Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Original designs by origami artists from Europe and Japan.

Origami is an ancient art, yet modern paper folders continue to innovate and invent new and fascinating folds. The origami projects in this book are some of the best ever created and range from practical projects for everyday use to intricate art rooted in ceremony and tradition.

Advanced Origami features 60 designs using exotic folds not typically seen in North American origami. Each project is fully illustrated with line drawings and the finished piece is showcased in color photography. An introductory section explains basic folding techniques and terminology followed by five sections:

Boxes and containers Animals Cards, envelopes and wallets Magic folds Airplanes and helicopters.

Advanced Origami is an exceptional collection to challenge paper folders at all levels. Boursin excels in designing new folds and in finding the best new origami from around the world -- practical, durable objects of beauty to hone the talents of fans of this ancient art.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Folds and Symbols
• Legend: * very easy
• ** easy
• *** difficult
• Boxes and Containers
• Triangular Box **
• Sachet **
• Star-shaped Box ***
• CD Box **
• Box on Feet ***
• Mini-container or Coaster ***
• Pencil Box ***
• Wrapping ***
• Wall Basket **
• Serving Dish ***
• Cube Box ***
• Pencil Holder **
• Rectangular Box **
• Cards, Envelopes, Wallets
• Wallet *
• Envelope *
• Pouch *
• Card with Pocket ***
• Messages in a Triangle **
• Letter Envelope *
• Christmas Card ***
• Card Holder ***
• New Year's Greetings *
• Invitations **
• Box Card **
• Pop-up Card **
• Bookmark ***
• Airplanes and Helicopters
• Dart *
• Schoolboy *
• Duck Plane *
• Glider *
• Overflight *
• Looping **
• Ready to Land *
• Globetrotter **
• Ready for Takeoff *
• Uranus Arc II **
• Air Show ***
• No Stopovers *
• Glider 2 **
• Helicopter **
• Rotor **
• Animals
• Chatty Fox **
• Fish and Rabbit **
• Puppy ***
• Talking Beaks *
• Frogs *
• Bird **
• Dog ***
• Pecking Hen ***
• Swimming Fish **
• Owl ***
• Grasshopper ***
• Penguin ***
• The Magic Folds
• Magic Card *
• Finger Puppet *
• Chick Card **
• Pliers **
• Hinged Cubes ***
• Tetrahedral Chain ***
• Moving Lever *
• From Circle to Square *
• Herringbone ***
• The Little Creature that Climbs *
• Appendix
• Legend: * very easy
• ** easy
• *** difficult

Excerpt provided by Syndetics

Introduction The history of paper folding is probably as old as paper itself, and likely originated in China. Then, several centuries later in Japan, origami developed as a ceremonial art form within the Shinto tradition. Originally a form of artistic expression, origami soon became a practical art form. Boxes were created to hold small offering. Zigzag folds made from white paper held spices and medicines, and could be used to wrap small objects such as combs, fans, and hairpins. As paper became a more accessible commodity, origami became something of a hobby. In France under Henry IV, napkin folding was an important aspect of ceremonial dinners, and the art developed a following among the courts of Europe. We know that Leonardo da Vinci used folding to study geometry and aerodynamics. Today, children and adults the world over enjoy the ancient art of paper folding. Modern creators have passed on the tradition and enriched it with their own folds. Professionals such as architects and engineers use folding to help them develop new structures. Mathematicians use it to study geometry, teachers use it as an educational tool, and occupational therapists use it for the rehabilitation of hands and fingers. In this book I present my own and my friends' creations: boxes to use for various occasions; invitation cards to announce your parties, airplanes that perform with precision and speed; decorative animals; and numerous other folds that will turn to magic in your hands. Excerpted from Advanced Origami: More than 60 Fascinating and Challenging Projects for the Serious Folder by Didier Boursin All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Origami enthusiasts who have mastered basic paper folds will want to try some of the more intriguing projects in this book, such as a pecking hen or an assortment of paper airplanes. In addition, there are directions for folded boxes, greetings cards, and envelopes. Each step-by-step project is well illustrated with line drawings and color photographs of the finished item and is rated at one of three levels of difficulty. A good selection for public library crafts collections. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Like trends, crafts come and go, depending on public whim--but also depending on the proclivities of writing and teaching artisans. Origami is achieving its umpteenth revival, having spawned at least half a dozen books over the past 18 months. And Boursin dispenses almost entirely with the basics, preferring to target more than 60 projects. Levels of difficulty are indicated, but only in the table of contents, and each item includes a color photograph and illustrated instructions. Words are kept at a minimum, and crafting hands must possess some degree of dexterity, not to mention a fundamental understanding of the medium. Many practical items are featured, including boxes of almost every shape, wallets, greeting cards, and a serving dish. --Barbara Jacobs

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Didier Boursin lives in Paris and has published several books on origami.