The Joy of Origami

by Margaret Van Sicklen

A lucky horseshoe fish.  A ninja star from outer space. A tie-dyed flapping bird. And 54 more origami models on surprising paper. Here, origami is reinvented.

Mixing classically inspired and contemporary patterns, easy and challenging—what is origami but a brainteaser in paper? The Joy of Origami celebrates the art form’s deepest tradition of sharing with a completely fresh and jazzy feel.

The models range from birds and beasts to pinwheels and hats; the 100 sheets of paper included in the book are fun, bold, and unexpected.

What is the real joy of origami? The “Wow!” that comes after the final fold.
 

Genres: Origami, Nonfiction

260 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2005

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great for kids! (probably :\)
But for adults with a certain experience with origami? Not really.

Here are my complaints:
Paper
1.) Big and awkward
2.) Glossy in a yucky, cheap way
3.) Garish prints and patterns
4.) Too light-weight for its size

Patterns
1.) They suck
2.) Most of them would be barely recognizable w/o their custom paper
3.) Too many "Flat Stanelys" (2D crap)

Patterns I do like:
1.) Butterfly
2.) Floating Lotus (also like its paper)
3.) Kissing Cranes (but you can find it online)
4.) The Loving Heart pattern (a winged heart) is actually the sole reason I bought this book when I saw it by chance in line at Michaels. I had made one of these hearts in high school and found it again in my closet one day. I unfolded it and tried to figure out how I'd made it, but that didn't work out so well. I searched a full day online for the pattern, but could not find it. So, when I saw in this book by chance, I didn't really care what else was in it.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, beginning book. I augmented with videos once I chose the design and paper. Great way to practice failing and trying again. :)

[Eleanor R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Joy of Origami
By Margaret Van Sicklen
Review by Eleanor Rhodehamel

Did you know “ori” is the japanese word for folding and “kami” is the word for paper, making the word “origami”? I have never made origami before, but The Joy of Origami by Margaret Van Sicklen made it seem as if I were an expert. Her detailed instructions and fascinating stories made this non-fiction “how-to” book an easy read with admirable results. Every origami piece I saw interested me and led me to grab a piece of paper and start working.

Aside from the masterpieces I could create throughout this book, the stories and backgrounds of origami makes it easy to connect and understand the world of paper a little more. Sometimes these short stories or descriptions consist of inspiration, facts, or what to do with each sample when finished. Connections such as, “Origami came from Japan, but like American blue jeans, it now belongs to the world.” make this book enjoyable until the end.

After all of the reading, it is time to create the work. Starting out with the easiest one is suggested, and once I began, I was hooked. Each structure is unique and special, so the book is difficult to put down. Beginners and experts can be pleased by this book, either making a dinosaur, or a simple ladybug. As I made more projects, I got better and better from the detailed and easy-to-follow instructions, and worked my way to the toughest models.

Do not forget the paper needed for these delicate structures! Most origami novels come with instructions and no paper, but not this one. Hundreds of pieces are located in the back or the book specific to each model. For example, the dollhouse paper has rooms, roofs, and doors printed on it and it is transformed into a realistic home.

This book encouraged me to find my true hobbies and express myself through a simple piece of paper. I would have never thought so much folding could be a pleasant activity, but it showed me not to judge anything or anyone until you have tried it or walked in their shoes.

This book has it all-- paper, directions, and pictures-- but the paper can rip if you are not careful. The thin paper is easy to fold, but hard to handle because of it’s delicacy. Luckily, in the book there are multiple papers with the same pattern so you can restart if you rip it or mess up.

Once I read The Joy of Origami, origami because a hobby of mine as I do it whenever I get the chance. The feeling of accomplishment fills my body once I finish a project that I never imagined I’d finish. I recommend you read The Joy of Origami if you are looking for a pleasurable and unique hobby that will please all ages!

[Leah Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that perhaps origami becomes joyful after much practice. At the moment my kitchen and dining room are covered with partially malled paper flowers and creatures. And I keep thinking, "eventually these will look like what I am trying to make." Alas, no amount of wishing will make a paper swan look like a real one.
On the bright side: the instructions are great and easy to follow.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the instructions are easy to follow, and have wonderful results. I still can't seem to get the floating lotus, or the cliff swallow, but otherwise I made at least one of each model in the book. A very nice origami book. The only real critic I have is to have MORE designs to try and work on. I'm starting to get bored by this Origami book.