2 comments about Dragons, Witches, and Other Fantasy Creatures in Origami (Dover Craft Books).

1. These figures are, clearly, for the advanced intermediate and very experienced origamist. They are clever, and many have very detailed (and many) steps.
   
   However, the main reason I rated the book rather low is that the figures are very hard to see since they are printed in a very dark ink, and the instructions are, in many instances, almost impossible to see. It would have helped greatly if the diagrams were not printed so darkly -- indeed, the sample pages given when ordering are NOT what is seen. Also, it would have helped if there were some sugggestions as to size of paper with which to begin.
   
   I suspect that very experienced folders will play with the models and will be successful, but I also think these great figures would have been much more accessible -- as they should be as they are really good -- had the authors or publishers used a bit more care in what the end book would look like vis-a-vis the diagrams.



2. this is an extremely good book and one of the few that is actualy HARD. i bought this wen i was an intermediate and ive struggled but now i consider myself slightly advanced. if you new to origami dont be foolish and take this book or you will COMPLETELY fail. this book is for the ones who really want to test themselves. great book and fun to do with great models that appear in yuor hands

5 comments about Origami for the Connoisseur.

1. This is one of the best origami books ever written. My all-time favourite model John Montroll's Goose which I have made hundreds of times is included, along with the wonderful and now classic Rose by Kawahata, David Brill's lidded box and transparent bottle, a series of twist folded cubes and many other beautiful and stylish paperfolds too numerous to list here.
   
   The models are not for the complete beginner but will for the most part require some experience at intermediate level and the book is a good graduation point if you wish to move on to more advanced work.
   
   The book has stood the test of time - the original edition was first published in Japanese in 1985 and then in English in 1987 - and is as fresh and exciting to read today as it was then. I cannot recommend this book too highly.



2. I recently got this book for my birthday, and months from now, I'm still doing much of it. I've made nearly all of the models, and even did one of the 300 sonobe units modulars. I've tried the stegosaurus, and I'm starting to be able to clean new ones. Everything I do astounds my classmates in various classes.
   
   Even though I've been told I'm crazy, I started the 900 unit sphere with a couple friends, and we have over 150 units put together.
   
   This book has some models for beginners, but I'd say it's more for intermediate-advanced folders. The rose is defintely one to try, although it took me a couple tries just to get it. This is my current favorites origami book out of at least 10. A definite must-buy.



3. I have been reading this book and folding models every night since I bought it! It serves as a great introduction into some more advanced folding techniques. The models are very interesting and the directions are easy to follow. The book is structured like a reference book and easy to use. The pictures inside are 2 tone, but high quality.



4. The origami collected in the book is very interesing. Also the instruction is as detail as everyone-can-do. The only cons is the instruction is on the back of the paper you use for the origami, which means either you have to figure out a way to follow the instruction during the process, or you use other paper.



5. I collect Origami books. Each book has something new. This one does too but I mostly buy it for some of the known folds such as Kawasaki Rose.

5 comments about Origami: The Complete Practical Guide to the Ancient Art of Paperfolding.

1. This is my first origami book bought sometime in November 2002, which got me interested in Origami. I remember being very impressed with the beautiful color photos. Since I was a new folder then, I could easily understand the photo instructions when I first got it, but now I prefer diagrams. Interesting background information on origami and introduction to some origami celebrities makes this book an enjoyable read. There is a photograph of the author with a large elephant model, which got me interested in folding from large paper (60 cm x 60 cm or more). Models ranges from very simple �party trick� to impressive �modular�. The beautiful photographs make me want to fold all. I folded my first elephant from this book, a simple one, but very effective in representing the animal. I often drool over the colorful modular models, especially the Flexagon Firworksï...



2. Every piece I have folded from this book has impressed me. I focused on objects to share with my 5 year old and 2 year old. Each model delighted me with the elegance and simpilicity of its design. The expositions are little masterpieces of economy and clarity. I am used to seeing drawn origami diagrams and was skeptical about the use of photographs. However, the author does a superb job of supplementing the photos with just the right amount, and kind, of verbal explanation. Moreover, the designs have a contemporary and hip look to them. Ever folded a paper hat out of newspaper? Well, here Rick Beech shows you how to fold 5 different paper hats in a series, with the same piece of paper! If I had to use one word to describe the qualities in this book, it would be "clever". Note, the edition I have is called "The Origami Handbook".

   Cliff




3. This super book will please any paperfolder from the beginner who has done his or her basic models through to expert level. Models range from the Tomoko Fuse six piece lizard, the modular brocade ball and modular super complex star shown on the cover through to Tsudo's delightful little simple frog and Adolfo Cerceda's wonderful Peacock with the clever lock to the tail devised by Paul Jackson.
   
