Review: Kusudama Origami by Ekaterina Lukasheva

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Discover kusudama, a traditional Japanese paper sphere formed by modular origami construction techniques. Kusudama, meaning "medicine ball," originally served as holders for incense or potpourri. Today they're used as decorations or gifts.
This guide presents instructions for over 40 elaborate modular origami figures that range in shape from stars and flowers to kusudamas. Beginning and experienced folders of all ages will appreciate these unusual and eye-catching models.

MY TAKE:
Even I was still just a kid, I loved origami. I just did the basic origami stuff, though, so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I just had to request it and give it a try.

Kusudama Origami teaches readers how to create 3D spheres and shapes using origami techniques. There are pictures of the final products and illustrations that serve as the instructions.

While I don't consider myself an origami expert, I'd put my skills at intermediate or novice. I figured this book would be pretty easy for me to follow. There are plenty of patterns you can try, and all of them have stars indicating their degree of difficulty. The first one I tried was the Jade (2-stars), but for some reason, I found it hard to complete the construction of the basic unit. I tried the Farandola Gemma (1-star) next and I had the same problem. Finally, I tried the Sparaxis Flower (2-stars) because the basic unit seemed easy. I was able to construct the basic unit just fine, however, I had a lot of difficulty creating the 3-D flower made up of 5 units. The first 4 pieces would sort of lock together but when I tried to connect the fifth and the first piece, it all fell apart. Eventually, I lost patience and just gave up trying. I did read the rest of the book, though, and there were plenty of pretty patterns to try.

I wouldn't recommend this book to origami beginners unless they are extremely patient or are working with someone who is good with origami.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dover Publications for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. There's a guide at the beginning showing the different kinds of folds used.
2. There's a guide showing how to create rectangles, and other papers of appropriate size for the different projects in the book, from a square piece of paper.
3. The finished products are gorgeous.

THE BAD:

1. The patterns may be more complicated than they look.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

A blank sheet of paper has infinite possibilities. 

READ IT IF:

1. You're looking for an origami challenge.
2. You have a lot of patience.
3. You like arts and crafts.

RATING:


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