These are books on Origami which I own and which I am hoping will help readers like you, decide to buy.
Even though the Internet provides a vast repository of diagrams and instructional videos dedicated to origami and paper folding, these are some books which provide not only diagrams and color illustrations, but also valuable tips in this art.
I started out with a liking for modular origami and designs by Tomoko Fuse and found that her designs are intriguing and have the ability to keep you hooked on this art of paper folding for hours! But soon enough I got introduced and hooked onto folding animals and other objects which are just as challenging.
I hope you enjoy folding as much as I do!
Origami Design Secrets – By Robert J. Lang
Google Book Preview: Origami Design Secrets, By Robert Lang
This is a great book for those of you who are accustomed to folding lower intermediate to complex models or designs. It has got loads of designs and techniques and Robert Lang has also described several methods in folding which are “scientific” in nature.
The book has over 500 pages, covers topics, and folding patterns to the following:
a) Folding Instructions to: -
The Stealth Fighter, Snail, Valentine, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Baby, Pteranodon, Goatfish, Song Bird I, KNL Dragon, Lizard, Tree Frog, Turtle, Western Pond Turtle, Koi, Pegasus, Emu, Song Bird II, Orchid Blossom, Alamo Stallion, Bull Moose, Black Forest Cuckoo Clock and the African Elephant.
b) Techniques: -
The Splitting points, Grafting, Pattern Grafting, Tiling, Circle Packing, Molecules, Tree Theory, Box Pleating, and the Hybrid Bases.
This book makes a good addition to any library and is a ‘must-have’ if you dabble in origami. The most famous models/designs in this book are the Western Pond turtle, which is known for its intricately patterned shell and the amazing Black Forest Cuckoo Clock, which is beyond imagination. The level of detail, which has been thought of in designing these models, is totally mind blowing.
Origami Skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex
This is an Origami book dedicated to folding the Tyrannosaurus Rex Skeleton. The late Issei Yoshino designed this model and is his legacy. The initial print of this book was in 1993 was in Japanese but that version is now no longer in print.
The Japanese version of the book consists of 2 diagrams – the multi piece skeletal model and a ‘whole’ Trex. The English version of the book was printed in 1992 but this one contains diagrams to only the multi piece Trex skeleton.
The skill level required to fold this model is pretty high as it is a complex model. This is a great book for those who would like to try out multi piece origami models. The Skeleton model requires a total of 21 origami sheets and also a bit of glue possibly to keep the entire model intact.
The books also describe the manner in which to ‘hoist up’ the entire skeleton on a stand, once completed. Overall, this is a great book to add to your Origami library; folding time required for such a multi piece model would span weeks in my opinion, given the nature and complexity of it.
Advanced Origami: An Artist’s Guide to Performances in Paper – By Michael G. LaFosse
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This book by Michael G. LaFosse is a good buy especially for those who are interested in shaping their models to add aesthetics. The models in this book range from lower intermediate to complex and dwell more on shaping the final model. This makes it harder as shaping the model to enhance its look and feel is an art by itself and requires a lot of practice. The folds involved in the models themselves are not highly complex, but folders would end up spending hours on shaping their final models.
Each of the designs in this book is accompanied by a color image of the finished model. Michael suggests that one uses his own imagination and shape their final model to the desired outcome. Most notable and popular in this book are the designs on the Origamido butterfly, the Toucan which is a color change model as well as the Squirrel which when shaped properly is almost life-like.
Models for beginners are just one or two and the rest of the designs in this book are pretty intermediate to complex by nature. There is also a section on paper making which adds interest. As you would be aware, Michael LaFosse is famous for his Origamido paper, too, which is the most sought after by origamists around the world.
Origami Tessellations: Awe-inspiring Geometric Designs – By Eric Gjerde
Google Book Preview: Origami Tessellations: Awe-inspiring Geometric Designs By Eric Gjerde
This is a neat book on tessellations by Eric Gjerde and contains pretty and intricate patterns. Designed for those whoa re beginners as well as experienced folders, this book has something for everyone.
It starts off by introducing the readers to various folds in the art of tessellations as well as descriptions on the inspiration for most of the designs in this book. Suggestions on the type of paper to be used as well as the size of it are also mentioned.
Tips on folding and enhancing the look and feel are also provided. Overall this book is a must have for those interested in folding stuff other than modular pieces and objects.