   The model instructions are shown in step folding rather than in the Yoshizawa/Randlett diagrammatic style most paperfolders will be used to but there is a superb gallery of models to look at in the beginning pages, a wide range of models to fold and the book itself is beautifully photographed and produced.
   
   This version is the rather large and heavy hardback but there is a paperback available which you should look for if you plan to carry the book around a lot.



4. Origami: The Complete Practical Guide to the Ancient Art of Paperfolding was a very worthwhile purchase. It was helpful getting youngsters started doing interesting paperfolding as well as engaging others with greater knowledge of the craft. Diverse and compelling, the color photographs served a much better format for teaching the folding techniques than the dotted-line instructions of other books.
   
   I used the book working with children to give them coping skills dealing with stress. Successful completion of any of the projects can produce pride and a strong level of satisfaction. The range and progressive complexity of the many projects allows for varying levels of interest and skill, and provides challenges for all participants.
   
   David R. Emmons, Ph.D., M.S. M.H.C.



5. I bought this book because I had read that it contained instructions for the Fireworks modular origami piece. Rather naively, I thought that the book was comprised of projects of similar difficulty. The modular origami section -was- very good, but comprised so little of the overall content of the book that I felt I had been somewhat cheated.
   
   Now don't get me wrong - if you are just starting out with origami or want a resource to teach beginners, this book is very hard to beat. The other reviews of this product state it better than I do: it contains a wide range of projects suitable to younger children and beginners, and I would be hard pressed to name a book with a better selection of those kinds of projects. The photographs are beautiful and detailed, and I found the section about commonly used bases (blintz base, bird base, frog base, etc.) very helpful for teaching others.
   
   However, if you are an intermediate or above folder, you will probably find this book disappointing, especially because of the price. I would categorize 90% of the models as beginner-level. There are definitely a few gems in there that will keep more advanced paper folders busy, but not enough for me to completely justify buying the book. Be warned!

5 comments about 3D Origami.

1. This book is nothing like other origami books. My friends even offered to pay for one of the swans I made from this book. Of course, it's alot more work than ordinary origami foldings (like cranes, and other single paper folded origami) but it's worth the work. Once you finish making one of those swans, you'll be looking at it and go "wow...did I make that??" You'll draw alot of attention and be very popular!
   Finished origami looks very sophisticated, yet it's very easy to make (just need little patience).
   Buy this book, you won't regret and it's worth every penny.



2. I first saw completed 3D origami projects of the dancing crane and peacock done by an older Japanese gentleman, who had lots more origami years under his belt than I, and said, "WOW".

   He handed me his 3D origami book to look at and within a few moments I realized that I could do any one of the projects shown too.

   The instructions are very easy to follow. You might find it more difficult to find the exact paper you want.

   You are folding the same size paper into triangles for projects then assembling them into rows to create your 3D project.

   Be patient, some of the larger projects require hundreds of triangles. The good-luck hyotan (gourd) takes 762. Looks great when complete in gold or silver foil. I used gift wrap and cut it to the appropriate size because this required so many triangles.

   In the end, you'll be very pleased with a completed project and your friends will be amazed.




3. I first saw a swan in a japanese restaurant and was interested in learning where they got it from. The owner of the restaurant said he had made it himself and reccomended this book to me to learn for myself.
   This book has really good explanations and step by step instructions to start with. the diagrams are very useful and the initial pages teach us how to fold the paper and all that.
   it does get difficult to make the more complicated objects like the swan which requires about 600 pieces...it is better to start of with something small...
   also it is pretty time consuming,,and as they say in the beginning of the book it is really nice for someone to have espescially if he is recovering from an illness...
   i wud absolutely reccomend this book...



4. I bought this book for my 14 year old son who has done origami for the past three years, he found the instructions very clear, and was delighted with both the variety of shapes that were given, and how easy it was to modify the shapes to create different designs.



5. I bought this book a couple years ago. Used the Temari ball as a pattern to make ornaments. Made a basket, some cranes and now I am working on the Peacock.
   
   All I had to do was take one crane to church and boom I had orders. I've sold enough cranes to pay for the book a dozen times.
   
   And if you want to know if the book is clear enough for kids. I showed it to a lady at church. Her 9 year old daughter borrowed the book, made a baby swan and took first place in a regional art contest.
   
   One of my favorite things to do is to keep a bowl of prefolded peices handy. I play with them like Legos and when my friends come over their kids spend hours "buidling" with them.
   
