Origami, also known as paper folding, is an art that has been practiced for a very long time. The Japanese word “origami” is actually made from two parts, “oru,” which means “to fold,” and ” kami,” which means paper. A person who practices origami are called “folders.” There are many different styles of origami that can use one sheet of paper to hundreds of sheets of paper for just one art piece!
People from all over the world practice paper folding. Some countries teach origami in school because it teaches them patience, problem-solving, and accuracy. There are many groups dedicated to origami, one of the most prestigious ones is called Japan Origami Academic Society, who offer some of the most complex designs to their members.
If you are interested in trying origami for yourself, check out one of the titles below!
Origami myths & legends by Nguyen, Duy
The fantastic creatures in this beautiful and colorful collection may exist only in storybooks—but with some paper, simple origami folds, and Duy Nguyen’s incredibly detailed illustrations as a guide, they can spring to life right in your hands. Some come from Greek mythology: the mysterious Sphinx; Cerberus, the fierce dog that guards the underworld; and Medusa, with her snaky locks and deadly glance. Others, including Shiva Nataraja, have their origins in Indian legend. Magical fairy tale characters, such as a mermaid, unicorn, and dragon, populate the pages, too. All the basic folds and symbols needed for the origami figures appear right up front, fully diagrammed and easy to follow.
Origami Paperpalooza! by Harbo, Christopher L.
Origami enthusiasts of all ages will delight in more than 40 exciting traditional and original paper folding projects. An array of animals, objects, containers, and flowers guarantee hours of paper crafting fun. With project progression from easy to challenging and clear, step by step, photo illustrated instructions, readers will find practicing the Japanese art of paper folding to be a snap. Special features on making origami gift tags, greeting cards, ornaments, and centerpieces, along with dozens of creative and useful tips, ensure that aspiring origami masters will impress their friends and families with their finished masterpieces.
Kusudama Origami by Lukasheva, Ekaterina
Discover kusudama, a traditional Japanese paper sphere formed by modular origami construction techniques. Kusudama, meaning “medicine ball,” originally served as holders for incense or potpourri. Today they’re used as decorations or gifts.
This guide presents instructions for over 40 elaborate modular origami figures that range in shape from stars and flowers to kusudamas. Beginning and experienced folders of all ages will appreciate these unusual and eye-catching models.
Fabulous Origami Boxes by Fuse, Tomoko
Imagine a box made of paper! Boxes are one of the most popular formats of the age-old papercraft of origami. This delightful book is entirely devoted to the creation of origami boxes-plain or fancy, playful or practical, and elaborate boxes topped with cranes, butterflies, lilies, stars, and more.
FABULOUS ORIGAMI BOXES includes designs for nesting boxes, simple triangle and square boxes and more complex hexagonal and octagonal boxes. Detailed illustrations provide step-by-step instructions on the correct way to crease and fold origami paper. Many of the designs are made of one sheet of paper, but some combine individual units with intriguing results.
Monster Origami by Nguyen, Duy
Count Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, Wolfman: a monstrously fun collection of spine-tingling creepy creatures! Created by origami master Duy Nguyen, author of nearly 20 books on the subject, they’re sure to please young fans of horror movies, novels, and comics. Nguyen carefully explains and illustrates every fold, from the valley to the mountain; offers advice on which paper to use and how to get the best results; and provides suggestions for adding personal creative touches, such as color and detail. The menagerie of menacing monsters includes a demon, alien, werewolf, vampire bat, the ever-popular Godzilla, and King Ghidora—a really cool three-headed, long-necked flying lizard!
Harry Potter origami by Barbo, Maria S.
Ever wanted to fold your own Chocolate Frogs? Or play a desktop game of Quidditch?
Experience the Wizarding World like never before with this deluxe origami guidebook! Packed with easy-to-follow instructions, fans can learn to fold fifteen unique origami pieces, including objects, characters, creatures, and settings straight from the films of Harry Potter!
Harry Potter Origami includes:
– Special sheets of illustrated origami paper custom designed for each craft
– Easy-to-follow instructions with illustrations at every step
– Photography of the real, finished origami for helpful reference
– Advice for keeping your origami looking magical
Don’t miss this enchanting guide to paper folding–the perfect gift for every young Harry Potter fan!
Easy Origami by Boursin, Didier
The ancient art of origami continues to fascinate young and old alike. More than a method of artistic expression, it provides an opportunity for reflection and relaxation.
Easy Origami takes beginners step-by-step through the process of creating 24 simple yet interesting projects. Children, teens and adults will construct a hamster, a butterfly, an airplane, a house, a garland, a star cluster and more.
The book begins with general tips on getting started and obtaining the best results. Easy-to-follow directions are included for all the basic folds. The projects are then organized by level of capability.