Unit Origami: Multidimensional Transformations – By Tomoko Fuse
This book is for those who love modular origami models. Authored by none other than Tomoko Fuse, this origami book was published in 1990 and contains numerous models based on shapes i.e. the belt series, windowed series, cubes, equilateral triangle, polyhedrons, variations on models explained so far, and various other notes.
This book is real handy for those who love to experiment on folding shapes and is 241 pages long.
Origami from Angelfish to Zen – By Peter Engel
Google Books Preview: Origami from Angelfish to Zen, By Peter Engel
This is a book authored by Peter Angel and was published in 1994. The models in this book range from higher intermediate to complex and therefore aren’t meant for beginner folders. Some of the models covered in this book are: -
Angelfish, butterfly fish, discus fish, hummingbird, kangaroo, giraffe, penguin, dollar – yacht, bowtie, crab, 8 pointed star, valentine, crab, centipede, rattlesnake, octopus, squid, scorpion, alligator, tiger, reindeer, elephant, knight on horseback, and a butterfly.
In addition to models, Peter Engel also has sections on understanding the square shape, materials and tools in origami, history of folding, color photographs to accompany the designs and much more. The models in this book are challenging and sophisticated with a lot of the designs lacking comprehensive explanations, which can get you pretty frustrated. But all in all, this makes a good read for those who love challenges and love experimenting on their own.
Extreme Origami – By Kunihiko Kasahara
This book by Kunihiko Kasahara was published in 2003. It contains 3 chapters of various designs and techniques such as knotting, etc. It also offers tips on using tools, overview of symbols used in the book as well as introductions to various forms explained in the book. The author also suggests the type of paper to use for the models.
I haven’t folded anything from this book as yet, even though some of the models in it are quite interesting.
Kusudama Ball Origami – By Makoto Yamaguchi
This is a book by Makoto Yamaguchi, which contains pretty designs on the Kusudama. Most of these models are simple to lower intermediate and is a great book for those who are interested in modular origami models. Kusudamas make pretty decorations for the home and this book contains diagrams to some of the most popular and fantastic looking designs.
Among the designs in this book are: – the Diana, Comet, Luminous, Neptune, Triangle unit, Tassel, Flower, UFO, Breeze, Elegance, Mercury, Diamond, Dice, Venus, Pluto, Festival, Rhapsody, Shooting star, Starflower, Pansy and the most popular Butterfly and Morning Dew.
Home Decorating with Origami – By Tomoko Fuse
This is a book by Tomoko Fuse, which was published in 2000. It contains simple to lower intermediate models which are ‘practical’ in nature i.e. which can be used as a household item in itself. The book starts of with a brief overview of the symbols and notations used throughout the book followed by the various models. Among the models in this book are:
Cards and letter holders with various designs on it, chopstick cases, flower vases, chopstick rests, twinkling stars of various patterns which is great for Christmas time, cake boxes, packages and much more.
The diagrams are pretty clear and are accompanied with color photographs of the finished model.
Origami Sea Life – by John Montroll and Robert J. Lang
Google Book review: Origami Sea Life
This book has been rated as one of the best books for all origamists…as it has something for everyone – beginners, intermediate folders and complex models. However, this cannot be used as a basic book to start off with, that is. John Montroll and Robert Lang have taken the pains of showcasing their designs and explaining in detail in the form of diagrams the steps to fold some of the most pretty and intriguing sea creatures in this world.
The book has 38 designs to choose from out of which 3 are extremely simple in nature, 15 intermediate, 13 complex and 7 are very complex by nature.
However, there are very few designs for beginners and therefore its a good idea to buy this book if you have a bit of experience in origami as most of the pretty designs are intermediate to complex in nature.
The book contains instructions to fold a tadpole, a tadpole with hind legs, a froglet, a frog, a walrus, sperm whale, humpback whale, killer whale, dolphin, giant clam, hawk-wing conch, spider conch, murex, chambered nautilus shell, cuttlefish, seahorse, carp, brill, ocean sunfish, triggerfish, angelfish, goldfish, cichlid, sailfish, barracuda, blue shark, angler fish, black-devil angler, lionfish, starfish, sand dollar, Atlantic purple sea urchin, bay barnacle, horseshoe crab, hermit crab, blue crab, fiddler crab and the American lobster.
Mythological Creatures and the Chinese Zodiac in Origami – by John Montroll
Google book preview:Mythological Creatures and the Chinese Zodiac in Origami
This is yet another book by John Montroll and encompasses fantasy creatures with other animals. John Montroll’s designs are of an intermediate level in this book, though there are a couple of designs here, which would fall in the simple category (such as the spade, diamond, club and heart).
