Origami for Mindfulness
Colour and fold your
way to inner peace with these 35 calming projects
By Mari Ono
CicoBooks 2016
Paperback (includes 61 sheets of origami paper), £12.99
UK/$19.99 US/$23.95 CAN
ISBN 978-1-78249-405-8
Star rating: ****
The world was bound to move on from mindful colouring books –
and, thankfully, origami was right here, waiting to be re-discovered! J Author Mari Ono’s new
book focuses on the therapeutic value of origami. Who knew, for instance, that
the fingertip movements involved in origami activates busy brain activity – and
so is a dementia deterrent (we all knew that crafting is good for you). The
introductory section is a mine of such information, plus it also provides a
delightful social history of origami and its role in Japanese society.
(Apparently, the first origami book was published in 1797 – so, like crochet,
the craft does not have a long recorded history.)
The well-chosen projects are presented in three chapters: Love & Hope, Happiness & Laughter, and Belief
and Willingness. All of the projects are given difficulty ratings. The
step-by-steps are photographic with superimposed arrows to indicate folding
direction. The projects are playfully propped and photographed. Some of the
projects involve a little cutting and/or gluing (Cherry Blossom, Kusudama
Decorative Sphere) – so origami purists may not be happy bunnies (but
crafters are sure to be). There is
plenty of variety in the projects – there are useful containers, modular designs, and a stunning Kimono that would make a fab gift wrap
decoration.
The 61 origami papers have been specially designed for the
projects in the book, a joint project by the author and her husband,Takumasa.
Consideration has been given to where the folds fall on the paper. (I am always so very impressed by engineered patterns!) Many papers
featured graduated colour, and almost half of the designs are supplied in black
and white (in case you want to ramp up the mindfulness quotient by doing a bit
of colouring).
This title would make a lovely gift. It is suitable for
origami newbies of all ages – older children upwards.
Note: I was supplied
with a review copy of this book.
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