Unit Polyhedron Origami [Paperback]

Tomoko Fuse (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2006

With step-by-step diagrams, detailed instructions and over 70 photographs in vibrant full-color, internationally-renowned origamist and author Tomoko Fuse offers an innovative approach to origami based on assembling separate, multi-dimensional shapes into one structure.
Some of the shapes, like pyramids or four-sided boxes, are simple to master, even for a beginner. Others are quite complex and require much more experience and proficiency. Fuse uses a system to indicate the level of difficulty for each project with one, two or three stars, so the reader knows from the start, how challenging a project is likely to be.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

TOMOKO FUSE is a respected member of Origami USA, the British Origami Association and the Japan Origami Association. She is also the author of some of JPT's bestselling origami books, including Fabulous Origami Boxes, Quick & Easy Origami Boxes, and Origami Boxes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 99 pages
• Publisher: Japan Publications Trading (September 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4889962050
• ISBN-13: 978-4889962055
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,895 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #85 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Papercrafts, Stamping & Stenciling > Origami

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Photos January 23, 2007

By M. Mukerji

This is a beautifully presented book with wonderful models and photos. But a lot of the units are repeats if you already own Fuse's all time best book Unit Origami - Multidimensional Transforms. About a third of the book is materials from her Unit Origami book. Additionally there are a few beautiful dodecahedra and several other units. Overall it is a must-have if you are a modular origami lover.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary January 15, 2007

By Yorch

Really, I believe this is one of Tomoko Fuse best books I've ever seen. Great pictures fully and well explained, English is not my native language but it results pretty easy to understand it.

The book's design is so cool, I just can't wait to do any of the projects inside... I encourage every one who like Origami to buy it.

Even, each project it's labeled with a difficulty level category starting at one star to three stars. But all the proyects are so well explained that if you have a little folding experience you will find easy to build them.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb book on polyhedral origami April 15, 2008

By Aimee Cowles

Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is easy to follow with simple, clearly stated directions for building polyhedron models ranging from simple to complex. The instructions nicely couple easy-to-read diagrams with large, colorful images of the finished products that help me to visualize my end products as I fold.

I am currently working my way through all of the models in this book, and I am really enjoying the gradual way that Tomoko Fuse introduces new models. She groups obvious types together in the book's sections, and methodically explains (by text, diagram and picture) each unit from simple to complex variation. Instructions include the type/name of the structure, level of difficulty, size of the paper needed, number of each type of paper unit required, a three-dimensional diagram of the polyhedral structure (for more complex structures) and assembly diagrams that show how the pieces fit together. All of the instructional images are in color so it is easy to differentiate between front and back of each paper unit, and to tell the difference between units in the assembly diagrams.

This book presents reusable paper unit types that are creatively put to use in the models in a number of different ways. For instance, I like the way I can create colorful joints that add to the overall presentation of each piece. I especially like the "Various Methods of Assembling Double-Sided Hexagonal Rings" section where Fuse explains how to take the traditional polyhedral structures she has taught and extend their shapes creatively in order make new designs. In general, there are enough variations of each type in all sections that I do not feel like I am working through the drudgery of the same projects over and over as I have with some other books....

Overall, this is an excellent addition to the library of anyone interested in exploring polyhedron models with origami. Read more ›

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Required reading for modular folders September 30, 2007

By Robert L. Hudson

If you're into making geometric solids then this book is a necessary compendium. You must own this!

I especially enjoyed the linked cubes-- the structures are quite solid and well put-together.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Eye-pleasing, complete geometric origami book December 7, 2007

By Demian B. Bertozzi

What can be said about a book from the so-called "queen of modular origami"? It's awesome. It's original. It has various models on how to build all the regular polyhedra and most of the semi-regular (Archimedean solids). Plenty of diagrams, of all difficult levels. If it weren't enough, this compilation is BEAUTIFUL, with excellent pictures of most of the models, perfectly build in nice paper and with an aesthetically well-chosen combination of colors. It's the best book on the modular origami subject I've ever seen. Tomoko rlz!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I absolutely love it! November 27, 2010

By Patrique

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have always been a fan of origami. But there was something about the regular ones (animals, houses, boats, etc). When I discovered the modular origami (or unit origami, or kusudama, you pick one), I found myself. They are like puzzles, only you have to make the pieces yourself! Is that geeky or what?

I bought this book completely blindly, I had absolutely no reference, and I loved it. The pictures are great, the diagrams are very well drawn and easy to follow. Also, there's a very good amount and variety of origamis that you can make.

This is the only book by Tomoko Fuse I own, but I heard that her other books are great too. My next origamy book will surely be one of hers!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Hard to understand for beginners March 8, 2009

By Lance Barnes

This book looks like lots of fun but it's definitely not for the beginner like me. Some of the folds in here require up to 120 pieces of paper. I'll look for an easier book before coming back to this one.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great presentation and creative, unique modular pieces explored April 1, 2013

By Irene

Amazon Verified Purchase

If you enjoy modular origami (or think you might), I would suggest you start with this book, as it will easily serve as a great jumping off point into modular construction. The book itself is beautiful, for a paperback, and is organized based on the modular piece of interest. Each modular piece is then explored, with numerous examples of different possible polyhedrons as well as the addition of other modular pieces to change the look of the piece. The book also includes a polyhedron "cheat sheet" in the back of the book which includes the general construction of a large number of complex polyhedrons, so, if desired, you can explore on your own.

The modular pieces are relatively simple to fold. While the construction of such complex polyhedrons may seem a bit daunting at first, the inclusion of models containing relatively few pieces, (ranging from 12-30) are particularly instructive (and beautiful when complete).

A word to the wary folder: while these modules are easy to fold, modular origami often requires the inclusion of large numbers of individual pieces to create the beautiful works in the book. If you aren't particularly excited about folding a minimum of 30 pieces (and more often over 60), you may want to look into something else.

That being said, this is a GREAT book on modular origami construction.