Origami Paper Boxes, by Mark Bolitho. Review.

Origami Paper Boxes

By Mark Bolitho

Published by Jacqui  Small, an imprint of the Quarto Group 2018

Paperback (includes pack of 32 sheets of origami paper, patterned + plain),

£14.99 UK/ $19.99 US/$25.99 CAN

ISBN 978-1-9111-27-13-0

Star rating: *****

Mark Bolitho, former chairman of the British Origami Society, is a prolific origami author.  His themed origami books are a delight to behold. Origami Paper Boxes, a new title of his, has particular appeal for general papercrafters, since many of the boxes can be used for packaging small gifts. 

Like so many books these days, an emphasis is placed on the mindful benefits of origami. Peaceful concentration is required to produce the models, and you will also experience awe as you witness the wonder of geometric perfection.

The book features more than 25 boxes presented in four different categories: Classic Designs, Modern Boxes, Two-Piece Boxes, and Modular Boxes. There a several swirl-close boxes, and a sweet mini-shopping bag style called Pinch. The unit-pieced modular designs are all named after tea varieties. The Lapsang Box is hexagonal and  features an appealing diagonal effect. 

A handy feature of the book is that each project is accompanied by a diagram indicating the dimensions of the completed model (when constructed with an 18 x 18 / 7 x 7 in origami sheet).

The projects are attractively photographed, and are accompanied by clear folding diagrams and instructional copy. Star ratings for complexity are assigned – so you can opt for quick results or a challenging folding experience.

The pack of origami paper, tucked inside the back cover, is a good mix of plains and patterns, all coloured on the flip side.

I really had to focus hard on writing this review – I was so tempted to try my hand at making the lovely Origami Paper Boxes.

Note:  I was given a review copy of this title.

Origami Finger Puppets, by Muneji Fuchimoto. Review.

Origami Finger Puppets

Fun Origami for Pinkies, Pointers, and Thumbs

By Muneji  Fuchimoto

Quarry Books 2016

Paperback: 64-page book with 25 pack of sheets of origami paper

£10.99 UK/$16.99 US/$21.99 CAN

ISBN 978-1-63159-272-0

Star rating: *****

Yay! Full marks to this genius origami title, guaranteed to bring a smile to all concerned – gifter, recipient, makers and puppet show audience. Fun factor: 100%! There are 24 origami finger puppets to make, characters grouped into familiar stories and displayed on puppet theatre "sets". The puppets can either be popped on to fingers (they are folded pockets) or mounted on to straws or sticks for display.

Here’s a list of the contents and the casts of characters: Little Red Riding Hood (Little Red Riding Hood, Grandmother, The Big Bad Wolf, Tulip); The Three Little Pigs (Pig, The Wolf, House); The Little Mermaid (The Little Mermaid, The Prince, Castle); The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids (this might be The Billy Goats Gruff to you...)(Goat, The Wolf, House); Town Mouse and Country Mouse (Mouse, Flower); The Frog Prince (The Princess, Frog, Tulip, Castle); Happy Halloween (Pumpkin, Bat); Merry Christmas (Santa Claus, Fir Tree). The imaginative mix of animate and inanimate puppets is a hoot.

Now  -  a child will need an assist in folding these puppets – it’s a fun “together” activity. Most of the puppets are cleverly designed using a 64-square starting grid. Modular variations make the individual puppet personalties – just crease the folds into place. It is a fab system, and easier than it sounds. All the origami moves are clearly shown photographically, with superimposed fold lines and directional arrows. Excellent step-by-steps. The papers, back-of-book, are plain brights. Just draw in the features with a felt-tip, where needed, on the completed puppet.

The author of the book, Muneji Fuchimoto, is the president and art director of graphic design firm SCOG Design Inc. His adventure in origami design was triggered by his son's kindergarten project - so his light bulb moment was a labour of love - and it shows.

This book makes a lovely gift, or could even provide the theme for a child’s handicraft party.

Note: I was supplied with a review copy of this title.

Mind-Blowing Modular Origami, by Byriah Loper. Review.

