Book Review and GIVEAWAY - World's Best Origami by Nick Robinson

Remember folding paper into a hand-held fortune teller, paper airplane or secret note square? Whether a fortune teller novice or a seasoned paper-folding expert, the new book World's Best Origami (Alpha Books, November 2010, $19.95) challenges readers with more than 100 of the most unique and best-loved origami patterns ever created.

Professional origami artist, Nick Robinson, guides readers through the process of folding paper. Projects are rated from beginner to advanced and include everything from the traditional swan and poppy box to truly amazing pieces such as a geodetic tower and a jet plane! Each diagram is clearly displayed with easy-to-understand folding instructions for a perfect outcome every time.

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.


We recently had the opportunity to review this book. I knew that it would be a big hit with my 12 yr. old son, who is constantly making paper airplanes. The book is set up in chapters based on such themes as Birds, Animals, Flowers, Containers, People, etc. The beginning section of the book covers Origami Basics. Each project has a difficulty level which ranges from 1-5. The instructions show and tell you step by step how to create each piece. While I found the process to be a little intimidating and difficult, my husband and son were able to follow the directions and make several of the projects. They had fun working on them together and it was nice to see them spending time on such a creative activity.

My favorite project is the Angel (which is a difficulty level 5); it's quite stunning and that's the next project my husband and son are going to tackle. Other projects include an elephant, fancy swan, whales tale, French Fries Bag, 3D Heart, Freising Plane, Star Box, and many, many more cool and fun shapes. I was amazed at how many things could be created by folding paper, from basic shapes to intricate designs. This is such a neat book and I especially think it would make an excellent Christmas gift. It would be appropriate for many people on your list - from your husband to older kids and teens to anyone who enjoys creative arts & crafts.



Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a copy of this book, World's Best Origami by Nick Robinson. Giveaway is open only to U.S. residents. You may enter until 10:00 pm EST November 26, 2010. At that time, one random winner will be chosen from all eligible comments.

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Book review and #giveaway - World's Best Origami (great Christmas gift idea!). Visit @alas3lads to enter http://tinyurl.com/27s8b5x

 

Disclaimer:
Wilks Communications provided me with a free copy of this book as well as information used in this post. They are also providing a copy of this book for giveaway to one of my blog readers. No other compensation was received besides the free book. All opinions are my own.