Customer Reviews

10-Fold Origami: Fabulous Paperfolds You Can Make in Just 10 Steps!

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a great title for a book that advanced beginning to not very skilled intermediate folders (as I admit I am) would love. Unfortunately, the title does not accurately describe the book. There are some fairly basic models which are found in many books, but there are some very tricky models as well. In fact, the "10-fold" grail is not something to sell the farm to obtain. Granted, a 6-part "single fold" MAY be considered just redoing or reversing or pulling or "somethinging" a fold (or series of folds. What it is NOT is a simple (usually) fold. The Hatching Chick will deforest small plots of woodland, I suspect.

Yes, the models are clever, and Engel is -- and always will be -- a legend and a giant, but COULD he have made the explanations and diagrams a bit more wordy or clear or something to make the involved and convoluted and unbelievably complex "single folds" in some of the models attainable by mortals? I know, I know, the question will arise in the more skilled folders' minds: Geesh! What does this guy want? Pre-folded models included? Such a wimp!

No. The answer is quite simple, but a question must first be asked: Does Engel (and ANY other legend) WANT their wonderful models to be PRIMARILY a lesson in SOLVING a problem with various hints and suggestions given, OR do they want their models to be folded and enjoyed by non-folders to whom the folders give them (that's my preference)? If the former, then the book is fine; if the latter, why not include a dvd? This is a relatively simple solution, but only if the authors want many to enjoy their creativity and magic. If they want their readers to learn (sometimes after hours of frustration) the secret handshake and the ritualistic words to be let in to the private club, then don't change a thing.

Should you get the book? Yes, I think it can be managed -- I plan to work at some of the models a bit more. However, know that, as the fly leaf states, you will be getting (someone hopes) ". . . a rewarding craft that calms the spirit [hmmm, not so much with everyone] and sharpens the mind [hmmm, maybe . . .). . . " Good luck - said without ANY sarcasm or rancor!

Paul C

This is a pretty solid beginner to intermediate origami book with many original and clever models. The reason I say "two truths and a lie" is that while all the models are folded and are origami, the limit of 10 folds is stretched quite a bit, with many of the later models having steps like 7a. 7b. 7c. 7d. or single steps that have several different folds to keep the total step count down to 10.

That said, I would still recommend this book for anyone who has a little bit of origami experience and wants to try something a little more challenging or for experienced folders who want to fold some different designs.

This is a great book with many unique, easy to fold designs. Peter's designs are truly one-of-kind, and you won't be able to find them anywhere else. His step by step instructions are easy to follow, and the best part is, there's only ten steps!

10-FOLD ORIGAMI: FABULOUS PAPERFOLDS YOU CAN MAKE IN JUST 10 STEPS tells paper crafters how to work origami to turn paper into lovely decorations. A range of finished designs demonstrates many different folds and crimps and assigns a difficulty rating to each project so newcomers can gauge their skills levels and advancements. Color photos on facing pages accompany step-by-step descriptions and illustrations of folds in a title more detailed and progressively educational than competing origami guides - and perfect for general library lending.

I received this as a gift, and even though I am not a very dextrous folder I was able to immediately see how approachable many of these designs are, combining fun--and often surprising--models with clear descriptions. The quality of the photographs, reproductions and the printing is also very high, so this feels as much like an art book as a crafts book (hooray for hardcover). There are plenty of moderate-to-complex designs too for those a bit more ambitious. Sure, the clever author plays a little loose with the exact "10 folds" concept but who cares when the models look so great!

I just got this book last week as a gift and have been busy making my first origami pieces. It is very addictive. When I got stuck, I called the author, Peter Engel, and he personally came by my office to go over the some of the tricky folds. He truly is the master. I hope to finish this book soon so I can move on to Peter's earlier book "Origami from Angelfish to Zen"

The book is one of the best I've found for this subject. Easy to follow directions for beginners like myself. Hove made a number of origami figures etc. and the best discriptions really helped me past the point I have given up on before this. Highly recommed for anyone beginng to experienced paper folders