Origami to Astonish and Amuse

This book is definitely UNIQUE. It is not your ordinary origami book.There are challenges in the book for the novice and the expert folder with 5 levels of complexity.The best thing about Origami to Astonish and Amuse is that its models are functional.--Section one is filled with models that move and can be used as toys or entertainment pieces: Clapping Hands, Piano Playing Pop-up Card, Frog Tongue, and the Swiss Army Knife.--The second section contains symbols, signs, and designs: Musical Notes, Menorah, Star of David, Double Yin Yang, and Wine Glass.--Section three is devoted to "Models from the Heart," which include many functional items that can be given as gifts: several pop-up cards, envelopes, and a present box.--The final section is entitled "Origami for the Almost Deranged." The folder can attempt to create a Walking Boat, a Jack-O'-Lantern from a t-shirt, a Clogged Artery, an Unopenable Envelope, or a Carbon Atom.Jeremy Shafer seems to enjoy creating models with arms coming out of strange places. He also encourages the folder to create new designs within the confines of his starting models. Besides this, the author explores several geometric models, which he calls "labyrinths" or "flashers."Even if you aren't an expert origami folder yet, the models displayed and the instructions will make you laugh. This has become my favorite origami book.

The title is rather apt. I was suitably astonish and amused by the origami subjects within. If I have to choose one word to descibe the book, it would be "quirky".For those who have been purchasing origami books and getting the usual stuff and would like some unusual subjects, this is definitely the book!Within the book is divided into 4 main sections: 1) Origami Action (32 models) 2) Symbols, Signs & Stunning Designs (21 models), 3) Models from the Heart (15 models) and 4) Origami for the Almost Deranged (21 models). Most of the subject matters cannot be found elsewhere, in any other origami books.I find the general format and presentation of the book rather unusual too, rather refreshing. Throughout the book, for every models, there is a section "Thoughts behind the fold". This allows you to get into the mind of the author and possibly ideas for creating your own models.There are so many models that I am unable to list all of them. Among my favourites are a workable Swiss Army Knife, a nail clipper and slithering snake skin! There are also a lot of action models and this suits me very well as I like action models.The general complexity ranges from simple to complex. On a range of 1 to 5, with simple (1) and complex (5), I find that most of the models fall in the range of 2. Do not let this fool you, simple models can be very effective and fun to fold too. The final result is astonishing and amusing, much more so that some complex models.I like to mention too that I had fun with the running car, hey!, running on legs, not wheels! Then you will be taught how to fold the carbon atom that even a rocket scientist could not fold. Do not forget to try folding the invisible duck too! It's a riot!Hey! as I am already almost deranged, folding from the book maintained me in the same deranged condition. Perhaps all you almost deranged origami enthusiasts would like to group together and form the ADOES (Almost Deranged Origami Enthusiasts Society).

It worths the long wait. This is the only origami book make you laugh to tears.All models here are folded from a single square, no cut. The author emphasize this philosophy, and wrote a quite clear essay about it and encourge the folder-reader to become designer.Followed are a lot of wonderful models. Besides the very excellent models "Swiss knife", "Nail clipper", etc, and extraordanary models: man swapper, man on the surf, eight interwine ring, eagle balanced on the tip of the mountain (both folded from dollar bill) etc, there are many funny models:An elephant from behind (so only butts and tail, and tip of nose), a walking man(when spread and flatten the whole paper, the creases become a labyrinth.) One I appreciated most is the "Origami square", fold as followes: Take a Square paper, rotate and rotate and rotate and flip and rotate and rotate, then VOILA, the origami square completes. (I got angry and very happy at the same time when I read this). Moreover, a invisible duck, a car with tires replaced by 4 legs....The author is so versatile and desperately funny, joyous atmosphere prevails the whole book. Highly recommended.

The astonishing aspects of this book have already been covered by other reviews, so in addition to briefly mentioning that my three boys ages 9-11 were completely glued to this book for several months during every.single.waking.hour, and completely astonished every single friend and relative we have with their unbelievable origami...................I want to share that I noticed a few questionable/controversial/off things in the book that actually made me think twice and not give this as a gift. I didn't want the parents to be put off, which I think could happen. I think my boys were overlooking a few things as they went through it. Just a head's up for anyone that needs to know this specific information. When you're a parent, you gotta be cautious with little ones and it's just good to know what you're getting into.p.s. We found a few of Jeremy Shafer's instructional videos online, and man can my 10-year-old hand whistle now. Bout blew my socks off.

Foi para meu neto, ele ficou radiante com o livro.

very good book

Valido !!!

Well put together. The illustrations are very helpful and nicely done. If your kid is a paper-folding maverick like mine, this one should keep them all busy for a few months at least.

Good