Amazing Origami Kit: Traditional Japanese Folding Papers and Projects (No): Traditional Japanese Folding Papers and Projects [144 Origami Papers with Book, 17 Projects]

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Folding abstract shapes into something representative feels like magic. Paper is a wonderful medium with such a variety of textures – which can really express different states and emotions. Origami has been part of Japanese culture for 2,000 years – revered for its complex techniques and intricate forms, a unique combination of art, engineering and maths. To transform a single sheet of paper into a sculpture takes creativity, dexterity, and untold hours of practice; indeed, at Lexus we even use an origami challenge to test the skillsof our takumi artisans.

I was inspired to try it because I love Angel figures: wings are something that I have loved to draw since I was a kid, and when I saw this one I knew I had to give it a try. I’ve been folding origami for almost 13 years now. This piece was so satisfying to finish, like completing something on a whole new level.” Take the Lexus takumi challenge: Can you fold an origami cat using your non-dominant hand? Gastornis SkeletonIt is also a very democratic art, which can be done by anyone, anywhere, and with a very cheap material. You don’t need any tools except your hands, and you can do it alone or with other people – even if you don’t share a language, because origami is a language of its own. In Japan, a legend says that anybody who folds 1,000 origami cranes will have a wish granted – so I began making them with my mother when I was seven. That was how I started. Now, I make origami with my daughter – telling her about the 1,000 cranes, and teaching her my grandma’s kusudama that I still love today.” It was fairly easy to fold, but this was a new way of working with the paper – and the assembly process was very different for me too. I also had to be more patient, folding the same pieces many times.”

I’ve been working with origami for almost ten years now, and I’m inspired by the movement and personality that it can portray. Although my work is usually made with a single sheet of paper with no cuts, I wanted to challenge myself with modular origami – and Gastornis Skeleton was made from 30 pieces in total.

This book pushes the limits of modern origami! Fold 20 incredible models with impossible color changes and innovative and stylish folding sequences.

I’ve been folding seriously for about five years now, and got into designing origami two years ago. I’m constantly inspired by nature: it’s full of hidden geometries that form completely organically, just like the hidden shapes on the creases of the paper. When you unfold a piece, it can turn into an abstract artwork all of its own.”