Book Review- Origami Flowers Super Pack and Origami Boxes Super Pack

My origami loving heart is just thrilled with these books/kits.

They are both by Maria Noble, who also wrote How To Make 100 Paper Flowers (read my review here)

The books have a double handful of projects each. The flowers book is a little more difficult than the boxes book, and some of the projects do involve cutting and/or gluing.

They also come with HUNDREDS of sheets of paper in different patterns with colored backs. So you can choose a plain color to accent a pattern in a model that requires 2 sheets of paper. Like using a solid base for a lidded box, and a pretty pattern for the lid. Of course, I'm wild for patterns so I'm mostly pattern side out. That's okay too, because a lot of them coordinate very nicely. There are over 200 papers in each set, and different patterns for each set.

The paper is a bit heavier than traditional origami paper, but it holds folds well and stands up to quite a bit of abuse. Unfortunately, taking a picture of the tulip I made, it did not hold up to be dropped twice. Eek! So my tulip looks a little crushed here. That's my own fault!

The projects are easy to follow, the directions aren't in traditional format with symbols, they are carefully explained step by step with very clear photos. 

My favorite of the two books is the box book because I really like boxes. It has my favorite- a traditional masu style box, with a divider.The boxes are all very functional and decorative, so they make a lovely way to package a small gift. 

More advanced folders might prefer more challenging projects, but for casual folders and beginning folders, this is a great set. The inclusion of so much paper to work with makes it a wonderful deal, 

Check out Maria Noble's webpage- St. Jude's Creations . 

Available at Amazon and other booksellers. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Book Review- Travel Origami

I love functional origami, and paper crafting with unexpected materials. So this book is a perfect fit for my interests, and hopefully for yours as well.

The projects are for novice to advanced beginner folders. They are fairly quick with some modular designs and some single sheet designs which use materials like paper money, postcards, maps and comic books. Because the paper styles are adaptable and sourced from things you can find easily, you could also use glossy magazines or sometimes newspapers.

The models are diagrammed in a modified traditional style and laid out right to left with a clear back and front of the paper done in bright colors that's easy to see and read. The guide to the folds is clear and easy to follow which makes it good for novices.

The models themselves are mostly functional. Lots of wearable projects like rings, a bracelet and a necklace. The suggested papers are just that- suggestions. You can cut any paper to fit the dimensions which are clearly stated.

There are picture frames, little dishes to hold small things in, envelopes, gift wrap bag and decorative items like the modular postcard star on the cover. My favorite project is the modular money bowl which is a cute bowl with feet. It does require adhesion so you can just use a dollar as a pattern on a different type of paper to make it if you'd like.

I love the idea of saving your memorabilia in a way that it can be used and displayed daily, and this book is a way to do that.

Follow Tuttle Books on Facebook!



Not related to this wonderful book- Don't Eat the Paste looks like it's going to reach 5 MILLION page views this month. So I got some coins made up to celebrate.

I had them made by Gainsville Mint, and recommend them if you ever want things like this made. They were easy to work with, my original art include the logo heart and the ring with my URL in it using the same font that's in my header. They put in the create it text and the quote on the front which reads "Ubicumque homo est, ibi beneficio locus est. - Seneca", translated Ubicumque homo est, ibi beneficio locus est means "Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness" 

Amazon.com affiliate links don't affect your cost, and provide extra income to me personally, which helps support this site.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Flower Origami Book Reviews

I'm reviewing 2 books today because I'm backlogged and they are both pretty great books with a couple things in common.
They each have step by step diagrams for folding flowers. One is a kit with instructions for more traditional, stylized flowers including some modular designs. The other is a book with lots of instructions for making fairly realistic flowers and stems to create paper/origami ikebana. Both books come with dvd instruction!
Books provided by Tuttle Publishing- check them out on Facebook!!