I have folded a few models from this book and have found the diagrams and instructions really easy to follow. One must be aware though, that a slightly larger sized square sheet of paper is required to fold any of these models. A size of 8” or more will do just fine. This is because most of the folds are intricate especially when it comes to folding the feet and ears, etc of the animals and with a smaller sized paper it will be really difficult to do so.
Montroll has clearly marked the designs as per complexity levels and has included some ingenious ones such as the cereberus, Pegasus, griffin, sea serpent, chimera, wyvern, centaur, unicorn and 3 headed dragon amongst the Mythological creatures. The animals comprising the Chinese zodiac are – rat, ox, tiger, snake, rabbit, rooster, boar, dog, Chinese dragon, monkey, ram and horse.
As you can imagine the mythological creatures are more complicated to fold than the zodiac animals. However, this book is a great one to have in your library and has imaginative and captivating designs to fold.
Fabulous Origami Boxes – by Tomoko Fuse
Tomoko Fuse has come up with delicate and pretty patterns for origami boxes in this book. These make good gifts for friends and family and one can also tweak the designs a bit to in corporate your own, especially the decoration of the box. This book has better designs and illustrations than her previous book on origami boxes – Origami Boxes
The size of the completed boxes depends on the size of the papers you use. In most of the cases square sheets of paper have been used for folding. Fuse has improved upon her 1989 published book designs in this particular book – Fabulous Origami boxes – and has also added many more to it.
The designs included in this book are:
Basic designs for triangular boxes, hexagonal boxes, square boxes and octagonal boxes; variations to decorating the lids or covers of these boxes with cranes, irises, lilies, Bouvardia, hearts, butterflies and rabbits. Other designs from her older book such as nested boxes, twin stars and vortexes are also included.
The complexity of folds range from simple to lower intermediate levels; as you would’ve correctly guessed by now, the delicate designs with flowers and animals would be more complicated to fold than the simple or plain boxes.
This book can be used by all, no matter what the level of experience in Origami.
Origami Step-by-step – by Robert Harbin
Google book preview: Origami step-by-step
This is an extremely old edition of an origami book and I daresay most of the models depicted in it have been improved upon in the recent years. The designs in this book are mostly the collection of Patricia Crawford who is known for her intricate and sometimes complex folds. Again, this book is not really for the greenhorns and origamists should be experienced; there are a few designs in the very beginning of this book, which are simple and easy. But as you progress through the book, the level of complexity increases.
The symbols used are based on those by Akira Yoshizawa and you should familiarize yourself with these before attempting any design from this book. From this book, I love the ‘scorpion’ and the ‘full rigged ship’ the best. These are ingenious and really look great when completed. Designs like the unicorn and the kangaroo have been improved upon and can be folded from John Montroll’s books instead of this one.
The full rigged ship or the ‘crawfordian’ ship as it is called, is a classic and can be found in almost every origamists collection. The diagrams in the book are clear and if followed exactly ‘step-by-step’, can produce amazing results.
Animal Origami for the Enthusiast – by John Montroll
Google book preview: Animal Origami for the Enthusiast
This book by John Montroll contains designs, which are intermediate to complex in nature, for experienced folders. This particular book reminds me of a “best of” volume as it has designs from most of his other books such as dinosaurs, sea creatures, insects and other animals. All of these designs can be folded form a single square sheet of origami paper.
As with his other books, too, Montroll first introduces the reader to various preliminary folds or bases, which he has used throughout the book. The symbols, which are used in the book, are the most commonly used ones and are easy to follow.
It is better to use solid colored origami (double-sided) for John Montroll’s models. This is because if a single side colored paper is used the white or blank side tends to ‘stick out’ in areas like the legs of animals, ears, claws, etc. This then tends to spoil the overall look of the completed model. John Montroll has covered designs for the angelfish, seal, walrus, starfish, crane, swan, eagle, owl, t-rex, brontosaurus, snake, turtle, frog, bear, kangaroo, giraffe, fox, elephant, antelope, spider, crab, lobster, ornament and a simple star.
Floral Origami Globes – by Tomoko Fuse
Google book preview: Floral Origami Globes
This is a good modular origami book if you prefer pretty designs and intriguing patterns. As you would notice, Tomoko Fuse is known for her exquisite patterns using simple origami paper giving the completed models a complex feel and look. With a good eye for color combinations and intricate designs, this book transforms the even the most plain paper and extra wrapping paper that you might have at home into something absolutely fabulous.
