Trash Origami: 25 Paper Folding Projects Reusing Everyday Materials

by Michael G. LaFosse, Richard L. Alexander

Make fun and functional origami out of your spare paper with this easy origami book.

Don't dump your wastepaper into the garbage—it's time to fold! World renowned origami artists and award-winning authors Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander show you the way with Trash Origami. This origami book presents unique and fun projects from their Origamido Studio and from some of the world's best paper designers, including Nick Robinson, Herman Van Goubergen, and Rona Gurkewitz.

The origami models are presented for the reader who may have little or no previous folding experience, making it a great origami-for-kids book and an effective way to learn origami. However, experienced paper folders will also be intrigued by the novel nature of the folds and the unusual materials involved. The origami designs are made from old calendar pages, candy wrappers, envelopes, newspaper, postcards, paper grocery bags and more. The accompanying DVD video tutorial will make the folding process clearer and aid folders of all skill levels. Also provided is a guide to everyday materials that have the most folding potential leaving readers inspired to design and display their very own "trash" origami.

This origami book features:
Full-color, 95 page instructional book
25 unique origami projects
Projects from top paper folding designers
Clear, step-by-step directions
Paper folding techniques and tips
Accompanying instructional DVD
Get ready to look at the contents of your wastebaskets and recycling bins with a different sensibility. You'll never need to buy expensive origami paper again!

Origami projects include:
Photo Cubes
Candy Wrapper Butterflies
Interlocking Flower Petals
Custom-Bound Books
And many more…

Genres: Origami, Nonfiction, Crafts, Art, Reference

96 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2010

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this book out from the library and had it sitting on my drawing table for awhile before I tried any of the projects (mostly because the first one is titled "Scoopy Ball Game" and looks kinda stupid). I've really gotten into it, though. I've made several of the projects and liked the results. Some are quick and easy; some require several pieces of paper and time. I think that beginners without any paper folding experience could comprehend some of the projects, but having already worked through another beginner book that explained basic folds would improve success with this book (I started with Tomoko Fuse's Origami Boxes book in the 4th grade--not exactly a beginner book, but the author explains well how to read paper-folding diagrams). The "Suggested Uses for Trash Origami" section in the back of Trash Origami helps you re-imagine your craft projects as cheap, not-embarrassing gifts, and I'm very glad that it is included (how many times have I looked at project in a book and asked myself "what would I do with that?").

At this point, I've turned notepad paper into sailboat letters, made photo cubes out of vacation pictures, started a checkers game, made the soup can label hearts, and cut a bunch of Starbucks pastry bags into square origami paper (access to a paper cutter makes this faster but a ruler and x-acto knife will do). I impressed my co-workers by turning the suggested book project into a Victorian-type photo album with page border art found at fromoldbooks.org. I am very pleased with myself and this Trash Origami book.

[Sherry (sethurner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was little I used to braid gum wrappers to make chains, and fold little toys that opened to spell out messages about what boy I liked, and how many children I was going to eventually have. Later I learned to make paper cranes. This book encourages the reader to use found papers to make all sorts of folded treasures. I was frustrated with trying to teach myself the folds until I realized there was a CD in the back of the book. Once I popped that in my computer I was able to follow the directions easily by watching the author do the folds. Fun.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just found this okay. I think I was expecting more high-end looking projects, which might be a big stretch given the recycled raw materials. There are a lot of interesting containers here, though. The directions are clear if you understand standard origami folding directions. Good photographs and diagrams.

[Amberwench · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its just basic origami using scrap paper. Not the best illustrations for a beginner.

[Cat Fithian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book! Great ideas for turning normally discarded candy wrappers and chip bags, etc, into fun little ditties. Great tricks to teach kids during these long, boring Summer months! Chip bag wallets, candy wrapper butterflies and flowers, paper balls and paper hearts will all be "littering" our library this season!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visually appealing, this books walks the crafter through easy to accomplish and beautiful origami objects that are useful and beautiful. I worked my way through the projects and found the directions clear, easy and pretty when completed with found papers.

[Sandra Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

so gorgeous...
turns out it actually had a new project, yey Lafosse!!
Projects list:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid...

[BCPL Youth Services Librarian]

Click to see book in BCPL's online catalog

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can do a program from this!