Kusudama Origami

Rating:
Summary: Fun and interesting designs
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Glue and string required -- just so you know!
Review: 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.