Most of Tomoko Fuse’s designs require at least 20 to 30 units to be folded in a uniform manner. This while making it tedious and ‘boring’ for some can be really fascinating for others as one can really play around with the color combinations. The challenge in Fuse’s designs is not the folding, but the assembling!
This book covers flat units, type I base units such as wedges and bows, type II base units such as ruffles, rolled pockets and petals, type III base units rhombic patterns, curls and curves; and lastly type II bases and type III units which consist of parallelograms, triangle pockets, corner pockets, etc.
These groups increase in complexity as you progress through the book. I think this is one of the best modular origami books by Tomoko Fuse. I guess the only other one, which is in stiff competition with this, is the Unit Origami: Multidimensional Transformations, also by her.
As in all her books, the precise measure of the paper to be used is clearly mentioned and the diagrams are clear and precise. For the curler units depicted in the book, once can use the aid of a toothpick or something fine on those lines to curl the edges. Assembling the units would require the use of paperclips or pins to hold the units in place till you are done with the complete assembly.
Brilliant Origami – by David Brill
Google book preview: Brilliant Origami
This is a good book to have and contains a variety of unique and challenging designs by the well-known origamists – David Brill. The designs are intermediate to complex in nature and spans animals, birds, ‘group’ origami, objects like miniature books, matchboxes, cigarettes, as well as a few modular designs inspired by Tomoko Fuse and origami boxes.
This is one book I have come across which contains a little of everything. The designs for the group origami like oarsmen, foxhunts etc are a real treat to the eyes and are very challenging. The diagrams are quite clear and precise but let me warn you that this is no book for the greenhorns.
Brill has followed the conventional symbols used by Akira Yoshizawa and which Robert Harbin pioneered in the west. You will find that most of the books by the well-known origamists use familiar symbols such as these. Brill has also provided notes on the size of the paper and its measurements in terms of inches and centimeters. His designs make use of A4 size, squares as well as other sizes of paper and he has taken the trouble of explaining the different sizes, conversion and measure in a separate section altogether.
Origami Zoo: An Amazing collection of folded paper animals – By Robert J. Lang & Stephen Weiss
Google Book Preview: Origami Zoo: An Amazing collection of folded paper animals
This origami book is aimed at Lower Intermediate to Complex Origamists. It contains instructions for a wide variety of animals and can keep a person occupied for hours at end!
The authors first go about explaining the different kinds of folds and techniques used in the book, such as the squash old, open and closed sink, ‘waterbomb’ and other bases as well as numerous other folds and symbols used throughout the book.
The book has instructions to fold the following animals:
Dolphins, Penguins,Swan, fish, gorilla, scottie, frog, lion, duck, sea turtle, roadrunner, collie, kangaroo, squirrel, skunk, panda, fox, Irish setter, alligator, pegasus, camel, mouse, wooly mammoth, dog in a doghouse, bear, golden eagle, desert tortoise, rabbit, giraffe, horsefly, black widow, reindeer, butterfly, praying mantis and a crab.
The type of paper which can be used as well as how to use the book / instructions is clearly mentioned and is a lot of help. This is a good book to have in your origami library and is authored by some of the most popular Origamists today.
PREHISTORIC ORIGAMI: Dinosaurs & Other Creatures – By John Montroll
PREHISTORIC ORIGAMI by John Montroll
Google Book Preview: PREHISTORIC ORIGAMI: Dinosaurs and other creatures
This origami book explains how to fold various kinds of Dinosaurs. All folds and instructions are clearly explained and or depicted which makes it easy to understand and follow.
The kind of paper to be used in folding these models can be the your usual solid colored origami paper. However, it is advisable to use paper which is dual colored i.e. sheets of paper colored on both sides. This enables the dinosaur model to be colored evenly without having any ‘white patches or folds’ visible.
The size of the paper you can use can vary from 6” (if you like mini models) or larger sized ones of 9” or so.
Also explained in the book is the technique of “Wet Folding” which can be used in your Dinosaur models. This is a technique of applying water to your paper so as to soften it during the folding process. Once done, you can make beautiful models, which require curves and intricate creases which would have been difficult otherwise. When the paper dries up, the models (and the folds) retain their shape, making them quite sturdy.
