Origami

Years ago I had a wonderful beginner's origami book by Robert Harbin called "Paper Magic". I lent it to a friend and never saw it again. I spent years... nae decades... searching for a replacement. Imagine my joy when I received "Teach Yourself Origami" and found it to be the same book with a different title! The same logical progression, good illustrations with clear directions, and simple but charming models... it was like seeing an old friend. Even the more advanced folder will find these models rewarding and for introducing a friend, even (or especially) a child, I have found none better.

Great illustrations and good instructions. Easy to comprehend. This book is nice because it teaches you the universal signs of different paper folds. This helps when you come across a fold you don't immediately recognize in another book.

I've had a copy of this since it came out in 1969, and it has some of my favorite models. Years ago I made a mobile with the fish model and was pleased enough with the results to repeat it several times for friends. Although I've since progressed to other books which I like even better, I still treasure this one because of it's clear diagrams, gradual build up of skills, and delightful imagination.

This book is "Step 1". I originally began with "the Great Origami book & kit", but ... that book is too advanced for beginners. It does offer, I believe, the best "Step 2" option to follow on your journey to master this ancient art form, but begin with THIS book.It is more detailed that most origami books and leaves out no steps to the intricate folds you must master to proceed to the next (series of fold). The folds are very difficult for beginners and this book proceeds very slowly going over each and every tiny movement your hands must make. With origami..there can't be ANY mistakes. It is about perfection. If you are a fraction of a millimeter off on a fold, your product will not turn out professionally. I also recommend taking what I joke as "stress breaks" while proceeding. Many times I have become too frustrated, only to walk away from my project and return to see the mistake I made. My second tip is to BREATHE..the paper will not harm you, although at times you feel it's torture. Use this book and follow it up with a great kit like the one I previously mentioned...you will have two steps (a beginner and more advanced kit) for making a litter of cute creations.

A classic book (originally of a set of four paper backs number 4 of which is quite difficult to get hold of!). Teach Yourself Origami has an easy to follow guide to folds, and contains some classic folds by a variety of creators. Akira Yashizawa's pidgeon is one of many facourites, along with the sanbow,squirrel,ostrich with rider (clever), Aladins Lamp (genious!) and a great one for the kids the clever sanpan (or the inside out boat). There are also some great classroom favourites: the waterbomb, colour changer and a variety of hats! This is one I would recomend for beginners and more experianced folders alike (and have given it out as a gift to many poeople) This is an absolute must for anyone interested in paperfolding !