Joyful Origami Boxes: A Basic Book for Beginners

I love boxes and have collected examples from all over the world in a variety of materials. When I found Fuse's Origami Boxes, I fell in love. They were challenging without being frustrating, effective without being extravagantly expensive to make. This year before Christmas I found Fabulous Origami Boxes and bought it to add to my collection. I had hoped the lady would have added additional shapes and ideas and was definitely not disappointed. When I found Joyful Origami, I wasn't quite sure if I should spend the money on yet another box book by the same author, a book that might just be a re-hash of what I already knew. It seemed inconceivable that Fuse could have come up with anything beyond her impressive collection to date. Still I couldn't resist; I purchased the book. Well I was wrong; the lady is a genius at the paper folding art! Not only are there newer embellishments of her square, triangular, octagonal, and hexagonal boxes, but she has added an heptagonal shape of all things. I had thought it was a misprint at first, but counting the sides did indeed prove that there were seven. If one wonders what conceivable difference one more or one less side could possibly make, one has only to look at the color photo illustrating finished items. Gorgeous, especially in the paper she has chosen for them. The lady has also added steeple shaped and pyramidal lids, and several new patterns for "plates"--actually more bowl shaped than flat--in folded petals. Lovely. She has also added somthing she calls "docking boxes," some of the simplist patterns I've ever seen for a box, yet some of the most useful and effective. They require only two pieces of paper, have simple folds and can be made of either square or rectangular starting sheets. Another interesting design, also very simple and made in much the same manner as the docking boxes are her "trays with stand." These are also made of two pieces of paper, again either square or rectangular, that make a one piece shallow tray with "legs" beneath. I could see these as very effective containers for jewelry, coins or other small items normally kept on bureau draws, or as candy or nut dishes for parties, or in sturdy enough paper as trays from which to serve slices of cake, cookies or dessert bars. Personally, I can hardly wait for the lady's "next act!"

This book is a must have for any paperfolder, and a good book for a beginner. All the models embody elegance and beauty. To remark on a previous review, actually the book shows how to assemble the units for every box and lid.

Although these intricate and almost mesmerising boxes look complex, they are much easier to fold than you might expect. A beautiful book for beginners or experts. Fold just one box, and everyone will be impressed. NOTE: Fuse leaves some of the assembly up to you, so you have to work it out alone. But don't worry these boxes are still fascinating to make.

Do you love paper? Do you love to give handmade gifts but don't have a lot of time? Or, do you need a special touch to present a special gift? These origami boxes are beautiful. I was not an experienced origami crafter, but was able to teach myself using this book, even though the designs look advanced. Great fun!