Origami in Action : Paper Toys That Fly, Flap, Gobble, and Inflate [Paperback]

Robert J. Lang (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1997

Every project in the book can really move! Origami in Action presents 39 actions origami models that are as animated as they are exquisite. Each project is complete with clear step-by-step diagrams, instructions, and a photograph of the finished model. Included are such traditional favorites as the cootie catcher and the waterbomb, as well as some modern novelties--a strumming guitar player and a toothy Tyrannosaurus Rex. Other projects include: --Flapping Butterfly
--Blow-up Bunny
--Barking Wolf
--Talking Dragon
--Wagging-Tail Doggie
--Boardsailor
--Swimming Manatee
--Indian Paddling a Canoe

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Robert Lang's remarkable origami creations are joined here by the delightful novelties of other contemporary designers, while traditional favorites find themselves varied and developed in unexpected ways. Origami in Action holds much folding pleasure for beginner and expert alike."--Sam Randlett

About the Author

Robert J. Lang is one of the most respected origami designers in the world. He is the author of The Complete Book of Origami and Origami Zoo (written with Steven Weiss). He lives in Altadena, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (May 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312156189
• ISBN-13: 978-0312156183
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, accessible origami models from a master origamiist!, November 3, 1999

By 

Candice Bradley - See all my reviews

This review is from: Origami in Action : Paper Toys That Fly, Flap, Gobble, and Inflate (Paperback)

Robert Lang is one of the most prolific and innovative origami model creators around. Many of Lang's books, however, are composed mainly of more difficult models appropriate for intermediate and advanced folders. But *Origami in Action* offers lots of fun model building for folks at every skill level. The diagrams and instructions are wonderfully clear and presented on big pages surrounded by lots of calming white space.

I've been teaching origami to 20 third graders (an interesting volunteer experience!). *Origami in Action* is one of my top suggestions when a parent asks me to recommend an origami book for an eight or nine year old.

But this book is also great fun for grownups -- even origami-addicted grownups and other advanced folders. The otter lying on its back is absolutely wonderful!

Thanks Mr. Lang!

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating... but DEFINITELY not for beginners, February 25, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Origami in Action : Paper Toys That Fly, Flap, Gobble, and Inflate (Paperback)

If you're just starting out in origami, I really suggest averting from this book. No, really. Unless you start off taking origami very seriously and have your steel resolve handy, this book will only serve to discourage. There aren't a lot of easy designs in this volume, and there's plenty of designs towards the end that are obvious expert-level pieces. I'd go get a book that had a sizable section of traditional origami designs first, then I'd go pick a copy of this up. It's terribly fun once you have any idea what you're doing !

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining for enthusiast for all levels, May 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Origami in Action : Paper Toys That Fly, Flap, Gobble, and Inflate (Paperback)

For the origami purists, this book appeals in that none of the models require cutting or glueing. With a wide range of difficulty levels, there is something for everyone. And of course with a title like that, the greatest appeal is to make the model "move" once you complete it. Some models "move" better than others (as I had expected) so you'll find some more satisfying than others. Nevertheless, it's always an added thrill to have your paper model do more than lie flat on the table. Beginners will find themselves easily hooked on origami because of this. What I like about the tougher models are the innovative designs that are unique to this book, like the musicians and the boat-rower. This is a nice change from the more traditional designs commonly seen in Japanese origami books. The down side of this book lies in its folding instructions. The illustration is not comprehensive enough so it is unclear what happens to the in-between layers not shown in the disgram. Also, there's too much creasing and unfolding that makes the eager enthusiast feel impatient, wondering if all that is necessary. I also encountered a lot of steps require the paper to "wrap-around" in the opposite direction, which in reality will cause the paper to tear if the maker does exactly as he was told (i.e. to "wrap"). Paper sizes vary according to the level of difficulty and type of paper recommended also varies with the model. 80% of the models use square paper.