Advanced Origami: More than 60 Fascinating and Challenging Projects for the Serious Folder (Paperback)

~ Didier Boursin (Author) "1 Cut a letter-sized sheet of paper in half as shown..." (more)
Key Phrases: midline crease, valley fold, inside reverse fold (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Like trends, crafts come and go, depending on public whim--but also depending on the proclivities of writing and teaching artisans. Origami is achieving its umpteenth revival, having spawned at least half a dozen books over the past 18 months. And Boursin dispenses almost entirely with the basics, preferring to target more than 60 projects. Levels of difficulty are indicated, but only in the table of contents, and each item includes a color photograph and illustrated instructions. Words are kept at a minimum, and crafting hands must possess some degree of dexterity, not to mention a fundamental understanding of the medium. Many practical items are featured, including boxes of almost every shape, wallets, greeting cards, and a serving dish. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description

Original designs by origami artists from Europe and Japan.

Origami is an ancient art, yet modern paper folders continue to innovate and invent new and fascinating folds. The origami projects in this book are some of the best ever created and range from practical projects for everyday use to intricate art rooted in ceremony and tradition.

Advanced Origami features 60 designs using exotic folds not typically seen in North American origami. Each project is fully illustrated with line drawings and the finished piece is showcased in color photography. An introductory section explains basic folding techniques and terminology followed by five sections: - Boxes and containers - Animals - Cards, envelopes and wallets - Magic folds - Airplanes and helicopters.

Advanced Origami is an exceptional collection to challenge paper folders at all levels. Boursin excels in designing new folds and in finding the best new origami from around the world -- practical, durable objects of beauty to hone the talents of fans of this ancient art.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (August 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552095274
• ISBN-13: 978-1552095270
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #592,554 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Advanced? No. Good? No., January 6, 2003

By	O. Ivy "p90xer" (San Mateo, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Like other reviewers have stated, this book doesn't come even close to being targeted toward advanced folders. In fact, I'm sure most beginners could pick up this book and fold pretty much anything in it.

Yes, there are some practical models, but these are mediocre at best.

My main complaint is the way the author "cheats" on his models. Many, many, many models use odd sized paper (yeah, this maybe okay occasionaly, but he uses this too often.) By using non-square paper, the author is either trying to make it easier on the reader (Why? Isn't this an "advanced" book) or, more likely, is trying to cover up his ineptness at folding.

What is even more frustrating is his liberal use of the "scissors" icon, signalling the folder to cut a portion of the paper during the folding process. Not only is this a slap in the face to true folders, but it is just another way the author is "cheating." For example, the model for the grasshopper requires the folder to, get this, literally cut out legs and antennae! Yes, insects and other many-legged creatures can be difficult to fold, but 1)this is an "advanced" book and 2)to me at least, if you're cutting the paper to make legs, you are no longer in the realm of "origami."

Finally, despite what other reviewers have said, I don't think the diagrams are all that great nor are the pictures that beautiful. You are much better off buying any other origami book than this.

One more thing...WAY too many paper airplanes!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For practical users, 5 stars. For others, 3 stars., February 5, 2001

By	Sen Peng Eu "ESP=Math+Music+Literature" (Kaohsiung, Taiwan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I agree with Alan's review above, the title of this book is very misleading. When I first got this book I was quite disappointed that the designs here are not advanced. In fact, they are too easy to fold for advanced and experianced folders (for me they only ranked at too-easy to intermediate level). But just forget about it and then I find this book contains the richest practical origami models in a single book so far. These wonderful models are collected in the first half of the book. We can learn how to fold a purse, a clip holder, a booknote, a bookmarker, etc. In fact now my clipholder and bookmarker are folded as this book did by myself. In my opinion this part is this book's (true) merit. Models in the latter half are a bit trite and too easy. If you are interested on the practical usage of origami, this is a 5 star book. If not, this is only 3 stars. So take an average, 4 stars ^^

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good book, not so good title, January 30, 2001

By	Alan Light (Weston, CT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a pretty good book, mostly focused on "practical" origami, with models such as envelopes, wallets, letter holders, etc. These models are fairly nice and useful as well. The few animal models are un-inspired and better versions can be found elsewhere.

There are some nice photographs and the diagrams are pretty good.(although non-standard notation does pop-up)

The title however is VERY misleading. This is an advanced-beginner to intermediate-level book.