Fantastic Origami Flying Creatures

July 20, 2020
Crafters looking for diversion from a stressful world may well find what they are looking for in this delightful origami design collection. Origami artist Hisao, making his English-language debut, details 24 beautiful and intricate creations, including peacocks, an eagle, Chinese dragons, and a bevy of flying insects. In the introduction, Hisao explains that folding origami models is an art. At the same time, he believes people of any skill level should be able to make each of the designs depicted, and to that end uses diagrams, photographs, and written directions to make them achievable for the devoted crafter. However, as the projects grow increasingly complex, the two-dimensional color drawings can be hard to follow, but Hisao remains reassuring, writing that while one’s own attempts may not be exactly as pictured, that’s okay—giving the figures one’s own unique touches is part of the origami tradition. This guide shows that practice and patience—and sometimes a little bit of glue—are all that’s needed to create an origami menagerie of one’s own.

August 1, 2020
Fantastic, indeed! This guide to origami eschews simple standbys to feature sculptural models that appear poised to take flight. Introductory pages explain the basics of folding, cover some of the specialty folds needed to make these elaborate creations, and explain how and when to use glue to improve the effect of the folded designs. All models are made with washi paper, and instructions for preparing, cutting, and doubling these larger sheets are included. Paper suggestions for each design?with both size and texture needs?are given for each project, as is a difficulty rating. Some of the models are sizable, requiring square paper up to 18 inches wide. Birds of prey are menacing, insects are curiously realistic, mythical creatures are both regal and whimsical, and paper crafters will be thoroughly entertained.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)