Customer Reviews

Kusudama: Ball Origami

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

 

 

Makoto Yamaguchi has provided a good, solid book for introducing the novice folder to the glories of unit origami, while still providing a challenge to the more experienced folder. Clear instructions are always a challenge in origami, but I have used this book from the day I bought it without frustration or boredom. Do not be deceived by the drawings and photographs: the finished products are strong and beautiful!

My only complaint with the book is that the paper chosen for the examples is not the most flattering to the models. Each piece I have built has been much more attractive than its picture.

Add a small touch of imagination, and the models in this book provide endless possiblities for producing beautiful ornaments for yourself and your friends.

The instructions are fairly clear and easy to follow, but I was disappointed with the end products. They just weren't very interesting or attractive. I was also disappointed to find that many of the models required glue and/or string to attach the units together. I would recommend "Origami Ornaments : The Ultimate Kusudama Book" over this book any day.

These models really run the gambit. Some are simple cut + glue models, other are dozens of pieces that need to be folded so small you need tweezers. There are several models that make great ornaments with the right paper, like the crown. I would highly recommend this book for any folder that is looking for something different as some of the modular pieces are a joy to fold and really make amazing models.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning how to make Origami figures.It was written and published in Japan in 1990.I don't know how anyone would find it if they did not know the title and author.A check on Amazon lists 2,650 books under a search of "Origami".However you can find it Yyou were to search under "Ball Origami" or "Kusudama" or by the author's name "Yamaguchi".
Kusudama is a decorative paper ball for festive occasions.Originally it was an ornamental scent bag hung to clear away noxious vapors,thus the name "KUSU" (medicine) + "DAMA" (ball).Origami works are usually made from one piece of square paper,but Kusudama Origami is different.It combines several units of origami.Folding each piece and then joining the units with the completed ball in mind is an enjoyable process.No intricate methods are involved,folding and joining the units is simple and easy;but the completed balls are spectacular.This is a basic book for beginnners.The step-by-step illustrations are clear,and there is no guesswork nor previous ability required.The illustrations are large and the methods are very well explained.All the methods are in B&W illustrations and shading with every fold clearly shown.Just to show how beautiful the completed balls can be ;large colored photographs are given for each ball.These photographs give an idea of color patterns to use;but the colors you choose are your choice.Each of the 25 balls are different as you can see from the cover photo,and have a name, but why any particular ball has any particular name is somewhat a mystery to me.For example,three of the balls on the cover have names DIAMOND,BUTTERFLY AND ELEGANCE,can you guess which one is which?

This is a great book for everyone from beginning to advanced folders. Some cutting and gluing are occasionally needed, and this might not appeal to the origami purist. Traditional models are combined to make some spectacular kusadamas.

This book challenges an experienced folder but it really disappointed me to find out that many of the globes involve string and glue. Some of the globes are rather unattractive and I would never hang one up in my house, but the more complicated, time-consuming balls are much more pretty.