Origami: The Art of Paper Folding

by Robert Harbin

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0064634965
• ISBN13: 9780064634960
• Release Date: January 1979
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble
• Length: 186 Pages
• Weight: 2.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Nice book, but somewhat difficult

Some of the drawings are hard to decipher, so is not easy to make some of the models. Some steps are so difficult need more drawings to elucidate the evolution of the fold. A good intro.

Teach Yourself Origami

Great illustrations and good instructions. Easy to comprehend. This book is nice because it teaches you the universal signs of different paper folds. This helps when you come across a fold you don't immediately recognize in another book.

A fun place to start.

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.

Patience is a virtue

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.

Teach Yourself Origami. By Robert Harbin

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 !