Kusudama Origami by Tomoko Fuse Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Kusudama Origami
Book Review: Awesome
Summary: 5 Stars
The models are very easy for an experienced folder and turn out beautiful. Everybody whom I have shown them to was amazed. The figures are wonderful and are great gifts.Book Review: Beautiful, Decorative Origami
Summary: 5 Stars
I think I have this book in Japanese; couldn't see enough "look inside" pages to be sure. Even so, Tomoko Fuse is my FAVOURITE designer, and if I'm looking at the same book in English, it's one of her best.
True, some of the models require some glue. However, there are several that hold together using Fuse-san's tab-and-pocket designs. (While we're on the subject, I can recommend using paperclips to hold some of the units together during assembly.)
These unit and assembly instructions are VERY easy to follow. For weeks after learning the Lantern, I was making them from memory out of restaurant placemats. Several small versions of this and other models have ended up in Christmas trees throughout my circle of friends and my family.
Book Review: Fun and interesting designs
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book a couple of weeks ago and can't seem to stop folding...The instructions are easy to follow, provided you know a little bit about origami (just some basic folding techniques, which you can learn online.) The designs are very interesting, though very time consuming. Block out some time to do this! When I finished my first Kusudama piece, I was so pleased at how beautiful it was. I have experimented with lots of different papers and achieved great results, even with papers that were not japanese. My favorite is the bouquet of lilies, which is stunning in bright colors. I definitely recommend this book to those who would like to pick up a new hobby and wow their friends and family with amazing gifts.Book Review: Glue and string required -- just so you know!
Summary: 4 Stars
I guess I was spoiled by the wonderful boxes and stars and balls and all, but for some reason I was expecting these to follow her previous practice of assembling without recourse to glue and/or string. These, however, in the fashion of traditional kusudama, do require the inclusion of materials other than paper. I found this a bit disappointing... That said, the models are, as one has come to expect from Tomoko Fuse, lovely and interesting variations on traditional patterns and amazing innovations, and I recommend this book enthusiastically! If you understand in advance that this is not strictly modular origami like her other books, you'll be spared the modicum of disappointment I felt.
Book Review: Novice Origamist Makes a Sea Urchin!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm very new to origami. Just to give you an idea of how new I am, I've never done kusudama before, nor have I done modular origami. In fact, the only origami I was able to do before this book, was the classic crane and the balloon. I just finished the spiky sea urchin from this book, and I'm so pleased with how it turned out!
I came back from Japan with a lot of really beautiful washi (handmade Japanese paper), and I didn't want to waste it on silly origami animals. I was hoping to make some beautiful ornaments or gift boxes with the paper, which is why I bought this book. So far, I have not been disappointed! It's true, these aren't easy for an amateur, but with some patience, anyone can create beautiful kusudama.
A few suggestions to make this book work for you:
1) Use scrap paper to start. I almost always make a mistake when I'm trying a new design from the book, and it's best to make that mistake with scrap rather than your beautiful washi.
2) Explore different types of paper, such as old maps, newspaper, magazines, construction paper, or even junk mail. It doesn't have to be traditional origami paper. You might discover a cool modern look for your kusudama, plus it's more economical. Recycled art!
3) I'd also recommend testing out different sizes. I like smaller kusudama, so I try to use 3"x3" paper, but sometimes it's difficult to fold such tiny paper. Experiment and see what works best for you. I usually use a toothpick for the smaller folding techniques.
4) This is NOT for impatient or easily distracted people. If you're new to kusudama, it does take some effort and quite a lot of time. However, once you get the hang of the technique, you could do it blindfolded.
5) Lastly, if you have reached a point where you can't seem to figure out the drawings in the book, I'd suggest looking up the kusudama on YouTube. You can often find people on there who SHOW you how to fold Tomoko Fuse's kusudama. I had to do this with a couple of steps for the sea urchin, and once I saw it demonstrated, it became so much clearer to me.
Enjoy!
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