Origami Ikebana - by Benjamin John Coleman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Make realistic and decorative paper flower arrangements with this stunning origami book!

The Japanese art of flower arranging is an age-old practice that honors nature and creates beauty through harmony and balance. This brand new book, Origami Ikebana, shows you how to create unique ikebana-inspired paper flower arrangements any time of the year.

In this book, Coleman combines the principles and techniques of ikebana, origami and makigami (paper rolling) to create beautiful and lifelike paper flower arrangements. You'll learn how to construct stems from paper-mache-like makigami rolls and cap them with exquisite folded paper flowers and leaves, as well as how to display the arrangements on stone-like bases made of paper.

Topics covered in this ground-breaking origami book include:

• Basic origami flower folding and assembly techniques
• Painting the leaves and flowers to enhance realism
• Using incremental leaf sizes for a greater sense of depth
• Making stems using makigami paper rolling techniques
• Creating "stone" bases for your arrangement from origami paper

Dozens of different origami flower arrangements are described in this book, and the online bonus material contains detailed step-by-step video lessons showing you how to create each model. Don't spend a fortune on real flowers and plants that will wilt in a week--make your own beautiful paper floral arrangements that will last forever!

This origami book contains:

• 128 page, full-color book
• Step-by-step instructions
• Colorful diagrams and photographs
• Origami flower folding and arranging techniques and tips
• 8 different leaf types
• 30 flower types
• Instructional Videos

All media content is accessible on the Tuttle Publishing website.

Review Quotes

"...any origami enthusiast would enjoy this book, but especially those who like to go a step further than just folding and to find ways to sculpt the model for a beautiful display, as well as to experiment with their own folding patterns. If that sounds like what you like to do, this book is for you!" --Yuki's Origami blog

"I am absolutely bowled over by John Coleman's development and presentation of the Origami Ikebana concept. The resultant arrangements are elegant and graceful." --The Papercraft Post blog

"I love the origami flower folds in Origami Ikebana... Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The author combines the principles of ikebana, origami and makigami (paper rolling) to create beautiful paper flower arrangements." --Handmade By Deb blog

"If you think you know origami, think again. This highly sophisticated version of the ancient art of paper folding combines the subtleties of Japanese flower arrangement (ikebana) with state-of-the-art paper folding techniques." --Retailing Insight Magazine

"Ikebana is a natural fit with origami, and Coleman's realistic projects will be a hit with experienced paper crafters looking for a new challenge." --Library Journal

"This book and video teach you how to create more realistic flower forms to use in your long lasting paper arrangements...These are projects that my whole family can enjoy." --Don't Eat The Paste blog

"This lovely origami craft guide is filled with page after page of beautiful paper flower arrangements, complete with step-by-step instructions and photo tutorials to help you achieve the perfect paper flowers every time. [...] You can even get more creative as you get used to the origami techniques and begin to design your own flowers. Your guests will be in awe of these enchanting flower sculptures that gracefully adorn your tables and walls. Even if you are not planning a wedding, creating origami flower arrangements is an art form that will teach you grace, discipline, and an appreciation for detail." --Alexandria Petrassi, Editor, AllFreeDIYWeddings.com blog

"To the casual observer, Origami Ikebana looks like a very complex book. However, Coleman states that even relatively inexperienced folders can create arrangements using his techniques. [...] His patented glow-fold diagrams highlight the surface of the area that will move during the fold with an orange, semitransparent glow...This turns diagrams that would otherwise seem like a confusing puzzle into a logical step-by-step progression, thus assisting the novice folder in creating the featured models." --About.com Origami

About the Author

Benjamin John Coleman has been hooked on origami since his father gave him his first origami book in 1974. Ben's revolutionary contribution to the art has been the creation and design of origami bonsai botanical sculptures. He enjoys sharing the history, beauty and simplicity of this art form with others.