LaFosse & Alexander’s
Origami Flowers
Lifelike Paper Flowers
to Brighten Up Your Life
By Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander, Origamido,
Inc.
Tuttle Publishing 2014
Kit: Paperback book, DVD, 180 folding papers
ISBN: 978-0-8048-4312-6
Star rating: ****1/2
Here’s another origami kit review during World Origami Days.
Origami lends itself to kits. This “box set” is comprised of
a paperback book, plus an accompanying DVD, and 180 sheets of origami paper.
There are instructions for making 18 different origami flowers of varying
intricacy – so there’s something for all origami skill levels.
This package is nicely timed to coincide with the paper flower-making trend. Origami, of course, lends itself to paper flower-making, the
blossoms being interpretive rather than realistic-looking (my strong preference).
The flowers, the majority of which are designed by Michael G. LaFosse, origami guru (contributions
by others are attributed), are of both one-piece and modular construction.
Constructing the modular interlocking units is fascinating.
Some of my favourites include: the Maple Leaf (LaFosse) – an autumnal beauty. The fancy folding even
conjures up a suggestion of leaf veins – impressive! Plumeria,
with its gently curling petals, and the modular Star flowers, which are dramatic in either one colour or two. The
showstopper project is A Rose for Irene, its 3-D centre offset by swirling
petals (and an accompanying calyx). The intro-chat for each project is informative and friendly.
The DVD is a powerful learning tool when used in tandem with
the book. Clock the fold diagrams in the book, then watch the DVD for the
accompanying step-by-step video segment to clarify and fine-tune. The videos
are no frills, but effective: grey background, hands folding paper, voice-over.
It works.
A highly commendable feature of the kit is that after you’ve folded your flower, you
are not left high and dry. There are how-tos for the rest of the flower
components – the calyx and leaves. And on the DVD, there’s a segment about
flower and leaf assembly using florist’s tape, wires and glue (not included in
the kit) – so you can rustle up a boutonnière – or a bouquet.
The book contains some good suggestions about alternative
flower-making materials – recycled sweet wrappers or foil paper. The papers
that come with the kit are pretty basic, regulation-issue origami papers –
solid on one side reversing to white (sizes: 15cm (6in) and 7.5cm (3in). The
papers a a tiche disappointing, which is
why the 4-1/2 stars rather than 5.
Full marks for the content of the book and DVD. This box set is prime gift material.
Note: I was supplied
with a review copy of this kit.
Hello Susan,
ReplyDeleteYou give a lot of good info here. TFS!