This comprehensive origami book contains 16 easy lessons each revealing a different aspect of the paper folding magic that is origami! World-renowned origami artists Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander share their wisdom and expertise in this complete introduction to the world of origami paper folding. Beginning origami folders can progress through 16 step-by-step lessons, each with an accompanying video lesson on the free DVD included with this book. Each lesson features a project that's been selected to encourage development of origami folding techniques in a highly enjoyable way. Most of the projects are original, never seen before in print. In addition to presenting invaluable information about how to select your origami papers, how to preserve and display your origami creations, and even how to begin selling origami commerciall this origami book also presents the authors' original "philosophy" of the paper folder's art. This indispensible origami book provides an understanding of how to: Understand the folding properties and limitations of various papers"Dance with the Paper" which means folding in the air instead of on a tableDesign your own original origami modelsWet-fold paper moneyMake duo-sided paper by back-coatingPrepare papers with pearlescent and lustrous paints for scintillating effectsPre-paint and wet-fold watercolor paperUnderstand how the paper's grain impacts fold placement during wet-folding Fold multi-piece modular compositions"

Author Biography

Michael G. LaFosse has been an origami artist for decades, and is considered a leading authority and master of the art. An avid teacher, LaFosse co-founded the Origamido Studio, a learning center and design studio dedicated to the art of origami, and the only place in the world specializing in hand papermaking for the origami artist. Origamido also produces folded art and commercial designs for a variety of international clients. LaFosse co-curated "Origami Now!," a wildly popular, year-long exhibition at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. Vanessa Gould prominently featured LaFosse in the Peabody Award-winning film, "Between the Folds." Richard L. Alexander co-founded the Origamido Studio with Michael G. LaFosse in 1996. He has been the chief papermaker, holding workshops since 2003, and is a frequent collaborator with other famous paper artists. He holds a degree from Cornell University in biology (systems ecology), where he also studied landscape architecture and design. He has consulted with apparel, container, toy and consumer product designers to incorporate folding theory into familiar daily use objects. Together, Alexander and LaFosse have created dozens of origami exhibitions, and over 75 books, kits and videos about paper and paper arts.