The Dinosaurs models explained (folding instructions) in this book are:
Mountains and Volcanoes, a cracked dinosaur egg, prehistoric trees, Parasaurolophus, Struthiomimus, Kuehneosaurus, Archaeoptryx, Pterodactylus, Quetzalcoatlus, Rhamphorynchus, Pteranodon, Elasmosaurus, Tanystropheus, Apatosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Dimetrodon, Sptnosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, Hadrosaurus, Iguanodon, Protoceratops, Triceratops and the Stegosaurus.
ORIGAMI FLOWERS – By Hiromi Hiyashi
Google Book review: Origami Flowers, by Hiromi Hiyashi
This Origami book is one of the better explained and easy to follow ones available on Amazon.com and other bookstores.
It has an amazing collection of illustrations along with flower arrangement ideas. The author has certainly taken the pains to get all this material together, and all diagrams therein are clear and concise.
The book helps explain the instructions for the following kinds of flowers:
A Rose (Single layer, Double layer), hyacinth, stock, tulip, carnation, violet, pansy, narcissus, dokudami, cineraria, polyanthus primrose, gerbera, zinnia, Japanese iris, hollyhock, hydrangea / lace cap hydrangea, blue star, morning glory, begonia, sunflower, dahlia, clematis, lily, cynbidium orchid, spray mum, cornflower / chrysanthemum, cosmos, balloon flower and the cyclamen.
Also included in this book is the definition and explanation of the various origami Symbols and folds used, the basic shapes (bases) from which these flowers are folded from, and as a much needed bonus, a stencil of leaves matching each of the floral models.
These stencils make life easier in tracing and cutting out paper to match the flowers in order to give your flowers a realistic look.
One idea here for the ‘ideal floral look’ is to use ‘washi’ paper which is a special type of Japanese paper or ‘crepe’ paper, which is like tissue paper for crafts. The idea is to use a kind of paper, which is soft and easy to fold.
These flower models require glue, and flower wire and tape (for the stems). Scissors to cut out the paper for your leaves and flowers is also required. Keep a set of crayons or felt pens / markers handy. You can use these to ‘add color and patterns’ to your flowers.
KUSUDAMA ORIGAMI – By Tomoko Fuse
Google Book Preview: KUSUDAMA ORIGAMI by Tomoko Fuse
The author – Tomoko Fuse – takes the reader on a step by step journey, in folding various kusudamas. True, that all models don’t involve “pure” folding origami, but nonetheless, it has many enchanting models which you can fold.
From simple basic 3D squares to more complex Rhombic models in the gemometry themed section, to intricate patterns of lillies, this book details each fold thoroughly. The centre of attraction in the book is the “Sea Urchin“…..which is an intriguing Origami model. By manipulating the kind of paper you use, one can create an exquisite selection of kusudamas which will amaze everyone!
To help the reader get started, the author explains how to fold a pretty Butterfly Ornament and Bobbin Ornament.
Contents include directions and Color Illustrations of the following:
1. Chrysanthemum Kusudama & it’s variations
2. Clustered Flowers
3. Dice assembly, Stoppers
4. Hydrangea (3 varieties)
5. Lantern, Rhombic assemblies
Complex models:
a. Handball of Gigantem
b. Handball of bellflower
c. Bouquet of Lily
d. Bouquet of Primula
e. Sea Urchin
The complex Sea Urchin, Lillies, etc requires the folder to bring the units together in the globe using thread and a needle. I guess, this is the only “disappointment” and that too, only for those origamists who do not like to use anything other than paper!
It also describes how to fold or create kusudams (especially the floral ones) with both the large ‘Pistil’ as well as the smaller sized one. This way, depending on the size of the paper and how you want your final model to look, you can use either of the two.
This book can be used as a first step to the more advanced “Floral Origami Globes, By Tomoko Fuse” which I am yet to get my hands on.
ORIGAMI – By Hideaki Sakata
Google Book Preview: ORIGAMI by Hideaki Sakata
This book is a good start for those who just hopped on the Origami Bandwagon. It details out the various and most commonly used bases as well as provides tips on how to read diagrams and create neat accurate folds.
The bases covered in this book are the:
1. Crane Base (or commonly known as ‘Bird Base’)
2. Rabbit Base
3. Pinwheel Base
4. Kabuto Base
5. Yakko Base
6. Balloon Base
7. Organ Base
8. Fish Base
For the beginners, there are diagrams to fold birds – cranes, swan and doves – fish, seals, whales, boats, rabbits, etc. For the slightly more experienced folders, they can try folding lilies, Iris’, Cicadas and trying their hands on a simple kusudama.
The basic origami techniques are also detailed out in this book, by Hideaki Sakata, and are all accompanied by clear diagrams.