Under the Sea Origami by Nguyen, Duy
A friendly dolphin, a pretty seahorse, a slithery electric eel and a fierce barracuda: get ready to dive beneath the blue paper waves with origami master Duy Nguyen. With his simplified techniques, and the many detailed drawings that carefully show each fold and cut, kids will soon find themselves crafting a wide variety of colorful, marvelous sea creatures. There’s no need even to use traditional, specialized origami paper: regular computer or colored crafting paper will do, as will giftwrap. The fantastic creatures range from a Humpback Whale, King Crab and Octopus, to a Baby Tiger Shark, Swordfish and Stingray. There are Angelfish, Lionfish, Flying Fish, and Coral Fish, too. For extra effect, arrange them in an aquarium for an undersea scene.
Everyday Origami : a foldable fashion guide by Song, Sok
Transform a simple sheet of paper into a fashion-forward outfit with easy-to-follow instructions and illustrated diagrams. Create everyday outfit essentials such as jeans, sweaters, and jackets to amp up your wardrobe. With ten original, one-of-a-kind origami pieces, everyday outfits are sure to be runway-ready. All you have to do is fold it, shape it, and style it.
Junk Mail Origami by Nguyen, Duy
They fill up the mailbox…and then, they fill up the recycling bin. But now Duy and Tramy Nguyen have come up with a way to make snail-mail spam appetizing—and even exotic: turn it into fantastic origami art. Their beautiful projects are specifically tailored to the dimensions of those flyers, ads, and other unsolicited offers you’d normally throw away. Even beginners will be able to transform junk mail into extraordinary creations. The Nguyens start with an introduction explaining how to interpret the symbols and lines in their instructions and to make basic origami folds. Paper crafters can then put their skills to the test with 18 designs, including a bow, heart on a stand, and a cool Halloween skull.
Origami City : fold more than 30 global landmarks by Kato, Shuki
Origami City is an instructional guide to more than 30 landmarks from around the world. Starting in San Francisco with the Transamerica Pyramid, the book follows the international date line east through New York, London, Paris, and out to Tokyo and Sydney.
Each project features clear, illustrated steps, along with color photography of the paper landmarks in their real homes. Up front the book explains origami basics for complete beginners and some of the more unusual folds used for more experienced origamists.
The book comes complete with 20 sheets of colored origami paper, to get you started and ensure your first projects really look the part. Get folding!
Origami with dollar bills : another way to impress people with your money by Nguyen, Duy
Why spend your bucks buying origami paper–when the money itself can be the paper? It adds a unique twist to traditional origami projects, plus you don’t have to look any further than your wallet to find crafting materials. The clever projects, which range from a Jedi to a horseshoe crab, an American Eagle to an Oriental dragon, are absolutely fantastic. Some use a single dollar, while others need two or three bills and demand a little more skill–but with practice, patience, and Duy Nguyen’s detailed illustrations of every fold, you will undoubtedly master all the techniques. For a little extra fun, amazing facts about U.S. currency appear throughout…such as how many times you can fold a dollar bill before it will tear–but don’t worry, these projects will keep your money intact.
The Origami Home : more than 30 projects to craft, fold, and create by Bolitho, Mark.
A One-of-a-Kind Approach to Origami Furniture
The Origami Home brings together over thirty high-design origami furniture projects for the first time in one beautiful package. Accompanied by step-by-step instructions and full-color photos, these pieces cover a wide-range of styles and accessories for each room of the house, including:
-Mid-Century Modern Dining Room
-Kitsch 1950s Kitchen
-Scandinavian Style Living Room
-Contemporary Home Office
Plus, with a variety of exciting colored and patterned folding papers, crafters can personalize the style of a finished piece. Whether you’re a novice improving your skills or an origami master interested in trying something new, this one-of-a-kind origami book will capture your imagination.
Star Wars Origami : 36 amazing paper-folding projects from a galaxy far, far away by Alexander, Chris
Chris Alexander is a master folder and founder of the popular website StarWarsOrigami.com, and here are 36 models, clearly explained, that range in difficulty from Youngling (easy) to Padawan (medium), Jedi Knight (difficult), and Jedi Master (tricky!). A front section introduces origami definitions and basic folds. Bound in the back is the book’s unique folding paper, two sheets for each figure. Illustrated with original art, it makes each creation—the essential lightsabers, the Death Star, and much more—true to the movies.
Star Wars Origami includes a foreword by Tom Angleberger, author of the New York Times bestsellers The Strange Case of Origami Yoda and Darth Paper Strikes Back, and is scheduled to be published at the same time as Angleberger’s upcoming book, The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee.
Creepy Crawly Animal Origami by Nguyen, Duy
From ants to open-mouthed alligators, from turtles to tarantulas, young crafters can make a really cool origami menagerie of creepy-crawly creatures using only some simple paper folds. The detailed instructions are all laid out in generously sized full-color illustrations. Practice the folds: the kite, valley, mountain, squash, inside and outside reverse, and four others, to use as a base. Big bright diagrams guide children through the 14 projects, like the lobster that has quite a realistic-looking shell; eight legged grasshopper; gecko with claws and long tail; winged dragonfly; plus a scary scorpion, komodo dragon, mosquito, praying mantis, and wasp.