Summer is always full of fun, but there are those days when the weather doesn't agree with getting outside. It can be too hot or too wet. And kids can get bored inside. Personally, I have always loved origami. It can be made as a lesson, I use it in my geometry class all the time, as part of a gift or craft, or just for fun. Today I am sharing some new origami resources for different ages and abilities as well as roundup of resources we have reviewed previously. Today's new resources include four books and three packs of origami paper. We will start with the book that comes with its own paper and is for ages 6 to 9. It is The Origami Kid: A Paperfolding Adventure by Robert McGuire. The previous review roundup includes over 100 products and projects!
About the Book:
For origami lovers, adventurers, and storytellers, fold origami right alongside Mike in this modern retelling of the popular Japanese fable, Momotaro, or oni, (from “The Peach Boy”). Includes 28 sheets of origami paper, 7 different origami models, and a bonus recipe for “folded” dumplings.
Mike is bored at home on a rainy day. Luckily, he can make his own fun! With nothing but his imagination (and some origami paper), Mike sets out on an epic journey through a jungle, across an ocean, and up the tallest mountain. Along the way, he encounters some new paper friends—Zoe the dog, Monkey, and Bird. Fold origami with Mike on his journey to save his newly folded friends from the monster…and maybe save the monster, too!
In the Author's Note it is shared that Mike is from a bicultural family, Japanese and American, like the author. In the story Mike and his friends find a Momotaro (from The Peach Boy) that is a Japanese monster. This book combines his cultures and is just fun. It is the perfect book for a child who is bored and cannot get outside. It comes with the paper needed to create the friends and objects. The friend papers even have the face and other details printed on them. The instructions are clear how to face the details when making the origami project. It is a fun story and with the origami projects children can retell the story or makeup their own..jpg "My Origami Creations from The Origami Kid")
The origami projects are easy, and the instructions are clear. I think most 6- to 9-year-olds will be able to create these easily and it will give them something to do for quite a bit of time. It makes a great gift or book to have around the house or classroom for down time.
The next three books are not necessarily children's books. They are origami books for any ages. With each book I used one of the packs of origami paper to try some of the projects, so I will be reviewing a book and pack of origami paper together. We will start with One Fold at a Time Origami: 38 Easy Models for First-Time Folders by Paul Jackson.
Mike is bored at home on a rainy day. Luckily, he can make his own fun! With nothing but his imagination (and some origami paper), Mike sets out on an epic journey through a jungle, across an ocean, and up the tallest mountain. Along the way, he encounters some new paper friends—Zoe the dog, Monkey, and Bird. Fold origami with Mike on his journey to save his newly folded friends from the monster…and maybe save the monster, too!
From Me:
I love that this is a story with origami projects incorporated. Mike is home on a rainy day feeling bored. His family and friends are busy. He decides to fold a friend, Zoe. Zoe and Mike begin an adventure where Mike folds more animals and objects for the adventure. The book comes with four sets of the seven papers needed to create the projects Mike creates in the book. When he "gets home" from his adventure he smells his favorite dumplings being cooked. And yes, there is a recipe to make gyoza from scratch including a dipping sauce. I haven't made it yet but am thinking of trying it. It even includes making your own wrappers.
In the Author's Note it is shared that Mike is from a bicultural family, Japanese and American, like the author. In the story Mike and his friends find a Momotaro (from The Peach Boy) that is a Japanese monster. This book combines his cultures and is just fun. It is the perfect book for a child who is bored and cannot get outside. It comes with the paper needed to create the friends and objects. The friend papers even have the face and other details printed on them. The instructions are clear how to face the details when making the origami project. It is a fun story and with the origami projects children can retell the story or makeup their own.
.jpg "My Origami Creations from The Origami Kid")
The origami projects are easy, and the instructions are clear. I think most 6- to 9-year-olds will be able to create these easily and it will give them something to do for quite a bit of time. It makes a great gift or book to have around the house or classroom for down time.
The next three books are not necessarily children's books. They are origami books for any ages. With each book I used one of the packs of origami paper to try some of the projects, so I will be reviewing a book and pack of origami paper together. We will start with One Fold at a Time Origami: 38 Easy Models for First-Time Folders by Paul Jackson.
About the Book:
Super simple origami models from an expert instructor!
Paul Jackson has been teaching origami for 40 years and knows from experience that many people struggle to follow the folding instructions for origami models. He has created an all-new collection of original designs specifically aimed at first-time folders. These designs can be created using only the simplest folds. And each step is shown in a separate diagram so that the instructions are exceptionally clear—for virtually guaranteed results!
If you've been wanting to try origami but have been put off by the "difficulty factor," this is the book for you! The 38 hassle-free models in this book include:
Paul Jackson has been teaching origami for 40 years and knows from experience that many people struggle to follow the folding instructions for origami models. He has created an all-new collection of original designs specifically aimed at first-time folders. These designs can be created using only the simplest folds. And each step is shown in a separate diagram so that the instructions are exceptionally clear—for virtually guaranteed results!
If you've been wanting to try origami but have been put off by the "difficulty factor," this is the book for you! The 38 hassle-free models in this book include:
- Paper Jumping Jacks with built-in springs, ready for the next jump!
