Teach Yourself Origami [Paperback]

Robert Harbin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Teach Yourself | Publication Date: August 1992

The phenomenal bestselling classic that brought the ancient art of Japanese paperfolding to the U.S. explains the history and the universal symbol system used in origami texts and presents basic folds and models, with precise illustrated instructions for 44 models, from hats and caps to birds and people. Line drawings.

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Teach Yourself (August 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0844239356
• ISBN-13: 978-0844239354
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,314,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teach Yourself Origami. By Robert Harbin, March 14, 2000

By 

Jason Neal (Bristol, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teach Yourself Origami (Paperback)

A classic book (originally of a set of four paper backs number 4 of which is quite difficult to get hold of!). Teach Yourself Origami has an easy to follow guide to folds, and contains some classic folds by a variety of creators. Akira Yashizawa's pidgeon is one of many facourites, along with the sanbow,squirrel,ostrich with rider (clever), Aladins Lamp (genious!) and a great one for the kids the clever sanpan (or the inside out boat). There are also some great classroom favourites: the waterbomb, colour changer and a variety of hats! This is one I would recomend for beginners and more experianced folders alike (and have given it out as a gift to many poeople) This is an absolute must for anyone interested in paperfolding !

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Patience is a virtue, February 26, 2002

By 

h - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teach Yourself Origami (Paperback)

This book is "Step 1". I originally began with "the Great Origami book & kit", but ... that book is too advanced for beginners. It does offer, I believe, the best "Step 2" option to follow on your journey to master this ancient art form, but begin with THIS book.
It is more detailed that most origami books and leaves out no steps to the intricate folds you must master to proceed to the next (series of fold). The folds are very difficult for beginners and this book proceeds very slowly going over each and every tiny movement your hands must make. With origami..there can't be ANY mistakes. It is about perfection. If you are a fraction of a millimeter off on a fold, your product will not turn out professionally. I also recommend taking what I joke as "stress breaks" while proceeding. Many times I have become too frustrated, only to walk away from my project and return to see the mistake I made. My second tip is to BREATHE..the paper will not harm you, although at times you feel it's torture. Use this book and follow it up with a great kit like the one I previously mentioned...you will have two steps (a beginner and more advanced kit) for making a litter of cute creations.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun place to start., August 7, 2005

By 

Atheen M. Wilson "Atheen" (Mpls, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Origami:Art Paper Folding (Paperback)

I've had a copy of this since it came out in 1969, and it has some of my favorite models. Years ago I made a mobile with the fish model and was pleased enough with the results to repeat it several times for friends. Although I've since progressed to other books which I like even better, I still treasure this one because of it's clear diagrams, gradual build up of skills, and delightful imagination.