anyone--yourself included. I've been amazed at how beautiful the things I'm folding from this book turn out.



4. This superb book contains an enormous range of origami models representing various forms of sea life. These range from sea urchins and starfish through to the Blackdevil Angler Fish and the almost impossible to fold Chambered Nautilus Shell. I have in my time folded most of the models and my favourites include the Angler Fish, Goldfish and the Murex shell which is wonderful in a textured foil.
   
   Most of the models will require some folding experience, even the easier ones and the most difficult ones like the Atlantic Purple Sea Urchin and Blackdevil Angler Fish are really for experts only, but most folders of intermediate level and upwards will find something to enjoy. It is definitely a book which will help you to develop your folding skills but be sure to have plenty of paper on hand!
   
   Each section includes an interesting introduction to the natural history of the life forms it is covering and the book is well laid out with clear computerised diagrams. It's an origami book I've come back to again and again over the years and which remains one of my treasures. I recommend it.



5. The finished models in this book are great, they are clearly identifiable species, not just generic fish, crabs, etc.
   What really makes the book stand out, however, are the folding sequences. The steps flow with a natural rythm, and every tricky step is clearly explained. Because the authors have created unique bases for each model, the results of a given step are often pleasantly surprising.
   I have a pile of origami books, and this is my favorite so far by a pretty wide margin. When I finish folding everything in it, I will probably fold them all again because they are so much fun.

5 comments about Origami Omnibus: Paper Folding for Everybody.

1. Near perfect. Nuff said. All idiots, please avoid. This is for high level folders only.



2. Some of the folds are very difficult to understand, yes. However, with a little perseverence, many can be figured out. There's nothing quite like finishing an origami when you had to struggle through some difficult folds to do it. The few times a fold has me completely stymied, this book has such a wealth of material to choose from, it is always easy to set the paper aside and find another project, just as fascinating, hopefully more tractable. This book's greatest strength is its variety. In terms of subject matter, difficulty levels, and sheer number of fascinating forms, I have not yet seen a superior volume.



3. Origami Omnibus has a wide spectrum of models, so everyone can enjoy this book. I like it because it has easy models, but also hard ones that I am still working on. It has a lot of modular origami, which is one category I enjoy. This book explains how geometry and origami are alike. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys origami.



4. This is a huge volume with a large variety of subjects presented. Going from memory, there are masks, dinosaurs, animals, boxes, modular polyhedrons, and more. It would be hard for one to leaf through this book and not find at least a few models that are "must-folds".

   This may not be the best book for beginners. I played around with origami a bit as a child and this is the first book I've ever bought. I've had a few problems following the more complex diagrams, but usually after a test fold (where I end up completely mangling the paper) I can re-do the project with little difficulty. There is little-to-no indication of the difficulty of models, e.g. they certainly aren't arranged by difficulty, but its simple enough to determine that a project with 30 steps will be much more difficult than a project with 8 steps.

   What I find especially inspiring in this volume is the author's scant text. He communicates the history and beauty of origami in a simple manner. His passion definitely shows through. I wouldn't have expected to develop such an appreciation from one volume. Folding has become a relaxing, meditative hobby for me, and I'd recommend this volume for anyone seeking the same.




5. This is essentially a reprint of the 1988 book with a new cover. That said, I have to admit that anyone who didn't purchase a copy of that volume at the time is indeed lucky to have the opportunity presented to them again in this book.
   
   Kasahara jumps the student right into some very elaborate models. Most are purely delightful. I am particularly impressed with the masks and plan on making some of them in large paper for wall decore for friends this Christmas. Many of the designs are presented in other books on the subject, but Kasahara frequently goes one better or beyond. The Persian cat is probably one of the nicest models of a cat I've found.
   
   One of the interesting things about this book is the author's marriage of origami to geometry and mathematics. The book has some of the most comprehensive discussions on the relationships of three dimensional geometric objects to one another that I've ever seen in an origami book. While I was more interested in the artist's rendering of new models and didn't get as deeply into the geometrics of the art, I have to admit, the discussions were very cogent and would be an asset to a math teacher.
   
   Probably the most magnificent of the book's presentations is one based precisely on the above topic. The author presents an ingenious box which opens out successively into smaller boxes that create a huge tableux of fall, winter, summer and spring, complete with animals, trees, boats, mountains and houses. How better to reveal the true volume of a cube than by this means!

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 Unit Polyhedron Origami.

1. Really, I believe this is one of Tomoko Fuse best books I've ever seen. Great pictures fully and well explained, English is not my native language but it results pretty easy to understand it.
   