- The Shadow Dog, which reveals its form when held up to the light
- A stylish paper Baseball Cap that you can actually wear!
- A cute kaiju Foldzilla ready to create monster mayhem!
- The mind-bending optical illusion Mirror Collage
- Unusual models like Sneakers and cute Funny Faces
- And many more!
I used Origami Paper 100 Sheets Bright Flowers 6" (15 cm) to try out the instructions in this book.
About the Paper:
This paper pack contains 100 origami papers printed with Bright Flowers—bring your origami to a whole new dimension!These paper packs make an excellent resource for all different kinds of folding, crafting and scrapbooking projects. The package includes folding sheets as well as a booklet with instructions so that folders can start right away.
This origami paper pack includes:
- 100 sheets of high-quality origami paper
- Double-sided color (pattern on one side and a solid color on the other side)
- 6 x 6 inch (15 cm) sheets
- Introduction to origami basics and folding techniques
- Instructions for 5 easy origami projects
From Me:
Let me start by saying all three packs of paper are colorful and fun. They are good quality. The front has a print, and the back has a matching solid color. Perfect for origami projects as well as other crafts. This book is exactly what it says, great for beginners. It has many projects that I have not seen in other books, and they are relatively easy to follow and create! The projects range from abstract art and 3-D module art (geometric and more) to animals and everyday objects. It is full of great projects, and I am really excited to add this to my origami shelf in my classroom! It will be perfect to give my students who are just starting with origami for their origami project. I love the variety of choices the creator to make.
I made a few of the projects and found them pretty easy to create and follow the instructions. I made the shadow dog, feeding bird, butterfly and two-tone, two-piece ornament. I always love trying origami butterflies and there are so many different tutorials for them. This one used half a piece of paper. I didn't get the body quite right, but it was pretty easy. For the dog and bird, the book suggested adding some illustration for key features of the animals.
I love the variety of projects. It includes some geometric solids as well as designs and ornaments to toys and objects. It even has a wearable baseball cap. There is definitely something for everyone and this book is perfect for beginners or someone who just wants a relatively easy project!
About the Book:
Kamikey is a rising star in the origami world and her new book features 75 kawaii models that are all unbelievably cute—and exceptionally easy to fold!
These models are easy enough for beginners and intended for folders of all ages. Kamikey also provides you with lots of creative props and unique backgrounds to use in displaying your finished models!
The following are just some of the unique origami models you'll enjoy making with this book:
- Adorably cute animals—several types of dogs, cats, rabbits and hamsters—plus a chibi owl!
- Zoo favorites like lions and tigers, pandas with bamboo, and koalas with eucalyptus
- Dolphins, seals and penguins—plus a "Nemo" clownfish folded from a single sheet!
- Lifelike flowers and butterflies that can be combined to form a decorative wreath!
- Greeting cards, envelopes, boxes and accessories you can use to hold candies or send messages to friends
- Cute animal dolls like a Butterfly Girl, a Ladybug Boy and clever cat and rabbit "furries!"
- Seasonal wall decorations for each month of the year featuring cherry blossoms, dragonflies and maple leaves
- And much more!
For the projects in this book I used a smaller paper. I used Origami Paper 500 Sheets Blue and White 4" (10 cm). I honestly wished I had some solid colors at home to try these with as the animals would look more realistic like they do in the book!
About the Paper:
These paper designs were developed to enhance the creative work of origami artists and paper crafters. The pack contains 12 designs unique to this pack, and all of the papers are printed with coordinating colors on the reverse to provide aesthetically pleasing combinations in origami models that show both the front and back of the papers.
This origami paper pack includes:
- 500 sheets of high-quality origami paper
- 12 unique designs
- Vibrant and bright colors
- Double-sided color
- 4 x 4 inch (10 cm) squares
From Me:
These papers are only four-inch squares, so they are smaller. I love having a variety of sizes depending on the project. Blue and white was not the best pattern choice for animals, but it worked. The book has a huge variety of animals to create. It starts with various dogs and cats. It then has a wide variety of animals as well as projects for different months and parts of the year.
To make the animals more realistic this book often uses different papers for different colors and sometimes different sizes. I avoided these because my goal was to use the one pack for this book. I made the snail and the dragonfly. I used two different prints for the dragonfly--one has a blue background and the other more white. Again this book suggested adding details like eyes. In fact the dragonfly should have round stickers for its eyes but I didn't have any that would work.
This book is very creative and has cute projects. The ones for the months are entire displays (see picture below). The instructions for each part of the display are in the book. This book provides decorations for different seasons to make as well as projects to keep creators busy all year round. The projects can be made individually or as a display. It is fun and has so many projects! It even has Halloween and Christmas projects. I found the instructions very clear and easy to follow. These projects seem perfect for beginners or advanced folders. It is another great addition to my origami shelf in my classroom!
Our final book is definitely written for adults. It actually teaches the reader about how module origami can help keep our brains active and help from memory loss. The book is Healthy Brain Origami by Mayumi Ohara and Katsushi Yokoi.
