Complete Origami: Techniques and Projects for All Levels (Complete Craft Series) by David Mitchell

by David Mitchell

The adept origamist can produce anything from a simple dog or chicken to amazing geometric models and this book shows exactly how. Featuring hundreds of specially drawn, step-by-step diagrams, clear instructions from master origamist and author David Mitchell, and beautiful photographs of the finished pieces, it contains projects ranging from very simple pieces that can be achieved with a few basic folds, to complex birds with flapping wings. As well as origami that is purely ornamental, such as the Japanese crane, Verdi's vase and the octahedral pyramid, the book shows how to make games and toys, such as basketball hoops and classic paper planes that can be used to while away an idle hour. It also showcases projects that can be made using non-traditional papers, such as sticky notes, that can be found anywhere. With over 25 projects to choose from, all presented in full colour, 'Complete Origami' will enable anyone to enjoy, if not master, this amazing and popular craft. Collins & Bro

Genres: Origami, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Author photo courtesy of author website.

Reviews

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I totally made that cover fish! I even matched the colors and used it in an amateur art competition. I haven't attempted the multi-piece interlocking disco-ball looking things at the end but they have me super motivated. I have the perfect paper all ready!

The beginning is the usual lame simple flat things but the middle and the end get pretty tricky!

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

25 projects. Better explained techniques than I’ve found elsewhere. Plus, the history of origami.

Beginner: kabuto hat (nice), banana boat (easy), cormorant on a rock (ok), juxtaposition (got most).

Intermediate: piranha, tsuru (crane), clingons, lover’s knot (yes), Chinese goldfish (nope), fish bowl (very cool, couldn’t get the lips on the Knotfish), flapping parrot (head & beak: mess), Tato (confusing), Give me Sunshine (silly), Egypt (couldn’t get the horizon correctly), perfect elephant: 3 styles (#1 ok, #2&3 not worth it, shipwreck (skip it), casters: 4 kinds. (For bigger coaster, divide paper into 4 pieces instead of 8. Use 2 small stickers on the middle both sides to hold together.)

Advanced: (didn’t do most of these. I’m not advanced. Plus, they’re time-consuming) artifact, Dresden bowl (stiffer paper would be easier), lovebird (weird), David’s star, enigma bowl, Gaia, windfarm, stargate.

I like the way this describes the types of folds and steps. Instead of assuming you know what you’re doing, there’s actual lessons on the different techniques. Each project uses learning from the ones before. I’ve tried several different origami books and this was the best so far.

Footnote: 1) Double-sided tape is your friend.