   The book's design is so cool, I just can't wait to do any of the projects inside... I encourage every one who like Origami to buy it.
   
   Even, each project it's labeled with a difficulty level category starting at one star to three stars. But all the proyects are so well explained that if you have a little folding experience you will find easy to build them.



2. This is a beautifully presented book with wonderful models and photos. But a lot of the units are repeats if you already own Fuse's all time best book Unit Origami - Multidimensional Transforms. About a third of the book is materials from her Unit Origami book. Additionally there are a few beautiful dodecahedra and several other units. Overall it is a must-have if you are a modular origami lover.



3. If you're into making geometric solids then this book is a necessary compendium. You must own this!
   
   I especially enjoyed the linked cubes-- the structures are quite solid and well put-together.



4. What can be said about a book from the so-called "queen of modular origami"? It's awesome. It's original. It has various models on how to build all the regular polyhedra and most of the semi-regular (Archimedean solids). Plenty of diagrams, of all difficult levels. If it weren't enough, this compilation is BEAUTIFUL, with excellent pictures of most of the models, perfectly build in nice paper and with an aesthetically well-chosen combination of colors. It's the best book on the modular origami subject I've ever seen. Tomoko rlz!



5. This book is easy to follow with simple, clearly stated directions for building polyhedron models ranging from simple to complex. The instructions nicely couple easy-to-read diagrams with large, colorful images of the finished products that help me to visualize my end products as I fold.
   
   I am currently working my way through all of the models in this book, and I am really enjoying the gradual way that Tomoko Fuse introduces new models. She groups obvious types together in the book's sections, and methodically explains (by text, diagram and picture) each unit from simple to complex variation. Instructions include the type/name of the structure, level of difficulty, size of the paper needed, number of each type of paper unit required, a three-dimensional diagram of the polyhedral structure (for more complex structures) and assembly diagrams that show how the pieces fit together. All of the instructional images are in color so it is easy to differentiate between front and back of each paper unit, and to tell the difference between units in the assembly diagrams.
   
   This book presents reusable paper unit types that are creatively put to use in the models in a number of different ways. For instance, I like the way I can create colorful joints that add to the overall presentation of each piece. I especially like the "Various Methods of Assembling Double-Sided Hexagonal Rings" section where Fuse explains how to take the traditional polyhedral structures she has taught and extend their shapes creatively in order make new designs. In general, there are enough variations of each type in all sections that I do not feel like I am working through the drudgery of the same projects over and over as I have with some other books.
   
   Overall, this is an excellent addition to the library of anyone interested in exploring polyhedron models with origami.

5 comments about Dollar Bill Animals in Origami.

1. Maybe because we see money every day folding it into origami is very interesting, This book has clear instructions on how to make a variety of animals from dollar bills. (Use the Look Inside feature on Amazon to see the variety of origamis you can make.) The instructions have a clear diagram for every step of the folding.
   
   That doesn't mean folding animals is easy. Dollars don't hold creases very well, and both sides of the dollar are the same color which makes following a diagram difficult. Also like in normal origami the cooler it looks the more frustrating it is to make it (usually). Duck Star and Fish are pretty easy to fold, but as for Unicorn- whew boy.
   
   I recommend this to people who want to give money as a gift, but still make it personal, or to people who just think it would be cool to do origami with money. They patterns are cute, and there are not so many books on money folding out there.



2. Certain folds are impossible to figure out from the pictures and arrows. For example, in the "Swan", step 4 shows what looks like 3 folds... I think. And then a triangle like shape seems to be the result in step five. The step they show does not make any sense.
   
   I had to figure it out from the picture of how it turned out. After twenty minutes, I got it, but with no help from the directions given.
   
   Many other pictures show a fold that you later figure out, were supposed to leave part of the bill out of the fold (Did that make much sense... No? Now you know what the book is like.).
   
   Yes, it is possible, but I'm thinking a video or personal instruction might be better for a first time origami guy like myself.



3. There is a huge variety or animals, the models are not as hard as I thought they would be. I would recommend this book over any other I have purchased. There aren't any simple models thrown in to just fill the pages, they are all first class creations.



4. GREAT book.. loads of fun.. challenging.. Will keep me busy for quite a while..



5. The book has some great ideas but the directions aren't easy to follow. They seem to skip steps and you are left trying to figure them out. A decent book, but not for beginers. The 2 best books I own for $ Oragami are "The Buck Book" and "The guide to Hawaiian-style money folds". Great directions with pictures.