About the Book:
As we age, keeping our minds sharp becomes a priority, and studies have shown that cognitive function is enhanced by activities like the meditative art of origami. This book offers a fun way to engage your brain by folding paper models—an easy and fulfilling activity that encourages focus, persistence and spatial visualization.
Author Mayumi Ohara, a noted origami designer, has written this unique guide under the supervision of Professor Katsushi Yokoi at Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences in Japan. Her simple instructions and colorful models teach the brain-training art of modular origami, where small paper squares are folded then assembled into large and spectacular models.
The basic modules on their own form charming Pinwheels, Butterflies, Maple Leaves, Hearts and Tulips. When combined into larger projects, they form dramatic rings and wall hangings celebrating the passage of the seasons.
The 100+ paper models in this book include:
- Springtime wall decorations including a Fairytale Castle and a wreath with Butterflies
- Summer-themed pieces like the word LOVE written in Hearts and a Samurai Helmet
- Autumn decorations like a lattice composed of Maple Leaves with Acorns and Mushrooms
- Wintertime pieces, including Christmas Pine Trees and a festive Ornaments Garland
For the projects in this book, I used Origami Paper 200 Sheets Alcohol Ink Patterns 6" (15 cm).
About the Paper:
These paper packs make an excellent resource for all different kinds of folding, crafting and scrapbooking projects. The package includes folding sheets as well as a booklet with instructions so that folders can start right away.
This origami paper pack includes:
- 200 sheets of high-quality origami paper
- Double-sided color (pattern on one side and a solid color on the other side)
- 6 x 6 inch (15 cm) sheets
- Introduction to origami basics and folding techniques
- Instructions for 5 easy origami projects
From Me:
This book uses very easy folds and some cuts to create modules. Then there are module challenges to create multiple of the same module and create a wreath or picture. There are some really elaborate creations putting the modules together including designs for every season and many holidays! There are specific folds for Halloween and Christmas in here.
I only tried some of the modules. I made the multiplication sign, addition sign, star, butterfly (easiest one ever), and the fish. I am thinking I may try some of the challenges in the future. With the small cuts, these are some of the easiest origami ever! The challenges are just putting multiple ones together. However some of them are quite amazing like the fairy tale castle (see below).
I love how the book shares about the brain and the issues of losing memory. It also shares the techniques that this book uses to help with memory loss. It suggests spending about 20 minutes a day working on the projects in this book to help combat it. What a fun way to keep crafting and keep your brain creative! Most of the challenges create wall decor and some of it is seasonal with witches or Santa. Others can be how you want them and will depend on the paper you choose to use. This book is fun and perfect for adults and seniors and will make a fun gift. I will be still adding it to my origami shelf eventually but may keep it at home to try some more of the challenges myself. Afterall, my father has Alzheimer's disease so I think it is beneficial to do all I can for my brain health!
Origami Resource Roundup
Today we shared seven new origami resources, but over the years we have shared many (over 100)!! After checking to see what is still available, we came up with a roundup for you. The roundup has origami paper, origami kits (books and paper), as well as two categories of origami books. There is something for everyone here!! Happy folding!!
Origami Paper
We have shared many packs, boxes and books of origami paper. Many are included in posts with kits or books, but here are some of the ones we have shared.
Not Pictured: Butterfly Patterns 6", Vibrant Colors 4" and Washi Patterns 6", Origami Paper 1000 Sheets Color Bursts 2.75", Origami Paper 300 Sheets Tie-Dye 4", Japanese Dolls, Inspirational Messages, Kaleidoscope, and Rainbow Patterns (6"), Japanese Birds and Kaleidoscope Patterns (6-6.75"), Kimono and Animal Print Patterns (8.25")
Origami Kits
These kits are either boxes or books that include the paper and sometimes stickers as well as instructions you need to complete the projects. They vary in difficulty so be careful if you are a beginner.
1) Complete Origami Kit, Fun & Easy Origami Kit and Japanese Origami Kit for Kids 17) Origami Bible Stories for Kids Kit
7) Origami Monsters and Magic (a book & not a kit) 23) Kawaii Origami for Kids
12) Geometric Origami 28) Origami Flowers
Not Pictured: Origami Page-a-Day Calendar, Origami Gift Cards, Nick Robinson's Beginning Origami Kit, Origami Stars Folding Paper, Origami Peace Cranes, Origami Fun for Kids, Origami Toy Monsters
Kids/Beginner Books
This selection of books and projects are for kids and/or beginners. They have some easier projects for anyone.
3) More-igami
6) The Complete Story of Sadako Sasaki and the Thousand Paper Cranes (more a nonfiction story than project but shares an origami tradition)
10) Art with Origami
12) Origami Stars
Not Pictured: Origami Monsters and Magic, Origami Polyhedra for Beginners, Using Origami in the Geometry Classroom, Transforming Ninja Star (and more), Michael LaFosse's Origami Airplanes, Butterflies for Kiri
Advanced Origami Books
Here is a selection of origami books for an advanced folder. These are more difficult projects and ones that take more time and beginners and kids may find frustrating. I have included all of the geometric solid books here but with some instruction, teens can definitely do these.
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