Teach Yourself Origami

by John Montroll

Book Overview

Learn the basic folds for 27 simple models and advance to a dozen intermediate and 5 advanced designs. Figures include star, frog, sailboat, elephant, bee, more. Clear instructions; numerous diagrams. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486401413
• ISBN13: 9780486401416
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.6" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 8 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 3 and higher

Customer Reviews

Origami for first timers

I picked this book as my intro to origami. I can't be more pleased so far. The book takes you through new models as it introduces you to new folds. Each new fold is used in a new model as well as new models incorporating already learned folds. Models get progressively more difficult, but the illustrations are clear and able to be followed with no struggle. Standard origami notation for folds is used. Models are based on square paper, with differing color sides. I've been working through the models with larger size paper and found that works fine for the models so far. Another positive is the reinforcing of some basic folds or starter folds. These folds are used in more complex origami models. Rewarding introduction as well because the reader can immediately make something interesting with the earliest models. A handful of models in, the waterbomb base is given, and the walk through was spot on. On a personal note, I've been able to share pictures of houses, boats, and more already. I feel confident to make several of the basic folds after just a short time. Highly recommend this for beginners. Also, the price makes this an even better value.

If you want to learn... you must have this book

Sometimes, I didn't understand the diagrams in other books. So, It was frustrating, and I said "this is not for me". I start with this book "Teach Yourself Origami". And... Every project is a success. It's an excellent book. Very nice diagrams. Because Montroll teachs step by step. If you have this book you will learn origami. You will learn something funny, and you will relax. Start to fold!

Outstanding for learners

I learned a lot from this book. Montroll follows a very logical sequence, with a very gradual increase in difficulty. Along the way, he not only explains how the folds are done, but why. My progress using this book was faster than I would have believed possible (I have succeeded in folding the elephant, and am about to attempt the bee with reasonable confidence.) Highly recommended

Does what it says, nearly.

I couldn't pass up a book on origami with "teach yourself" in the title. I was expecting an organized presentation of the basics, and that's just what I got. The author introduces the basic folds one at a tim, using simple models for practice, and then expects you to be able to use them by just referring to their names. That can make for some paging back and forth, but I have no problem with that. But I did wish that he included more verbal instructions for some of the steps. Studying the diagram alone just fdid do it for me, though I eventually figured out what I was supposed to do. I think this criticism could be applied to very origami book I've seen. I'm am still at what the author calls the beginner level. The book contains 27 models at the beginner's level, 12 intermediate, and 5 advance,. Most of these are animals, with lots of birds.

the title says it all

Not only a carefully sorted collection of origami models, this is a book explicitly written for the aspiring paperfolder. Nice features include:- very clear diagrams and instructions using standard notation- can be used either as a self-study guide or as a teacher's aid- nearly 27 simple models, 12 intermediate, 5 complex (the latter include 2 models by classic creater Fred Rohm, the "impossible" vase and waterwheel)- each model introduces more advanced techniques and new folding maneuvers explained in detail, so just by following the book the reader learns not only _how_ each fold is done but also _why_ it is employed Excepting a few models like the Elephant, this is not a book for fans of Montroll's "complex" work (like "Origami for the Enthusiast", "Origami Sea Life" and "Origami Sculptures"); on the other hand, it is longer and more didactic than "Easy Origami" and also has more original models. Beware: there's a classic book by R. Harbin reprinted with the same title.