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Crease + Fold
Origami How To Book Review
With the invention of paper, Origami or paper folding is a craft that had begun centuries ago. Thought there is a discrepancy where origami began, the word ëorigami' is of Japanese origin and that is to fold paper. It has become a popular pastime for people of all ages, and continues to be a craft that doesn't require special material or skill.
Famed for his oversized folding models, Mr. Sok Song is a professional paper folder based in New York City. He has many origami relevant projects, and from the publication of Crease + Fold, he has become the creative director for bi-monthly published origami magazine of Creased (http://creased.com/). He also heads a local Meetup group of likeminded origami interested folders. Mr. Song has a consistent ready supply of paper, and had advised for beginner folders, that with strong sure folds any paper can be creased.
 From just eight variant folds, and eleven basic origami bases, a new shape or structure can result in an elegant product. In Crease + Fold there are over 30 different interesting models for beginners, intermediates or advanced folders. Each diagram or origami model is printed on a rich full color glossy page. The order of origami folded in the book is not listed by difficulty, rather it is by size on how the large the end project will be in the end, so larger or multi-parts projects are listed toward the middle to the end of the book.
 With each project, and diagram, Mr. Song provides an interesting back story on the origami's origins or even tips on how folding these projects will be useful in your life. From the abundant animal diagrams, there are also decorative projects that are useful in your own life such as a subway map wallet, snack bowls, lampshade, or Christmas ornaments. There are also several interesting money fold projects where the paper source is from your own wallet. It is well worth to have this book in your beginning or continuing collection of crafting books.
With enough practice and interest in folding, as well as with the right book or instructions, paper can be made into a work of art, and from the words of Mr. Song, Happy Folding!
Reviewed by Linda Yau, July 2011
Origami with Dollar Bills:
Another Way to Impress People with Your Money!
Origami How To Book Review
Firstly; at 6 bucks, this book is cheap — and with the money you save on the book and *NOT* buying origami paper, you can instead use those extra dollars to fold and make come entertaining origami. You don't have to look any further than your wallet to find crafting materials, because dollar bills themselves become all the materials you need to create some clever projects.
 The projects, which range from a Jedi to a horseshoe crab, an American Eagle to an Oriental dragon, are absolutely fantastic, full of imagination and are easy to do, once you go through the book and use the easy to understand, clearly illustrated, step-by-step instructions that are the hallmark of this amazing book.
Just think, with all the money you're saving, your wad of cash to fold will seem even more impressive, and what better way to attract the ladies at the local hot spot? For a little extra fun, amazing facts about U.S. currency appear throughout the book...such as how many times you can fold a dollar bill before it will tear — but don't worry, these projects will keep your stack intact.
And, after you unfold these projects, you can still use them as money!
Reviewed by by Brian Cirulnick, March 2006
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Origami Website Links:
Anime Origami Website
Pokémon Origami: How To Guide
Origami USA
Joseph Wu's Origami Page
Alex Barber's Origami Page
Francis Ow's Origami Page
Contemporary Origami by Hojyo Takashi (Japanese)
Mr. Takashi creates some amazing very very detailed origami
Origami Club (Japanese)
Tomodachi Museum (Japanese)
Some very useful instructional diagrams which you can follow even ifyou can't read the Japanese instructions
Nippon Origami Association (Japanese)
Easy Origami
Origami How To Book Review
For those of us that can barely make a paper airplane, this is the place to start learning the unique craft of Japanese paper folding. Armed with some colorful origami paper (you'll need lots to practice with), you can create a crane, a frog, a sailboat and more! Although this is a children's book, it's a great value for adults as well, as I'm sure very few of us can perform the intricate folds required to make some of these shapes.
At this price (4 bucks!), you should order multiples for everyone in your family and turn it into a bonding activity with the kids! The book covers 32 different folding projects and then when you think you've got it down, try more advanced projects in other origami books. Hey, if you can fold a cocktail napkin into something beautiful, maybe you can use it to pick up chicks at the bar!
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, August 2004
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