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Akira Yoshizawa: Japan's Greatest Origami Master -- a Crafty Weekends Review & Link Party

 Disclosure: Tuttle Publishing gave me these products free of charge for this review. All opinions in my review are my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation. 

I have several origami books sitting on my shelf to review and by a sample for an upcoming workshop at work. It was for bridesmaid card (for asking to be a bridesmaid) with an origami dress. The paper used at work reminded me of a 1930s dress which made me think of Hazel and her desire for a Kit Kittredge doll. I have to still check out the instructions and find the paper so I can make one for Hazel. However it got my desire to start some origami projects. I pulled out Akira Yoshizawa: Japan's Greatest Origami Master by Akira Yoshizawa. The photographer of the book is Kazuo Hamada.

http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/books-by-country/akira-yoshizawa-hardcover-with-jacket

This book has many different sections and a lot of different information. It begins with a preface written by Kiyo Youshizawa, Akira's widow. (Akira died in 2005.) Then there is the introduction written by Robert J. Lang. The introduction shares the impact Akira had on modern origami. He is known as the modern father of origami. The book also includes Akira's biography. It has a timeline with his major achievements as well as photographs of various flyers of his work. Then the book has two sections of projects.

The first section has more difficult projects. I tried one from this section and even with my knowledge of origami and geometry I found the instructions a bit difficult to follow. This section is not for the novice or young artist. 
The second section has easier projects and these are the ones I will share with you, because the instructions were much easier to follow. One of my favorite projects is the seesaw. I think my people paper was a bit too big for the size of the seesaw paper, but I still love it.

I also made the tulip. It has been bitterly cold here in Massachusetts (coldest weather of the winter), so I am trying to think about spring. 

On my spring and warm weather state of mind I also made the water lily. I did this one rather quickly and am not really happy with how it came out.

The papers I used I have previously reviewed and they are from Tuttle Publishing as well.  I really enjoy the projects in this book. The Part One projects are inspiring and amazing and the Part Two projects are easy to follow. I hope you will check it out. Plus stay tuned!! We will be doing a lot of origami especially in April. We are investigating Japan for our Tea Parties Around the World in April!!



Thank you to everyone who shared with us at our last party!! I loved seeing what everyone has been creating lately!! Below are some features from the party, but this is just a small sample of great ideas shared! This week we have two groups of features: Spring & Easter Decor Crafts, Fiber Arts, and Other Crafts.

Also remember for your child-oriented crafts, activities, lessons, etc. Sharing Saturday is going on!! For any cultural related posts (diversity and/or multicultural as well) be sure to share at the month long Creative Kids Creative Blog Hop.

Thank you to everyone who shared the last week!! I hope you will share again!! If you are featured here, please feel free to grab a featured button to display proudly on your blog. I would love the help spreading the word about Crafty Weekends!!


Spring & Easter Decor Crafts


1) From Worthing Court: 6 Quick and Simple Ways to Welcome Spring into Your Home

2) From The Jenny Evolution: Spring Clothespin Wreath

3) From The Real Thing with the Coake Family: Easter to Spring DIY Wreath

4) From Busy Being Jennifer: DIY Spring Fabric Wreath

5) From The Scrap Shoppe: Crystallized Egg Vases


Fiber Arts


1) From Jennifer Perkins: Adorable DIY Pompom Covered Pillows

2) From White House Crafts: Adorable Pom Pom Cupcakes

3) From Rain on a Tin Roof: Easy to Make DIY Cowhide Lampshade


Other Fun Crafts


1) From Simple Nature Decor Blog: Herb Garden

2) From Do It Your Freaking Self: Make Your Own Glitter Star Wands

3) From My Life from Home: Using Air Dry Clay to Make Rustic Gift Tags

4) From Ava's Alphabet: DIY Gold Glitter Star Coffee Mugs





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 Please share family friendly crafts here. Just crafts and/or patterns--no recipes, lessons, etc. You can share craft product reviews as well. By linking up here you are giving me permission to share your links and to pin your links. Please follow my Crafty Weekends Feature Pinterest Board to see all the features from these fun link parties!