Customer Reviews

Origami Kit For Dummies

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

 

 

Nick Robinson is a pretty well known name in the origami world, so he is a logical choice to write the "for dummies" book on origami. And, the book has many pluses but also a few minuses. For one thing, although the book does come with 25 sheets of origami paper, the paper is colored on both sides, whereas the diagrams in the book assume one side of the paper is white; I would expect that this would make the diagrams a bit harder to follow for beginners. On the plus side, the book does contain quite a few simple models, rather than leaping immediately to the harder models. Many of the models are quite elegant: there is a really easy bookmark model, a cool origami approach to closing a sleeve of crackers, some nice envelopes, an easy modular star, and a very elegant spinning top. But, experienced folders, do not fear: there are many hard models here that I have not been successful at folding so far. One other caveat: Robinson is English, so occasionally you will need to translate from British English to American English. Verdict: Recommended (But maybe buy some of your own origami paper.)

The writing is good, sometimes humorous and fun. But it's not worth buying this book. As another reviewer wrote, the directions are not on the same page as the diagrams -- they aren't even on facing pages. You have to keep flipping back and forth. The binding is cheap and the book falls apart almost immediately, with pages falling out (which would actually help, if the diagrams weren't on the *back* of the page with the instructions.). The book also won't stay open. It should be a spiral-bound book, so that it opens flat without being weighted down. The paper provided for folding is tiny and thick, and won't work with more complex models. I've since bought other beginner origami books that cover the same basics, but deliver it with much better quality. It's too bad this talented author went with this publisher. This is the first "for dummies" book I've bought, and it makes me hesitant to buy another.

I was disappointed with this book. I generally love Nick Robinson's work, but I can't
say I love this one. The models are fine, but the written directions are on a different
page from the diagrams so you have to keep flipping the page back and forth while
you work on the model. Also, the name of the model tends to be on the page with
the written directions, so if you are leafing through the book looking at the
diagrams, you can't tell what model the diagrams are teaching you, unless you
go back and find the page with the written directions (and name of the model.)
I should think this setup would be particularly challenging for a beginner!

I was disappointed that I was shipped a used item. This was used as a gift for someone. The book itself is a good book on learning the basics. Overall I would give this book a good rating.

Nick Robinson has risen to the task of creating an Origami book that has a broad range of appeal. Like most of the "For Dummies" series, Robinson provides a lot of hand-holding to guide the paper-folding novice through the intricacies of creating origami art. His text often provides interesting and amusing anecdotes along the way. Even the seasoned folder will find many folding treasures, as Robinson has an eye for great models with fun sequences.

This is the perfect book to inspire beginners and rekindle the enthusiasm of experts because it is the most thoughtful work on origami that I have ever read. Yes, it includes a packet of origami paper so the beginner can begin immediately on opening the book. The layout of the material is attractive and the writing is welcoming. And there is the required plentitude of excellent models to captivate both the beginner and expert. All that is sufficient for a useful book, but there is much more offered by the author.
Nick Robinson is a creator of original models who understands the creative process and communicates possibilities to the reader. He is an accomplished illustrator who knows what the reader needs to be shown and how to reveal it. Best of all, he has been a teacher of origami over decades and experienced the requirements of instruction. This is far more than a barebones collection of models, however valuable such a lively gathering is. Robinson is both relaxed and serious about the craft, so he takes time to write about how to begin, tips on the process of folding, and a discussion of the different styles of folding that have appeared in this ancient craft. What he communicates is valuable for the beginner and a necessary reminder for the expert.
The book is not quite perfect. The model on the cover is not included in the text. The origami paper is not the usual sheet white on one side and color on the other side, not conforming to the illustrations. Some photographs of the completed models would have been instructive. But these are trivial matters. Robinson is a well-rounded, great teacher so all who seek to be stimulated by this craft, realizing that we are actually and always dummies, will enjoy his Origami Kit For Dummies.

I'm generally somewhat sceptical of books describing themselves as "for dummies": but after seeing a few people I respect in the origami community speak highly of this book, I decided to purchase a copy. I've been very pleased with the book: as with many of Robinson's books, there's a lot more text than one might expect to see in an origami book, but there are also lots of neat models diagrammed: the text is an unexpected bonus.
And as such, the book works well not just for beginners, but for experienced folders as well: I've recommended it to several people, and will continue to do so.

Here is a book for anyone who has had a go at origami, and failed. It's a comprehensive guide filled with excellent diagrams, clear text and practical information. It features a variety of new and old models suitable for teachers of origami and the more experienced folder. This is destined to become a classic: a definitive textbook that wears its learning lightly. As such it is a bargain and I award it a richly-deserved five stars.

This book really does take you through from the simplest models to complex ones so will be a welcome addition to anyone's library.If you thought you couldn't do origami think again, this book will show you that you can and you will have the added bonus of impressing your friends with your new found skills!

It also gives tips on diagramming,if you have created a model you will need to know this, an informative chapter for budding creators.

As well as all the models you can fold and create there is a pack of origami paper at the back of the book to get you started.

I would recommend this book to anyone, if you don't already have any origami books this is the one to start with and if you do have a collection of origami books this one tells you things that you can't find elsewhere. A book for everyone.

i did not find the diagrams easy to follow. this is the first time i have ever been dissatisfied with a 'for dummies' book.