Book Review: World’s Best Origami by Nick Robinson

on
Ok, so I was the odd kid on the HS band trip to Disney World who got WAAAAY too excited to enter the Japan building at Epcot. It was a combination of Hello Kitty, Origami, Cool Japanese candy and cheap souvenirs. But I was most thrilled over the Origami paper!

When we moved back to LA. I was no longer able to find it locally or at the art stores in town. Origami is just not a SOUTHERN thing, ya know? While I was no where near super at it, I loved folding the paper and making something unique out of something so plain and simple! So when the chance came to review this book, I was super excited, as I had just discovered 6 sheets of the Disney bought paper in the back of a desk drawer. How it lasted between all the moves cross county (and cross-ocean to Hawaii!) is beyond me! But now I was prepared!

Synopsis: World’s Best Origami is an amazing collection of more than 100 of the most unusual and best-loved origami patterns ever created. Expert origami artist Nick Robinson has collected traditional origami patterns as well as his own pieces and those from some of the greatest origami artists in the world- many in print here for the first time ever.
Origami
Robinson guides readers through the process of folding paper. Each chapter begins with simple models, moving toward more difficult and demanding works. Once every diagram in the book has been folded, a personal style of unique folds can originate with practice. The book teaches readers how to:
View an origami folding diagram
World's Best Origami reviews, explains and includes an example of each of the core set of 15 symbols that are used in origami diagrams.

OrigamiMake basic folds that provide basis for more complex pieces
More difficult variations of origami use obscure proportions. When a paper shape other than the traditional square is called for, Robinson offers guidelines to creating three-, five-, and six-sided paper; A4 rectangles; and 2x1 rectangles.   

Continue to be challenged after the basics have been mastered
Robinson explains the many ways an origami student or expert can be further challenged.  He recommends:
  • Joining a club
  • Retrieving more difficult patterns from the Internet
  • Producing original work

About the Author: Nick Robinson (London, England, UK) is a professional origami artist and author who has been folding paper for 30 years. A member of the British Origami Society who edits its magazine and maintains its website, Nick has written over 30 books on origami, as well as numerous articles, and done several commercial and charitable origami commissions involving origami and paper art over the last 20 years. Nick has created several hundred original designs and teaches origami in schools, arts centers, and many other venues. 


Origami
Review: If you think you can't do Origami- think again and go BUY this book! Robinson walks you thru SO many things, that it is impossible to NOT learn do do at least the Level 1 items in the book!. I loved that he set every project with a educational Level. this way you know before looking at the pages if you can handle it or not! Robinson's instructions are very clear and well organized. Origami is very much a 'need to see it done' tutorial, and Robinson does not fail you! If you get confused, you just have to skim back to the how to read a diagram/folding terms section to go over the area that is vexing you and waala you're set!


Now I will admit I had to have Mom help with the flying bird at one step. I think my brain had a mini-meltdown or crossed-wired thing, as I remembered doing that step differently when I was a kid and got mind freezed. She said 'this way' without looking at the book (yes, Mom is master of all! LOL), and waa-la I was back on target. We didn't do too bad. Kiddo helped with the sailboat (probably the easiest in the book). They are now all hanging on the Christmas tree.


This is a great book to have on hand if you have kids! Think Christmas vacation- TWO weeks of I'm bored. Get this book, save the nice wrapping member remnants and get them making paper animals, birds, shapes, even flowers! Yup, recycling and teaching a new craft/ YIPPEE!
Disclosure / Disclaimer: I was sent this book, free of charge, for review purposes, by Wilks PR. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about the book.