So let's get started-

This kit has paper, a dvd and a book full of traditional style flowers. The paper is a standard kami paper, brightly colored on one side, smooth, thin, and easy to fold. The book diagrams are in standard origami notation, but have instructions in English under each step to clarify the steps. The dvd is very well done, with the focus on the folding and brightly lit.

The models are a mix of fairly simple one page models like the lily, more complex models like a rose, and modular models. There are also a few leaf models and instructions for adding calyxes and stems to the flowers for displays or gifts.

I'm rose impaired, and A Rose for Irene is a lovely, complex model with a lot of layers. Trying it just from the book, I messed up a couple steps. So I tried the dvd. Just delightful. Each step was explained, and using it in conjunction with the book, it all made sense. It was like having a private class in how to fold that rose. I tried a few other models using the book and dvd together and it helped out considerably for fitting in the last piece of a modular flower. The lily model, as shown on the DVD actually showed me a faster way to fold it than I've been doing for the last several years.

If you're more than a casual folder- this kit may be too basic for you but I'd strongly recommend it to beginning folders. The video instructions are well explained, and in conjunction with the book will teach you how to do origami. The models are well chosen too. The flowers can be use as ornaments or gifts.

Ikebana is the art of flower arranging. Japanese flower arrangements are based on form, Instead of a bouquet of bright flowers all together, it's an elegant, minimalist arrangement based on a triangle of elements that draw the eye to the shape, form and feeling. It's a lot like sculpture with flowers.

This book and video teach you how to create more realistic flower form to use in your long lasting paper arrangements. Everything in the arrangements is made with paper. This method doesn't use floral wire or tape. You'll need different kinds of paper, glue and paint. It's a very comprehensive book. He covers materials, how to choose and cut paper, how to find the grain of the paper and how to paint it. The models themselves are based around some common shapes and forms with enough difference to make different kinds of flowers and leaves. The flowers have enough layers to handle a fair amount of sculpting.

The branches and stems are done using makigami, which is a rolled paper form that's really pretty simple once you've gotten the hang of it. That uses newspaper instead of more expensive paper, and a solution that's inexpensive to make so you can practice until you have the technique down.

There are even instructions for making a rock base from newspaper for your arrangements!

The video is very well done. The author is clearly enthused, and some parts he explains while looking into the camera and there are displays of ikebana hanging on the wall behind him so you can see the forms. For the folds, it's focused in on his hands and the paper. Some of the folding is more complex, but easy to understand when you see it done.

So here's the part that made me really happy with this video- my family watched it with me. Not just "in the room while I watched" but actually watched it. We are all at different levels of folding ability, so parts that I grasped quickly needed to be paused and played again for some of them, but that could be done. These are projects that my whole family can enjoy.

Because of the complexity of some of the flowers, I'd recommend this to people who have some experience with origami and are comfortable with the traditional, simple models. Advanced beginners will find it inspiring and probably get hooked on it.




Amazon.com affiliate links don't affect your cost, and provide extra income to me personally, which helps support this site.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Book Review and Giveaway! Origami Flowers

Vertical Inc. is one of my favorite publishers around because they translate Japanese books to English- include a growing number of craft and cookbooks. To make things even better- they sent me an extra copy of this book to giveaway! The giveaway is for US residents only. I'm sorry about that. Whoever wins will also get some Alaskan postcards- mostly because I love picking them out to put into packages that I'm sending down south! The winner will get the English version shown above. The version shown below is to show the original book that was translated!

Origami Flowers is an English translation of Hana No Origami. It features a lovely collection of blossoms. Some of them are abstract and stylized and some are very realistic. Like a lot of Japanese books- there are scissors used in some of the models. Mostly they are to create decorative edges that further define a type of flower.

The diagrams are traditional style, but this is a good book for beginners. It features a full guide to reading traditional diagrams and each of the models is marked for difficulty level.

