Origami expert Mark Bolitho explains how to make perfectly formed origami objects that are pleasing to fold and make. As digital downtime becomes a constant quest in our fast-paced lives, the idea of contemplative, sloothing arts and crafts is undergoing a serious revival. Each title contains 32 pages of origami paper so that you can try out these mindful projects for yourself. The Origami Garden divides into sections on Flowers and Plants (easy roses, cactus and pot, lilies and water lilies and many other flowers and foliage), Fruit and Vegetables (mushrooms, strawberries, pineapple, pears and chilli pepper) and Garden Life (birds, butterfly and frog).

Every day millions of us sit in front of a computer screen tapping away at a keyboard, mostly writing virtual notes to unseen correspondents. By contrast, an origami project is a chance to be creative and make something tangible; in fact, turning a piece of paper into a three-dimensional sculpture is a meditative journey that instills in us a sense of pride, competence, and accomplishment. As we fold the paper, the focus required and the tactile connection help free our minds to roam, creating the opportunity for a moment of self-reflection, for true presence of mind.

Zen Origami comes with 20 origami projects to clear the mind and immerse thought. Tutorials of this papercraft are meditative and easy to follow.

Creaselightning was my third collection of models. It followed from Origami Projects and More Origami projects. The premise of the book was to develop a book around folding techniques rather than what the model was. The project explores folding techniques and different styles of folding. Central to the book is the question "How do I fold?" rather than, "What am I folding?". For most of the projects the folding journey should be as interesting as the destination. I have tried to avoid complexity and kept all the models as simple and elegant as possible. My main consideration is producing models that are enjoyable to make.The next section starts to explore some of the themes in the book and gives a bit more background to the models themselves and why I have included them. Most of all, if you have got this far, I hope you enjoy the origami. It took several years to develop the models and ideas in Creaselightning. If you have any thoughts or comments, do let me know.In 2004 I embarked on working full time as an origami designer. This has given me many more opportunities to write and develop origami books. Although many of these were commissions and designed in conjunction with the respective publishers.

Fold your way to happiness through the inspiring philosophy of Senbazuru—the tradition of folding one thousand paper cranes—with a leading voice in the global mindfulness movement as your guide. In Japan, the paper crane is a symbol of peace, hope, and healing. It is considered the "bird of happiness," a mystical and majestic creature that according to myth can live for a thousand years. Tradition has it that if a person were to fold one thousand paper cranes in a single year, they would be gifted one special wish that would grant long life, healing from illness or injury, and eternal happiness. The tradition of folding one thousand paper cranes is called Senbazuru ("sen" meaning "one thousand" and "orizuru" meaning "paper crane"). In this book, renowned yoga and meditation teacher Michael James Wong brings Senbazuru to life as an inspiring philosophy that encourages slowing down and taking many small steps on our own personal path. This is a book of small steps and gentle wisdoms to heal your soul and help you find your own path to happiness. FOR READERS OF: Ikigai and Dot Journaling, and fans of mindful craft like coloring books and puzzles. ORIGAMI IS THE NEW MINDFUL CRAFT: Fans of coloring books and puzzles will flock to this trend for its ease, versatility, and affordability. FOR FANS OF JAPANESE CULTURE: This will appeal to readers of books like Ikigai and A Little Book of Japanese Contentments. EXPERT AUTHOR: Wong is the founder of Just Breathe, an organization focused on bringing mindfulness into the real world. He hosts events; speaks regularly in the UK, Australia, and California; and partners with brands like Rituals and international festivals like Wanderlust. He has nearly 40,000 followers on Instagram, and his work has been featured in The Telegraph, BBC Radio, Mind Body Green, Women's Health, Men's Health, Yahoo! News, Well + Good, and more. CHARITY PROJECT: Through Michael's charity partnership, Cranes of Hope, his corporate sponsors will donate £1 to a COVID relief fund for everyone who makes and sends in a paper crane. The cranes are going to be built into an amazing installation in St. Paul's Cathedral in London, where an event will be held to mourn those lost to COVID and bring hope for the future. Details on U.S. events to come. A PRACTICE OF PATIENCE FOR HEALING AND WELLNESS: As we've had to take a step back from socializing and cancel plans during the pandemic, we have all been reminded of what it means to really slow down. The origami practice is not, like most things today, a work of self-gratification but rather a work of patience and discovery. Wong's origami technique forces readers to breathe deeply and slow down, soothing the mind and soul. Perfect for: enthusiasts of mindfulness, wellness, yoga, origami; coloring book / puzzle aficionados; parents Digital audio edition introduction read by the author.

“Beautifully fresh and contemporary . . . demonstrate[s] the many ways in which origami can be put to practical and decorative use in your home.” —91 Magazine Take papercraft to a new creative level and turn your home into a designer haven with this DIY interiors book by Dutch design duo Studio Snowpuppe. Learn how to create twenty items of sustainable home decor using simple, mindful paper folding and manipulation techniques, and show off your DIY creations at the heart of your home. Step-by-step illustrations will guide you through the projects, which include beautiful lampshades, creative wall art ideas, an ingenious clock, pretty garlands and decorations, unique vases, candle holders, plant holders, decorative bowls, and more—all with a stylish modern aesthetic. Using readily available paper and cardstock, you can create some stunning designer accents for your home for a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions. “These projects are absolutely beautiful, lovingly photographed, and explained in minute detail to give readers the best possible chance at success. With tool listings, measurements, templates, and more at your disposal, you’ll be adding decorative paper touches to your home in no time.” —San Francisco Book Review “Never, ever underestimate the magic that innovative designers can bring to a centuries-old craft. Kudos go to van den Baard and Veenenbos, the Dutch husband-and-wife behind Studio Snowpuppe, who have transformed plain paper and origami techniques into elegant, pleated objets de la maison.” —Booklist (Starred Review) “I never knew origami could look so pretty for the everyday home . . . A must-read to fuel your creativity and home décor.” —LittleBigBell