Mind-Blowing Modular Origami

The Art of Polyhedral Paper Folding

By Byriah Loper

Tuttle Publishing 2016

Paperback £12.08

ISBN 978-4-8053-1309-1

Star rating: *****

I am in awe of origami innovator Byriah Loper – in just a few years’ time he learned how to construct complex modular origami constructions and design them himself. He's tops in the field. Like learning a language, mastery is indicated by thinking in it (anyone seen the amazing new sci-fi film, Arrival?). This new title from origami specialists, Tuttle Publishing, is a showcase of Loper’s fantastic modular models. Many of them consist of folded paper straws – they remind me of the K’nex construction toy – which are interwoven – these are know as wire frames. Many look a bit like multicoloured rubberband balls. 

Yes, this title has geek appeal – but anyone with an appreciation of the puzzle-like nature of modular origami will be dumbstruck with the beauty of the models’ design and construction. Assembling the models requires repetitive action and patience – so full marks for the mindfulness quotient. The shapes are like 3D mandalas.

The instructions for the models are exemplary. The author’s step-by-steps include lots of fine-points to ensure construction success. Folding of the units is illustrated in line drawings, while construction of the modular globes is shown with photographs superimposed with directional arrows. 

The book begins with more conventional modular origami shapes, with larger interlocking units, then works up to the interwoven straw shapes. 

The large format of the book is suited to the material. Each project begins with a ginormous beauty shot of the orgami globe. Wow factor.

This book lives up to its title – and is ideal for those who are up for a fascinating origami challenge. Congrats to Byriah Loper on his cosmic constructions!

Note: I was supplied with a review copy of this book.

This book comes out on 1 December. I am posting the review now in case you wish to pre-order with Christmas gift intentions.

Paper Home, by Esther Thorpe. Review.

Paper Home

By Esther Thorpe

Beautifully unique origami projects

Pavilion , June 2016

Hardcover, £16.99

ISBN978-1-910904-32-9

Star rating: ***1/2

Another craft book today – there are a number of lovely new titles out right now. No need to wait for the craft book pre-Christmas bonanza. Lucky us. 

Paper Home is clearly a labour of love by author Esther Thorpe, whose inspirations  -  art, design, and maths are expressed in her stylish origami creations. The book contains 15 origami projects  for  the home,  at different skill levels.  Many of the projects are modular – so you just have to master one folded shape, make multiples, then link them together. Origami is a great choice for making contemporary-look home decor items. The geometric shapes and patterned paper have a streamlined appeal.

I am happy to report that Esther is not an origami purist – she is not averse to a dab of glue if it produces the desired result.

The book is very good on sourcing paper – there’s a handy directory in back  (UK resources) – and it suggests usable paper types in addition to conventional origami paper. (Thanks for thinking outside the origami box.)

The projects are divided into chapters entitled Hang, Shelf, and Wall. The projects look great  - they are colourful and striking. The Party Diamonds look like the pleated shades you see in Scandi noir crime dramas (but they are purely decorative), the Lampshade (for a LED bulb) requires precise and patient  pleating , but is well worth the effort.  Papercraft blooms are always popular and there are three types here: Daisy, Lily, and Rose. The containers are noteworthy. The modular Vase looks like an intricately-woven  basket with lots of 3-D interest, the Triangular Basket is a handy mini container made of three interlocking units. The Feltigami Box is effectively constructed from self-adhesive felt squares – good use of non-trad material. The Wall section is the weakest of the three – here, you will find a Star Garland  (you might already know how to make puffy wishing  stars), a Crane Mobile (the ubiquitous  cranes suspended inside an embroidery hoop), and the very attractive  Pyramid Fairy Lights.

The very thorough  how-to steps are done photographically, accompanied by clearly-written text. (I often feel that illustrated how-tos are more effective where origami is concerned.)

So – nice concept, attractive graphic look to the projects and presentation, infused with the author’s enthusiasm. A few more projects would have added to the successful mix.

Here is a link to the author’s website: http://origamiest.co.uk/   Esther Thorpe sells handmade and bespoke origami creations from her website. She also demos and leads workshops.