Beginners will get comfortable fast, folding the simpler models, and building up to the trickier models. A lot of the models use several sheets of paper. The gorgeous rose in the center of the book cover reminds me quite a bit of stained glass roses. It's sculptural and it's one of the simplest models in the book, it gets it's many petaled look by using several sheets of paper. This could become one of my all time favorite models pretty easily.

Card makers will enjoy the elegance of several of the flat flowers, and jewelry paper crafters will also see a good use for a lot of these pretty flowers.

More practical models include a couple decorated envelopes, and there is a whole section dedicated to "Practical Flowers". I'm wild for practical origami, in fact one of my favorite origami books ever is Practical Origami (also published by Vertical Inc), so this is one of my favorite sections of the book. Pretty bowls that look like sculptured flowers that are made using paper napkins, decorated chopstick cases and dishes. These are very pretty models that would work very well for entertaining.

Want your own copy? You can get it on Amazon and help out this page, or you might be able to win a copy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway U.S.A. U.K.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Book Review- Everyday Papercraft

Vertical Inc. specializes in English translations of Japanese books. They have a strong focus on manga but also do cookbooks and craft books, and are starting to do more of them. This is a translation of a book that came out in 2010 by Keiko Komatsubara.

As a papercrafter who loves origami, kirigami, upcycling and Japanese crafts, I'm thrilled with all these wonderful English translations. They are done very well, with the original photos and illustrations.

This book focuses on practical projects, that are whimsical and charming. Boxes made from paper, notebook covers, portfolios and some wonderful gift bag projects. There are 25 projects total, and they are all simple, clean looking projects that would make wonderful gifts.

The paper measurements are mostly international sizes rather than American paper sizing. However, the types of projects translate well and are doable with US sized envelopes and papers.

The book starts with the gallery of projects with descriptions and page numbers given for instructions. After that you find a materials list with photos. The materials used are mostly easy to find at your local office supply store and craft store. A few specialty items like decorative twist ties might take a bit more searching.

I love a lot of the projects. There are some lovely boxes that would make wonderful gifts by themselves or used as a unique, functional wrapping for another gift. The books, journals and portfolios are all handy to have as well. My favorite projects are the paper pencil case shown in orange on the cover- it's easy to make, and easy to personalize, the house shaped gift bag also on the cover and the pocket tissue box which is one of the last projects.

If you enjoy the charm and clean look of Japanese crafts as much as I do, you'll enjoy this book.
Like Vertical Inc. on Facebook to get news on their new releases.

U.S.A. U.K.
Amazon.com affiliate links don't affect your cost, and help support this site.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Book Review- Party Origami

If you've been following my blog for long, you'll find out that I'm a big fan of Japanese crafts. I spend a fair amount of time on Japanese craft boards looking at all the fantastic eraser stamps, scrunchies (chou chou!) and amigurumi. For English sites, I like the Zakkalife blog, which is written by the author of this book.

Party Origami is one of the sweetest gift book sets I've seen. The envelope like folder holds a small origami book, and a tablet of patterned paper to use to make the projects.

So first, the paper- it's not quite square. I'm okay with that because I've had problems in the past accidentally ripping or creasing paper pulling it from a tablet. It will need to be squared to make the projects. The patterns are brightly colored and trendy. There are geometric prints, chevrons, little candy prints and floral prints. All in very pretty colors with solid color backs. The solid colors coordinate with the prints on front. Two sided paper is a lovely touch on origami. The paper is a thin kami type, which means it's very smooth and thin and creases very well.

The instructions in the booklet are for 14 projects that are mostly based on classic models. They are written in standard origami format. The introduction of the book includes full instructions for following the symbols used in standard origami diagrams. They are some of the best instructions I've seen.

I wanted to see what someone who didn't fold would think of the instructions. I let my son pick a model, he's been interested in learning origami. He's never done origami before, this is a new interest for him. He was able to fold the model he chose, then he picked a few others to fold.