   My only regret is that the author has not released even more books.

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!

3 comments about Easy-to-Make Decorative Paper Snowflakes (Other Paper Crafts).

1. Snowflake pattern instructions were easy to follow, but designs were medium to difficult to cut. Our group of 7 to 9 year old girls had problems cutting even the simplest of the patterns in this book. In the past I've seen some very pretty snowflake designs. These are not the prettiest snowflake patterns; they are somewhat uninspired.



2. I have always made paper snowflakes since I was a child. So...when I saw this book available I snatched it up to give me more ideas. Some of the designs are difficult, so I would not generally recommend this book for children. I used the cut-out designs exactly as portrayed, but also to use freely as a starting point in my own way.



3. These designs are lovely and can be used year round as well as at christmas. They are easy to do just requiring a pair of small sharp scissors. Wouldn't recommend for small children who shouldn't handle sharp scissors or can't make fine motor movements to get the edges etc. Will be able to use these for years to come.

2 comments about Ultimate Origami Kit: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to the Art of Paper Folding.

1. Easy step by step instructions. Color pictures for each step with written descriptions. Comes complete with 2 sizes of paper in many colors and one pre-folded example. Starts with simple folds, includes action projects and more complicated folds. Explains the basic folds, and common bases such as Kite, Bird, Waterbomb and more. Lots of fun right from the start.



2. The tittle says "ultimate" but the contents are far from it. There's a modest selection of traditional models and several weak original models. The diagrams are clear and easy to follow. This book is geared to the beginner but is so limited in it's scope and quality of artistic expression that it does nothing to kindle an interest in origami." Origami Treasure Chest" is a great book for beginners, with loads of fun models.Try "Easy Origami" by Montrol for similar models, or better yet get Honda's "The World of Origami", perhaps the best origami book available.

1 comments about Easy Christmas Origami.

1. Definitely a must for the kids who are starting off. Good layout and easy diagrams had my class of 7 and 8 year olds engrossed. Not just for the Christmas season, many designs would suit other needs. The kids didn't need much assistance to achieve great results.

5 comments about The New Origami: Dozens of Projects Using the Newest Kinds of Origami: Modular, Puzzle, Storytelling, Practical, Symmetrical, and Layered.

1. i had only seen and tried very basic origami. the book, the new origami explores a lot of different possibilities with paper and also leaves the reader with a lot more to imagine. The instructions are simple and the models made are very fascinating.



2. The diagrams are extremely clear and the illustration of the hands position combined with the text, helps the creation of extraordinaary models. The Pterodont (seen in the cover) produces an amazing result. Just one advice: Use at least 9"x9" paper, so you can get the best effect from the claws. With a little patience and a few days, one can make a very cool mobile with pre-historic animals.



3. "The New Origami" is quite possibly the greatest beginner book there is... it has incredibly good diagrams and very clear text instructions to go along with each one... it's projects range from very basic to high intermediate (I don't think any other beginner book even attempts to take you as far as this one does). On a whim one day I picked up this book and "Brilliant Origami", having never done origami in the first place (aside from flapping birds and paper airplanes)... after completing "The New Origami" I was able to tackle even the hardest models in "Brilliant Origami" (which is an intermediate to advanced book if ever there was one). Since then I've collected many origami books (old to new, simple to complex), and I've yet to find another book that I'd recommend above "The New Origami" for someone wanting to get into the world of paper folding.



4. Fantastic book for the more experienced folder. The detailing of the models is exquisite!



5. I bought this book for my 12 year old son, who somehow ended up interested in origami. He is with his grandparents for the week and he and his grandmother hauled out her scrapbooking supplies and spent an afternoon making one of the more complicated projects. The instructions are clear and the pictures are great. I definately recommend this book.

1 comments about Easy Origami.

1. Our children (ages 6 and under) are homeschooled, and we checked this book out from the juvenile section of our library for our study on Japan. We loved it so much that we are planning to buy it very soon from Amazon.com (with our next order). I love the way it explains how to make things. There is a very good explanation (with both drawings and pictures) at the beginning of the book showing how to make all the various basic folds you need to know, as well as the meaning of symbols used throughout the book. Then there are pages of things you can make, and they are divided by difficulty level -- very easy, easy or more challenging. Now, my girls are young and might not have the patience to do much origami yet, but it would be a great book if they were just a bit older. They loved the tree, butterfly and airplanes I made them though. I plan to buy this book and add it to our personal home library, so we can use it more often. You can use the "search inside" feature to see examples of the pages in this book. We loved this book and we hope you will enjoy this book also.