I love the choices of models and how they are used. There are place card holders, napkin rings, buntings and coasters. Some great decorative models that are easy to fold and add a great touch. The place card with a favor pouch is one of my favorite projects, and I also really like the lantern bunting.

This set would make a nice gift for people who enjoy origami or want to learn more about it, teenagers, and crafters who entertain. Because of the use of traditional models, it's a great way to get started in origami, but more advanced folders may not find enough new in the set to enjoy it. I did enjoy it very much because the models are used in ways that are cute and stylish and the instructions are so clear. The trendy colors and patterns of the paper are a nice bonus.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Book Review- Practical Origami

My favorite kinds of origami are practical models, models which can be used in every day life. It's the first thing I look for in any origami book, the tatos (flat containers) and boxes. My favorite model is the traditional masu box.

So a book full of practical origami projects is very exciting. This book is full of boxes, envelopes, wrappers and little pouches. A lot of them start with a sheet of paper that's in A1 proportions but can be folded using US letter size. Most are based on the more traditional square.

The diagrams are very easy to follow, with written instructions to help. Where a fold might be tricky, there is a diagram to show what the model should look like at that point.

Getting straight to my favorite projects, there are several tato style flat pouches that can be used to hold seasonings for bento, small gifts or small items like needles or paper clips. The herb pouch, folded out of thin, translucent paper is secure enough to hold seeds. Several of the other pouches would make nice needle packets. I really like the pepper pouch as well. Folded it has a small gap on the top to use as a shaker.

Many of the boxes are very easy to fold. My favorite project is the bag. It uses no glue or cutting, except for adding the handle. Using a square of paper, you wind up with a little bag that looks like a shopping bag. It's easy to fold, and a model that I'll be using often. My other favorite is a bento box folded from a single sheet of rectangular paper to make a lidded, biodegradable box. There is a section on how to resize box models to fit different sizes of paper. There are also measurements given where necessary for some boxes.

There are card cases, chopstick wrappers, chopstick rests, a picture frame, and lots of great envelopes. There are also a few models that are just for decoration.
This is the origami book I've always wanted, and one that I'll refer to often. There are a few intermediate projects, but most of the projects are easy enough for an absolute beginner.I think scrapbookers will enjoy the envelopes. The food serving ideas are wonderful for people who entertain. People who bake gifts will enjoy the range of boxes that could be used to give people cookies. It's a great collection of practical projects.

Published by Vertical Inc. 


I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, my reviews are always my personal and honest opinion. You can read more about my review policy here.

Origami! Pink and Blue

Last Sunday while I was out with my family we stopped at a cafe for some of their locally legendary vegan cupcakes. Unfortunately, they are too popular and there was only one left when we got there which we all agreed E should have since she is the one who truly loves cupcakes. The cafe is pretty close to our biggest locally owned bookstore, Title Wave which has both new and used books. I found an origami book, The World of Origami by Isao Honda. It's been out of print for a while, so I was thrilled to have it.
So, back to today's project. Two of my favorite origami models are also pretty traditional. Lucky stars and my absolute favorite, masu boxes.
You can find wonderful instructions for lucky stars here and instructions for folding masu boxes here. The first link also offers a nice selection of paper, including glow in the dark lucky star paper! No affliation, but I wanted to point that out. Because glow in the dark is just very cool.
I created matching paper for stars and masu boxes. The box paper is in two slightly different sizes, the larger makes the top.  Because the plain side of the paper doesn't show on the stars or the boxes, you can re-use paper for this project. Click on the images for the full sized versions, print at 100 dpi on plain paper.

 

When I fold masu boxes out of regular origami paper, I make nested sets out of the same size paper just changing where I put the second set of folds. It's sort of like doodling for me, when I want to make something but I'm not sure what to make, I fold nested sets of masu boxes. The simplicity of the design appeals to me. No cuts, no glue. Just a nice little square box folded out of a square of paper.

EDIT: I completely forgot to mention. I posted instructions for doing beaded daisy chains. You can find those here.