Where to Start with Michael G. LaFosse
Michael G. LaFosse is one of America’s foremost origami artists and one of the very few who also makes his own paper by hand. Together with Richard L. Alexander, he co-founded Origamido Studio, where they create original origami art from custom-made papers for galleries and private collectors. LaFosse’s work has been exhibited at the Peabody Essex Museum, the Smithsonian, and numerous galleries worldwide. What sets him apart from other origami masters is his deep understanding of paper itself: he knows how fiber, weight, texture, and moisture affect every fold, and this knowledge infuses his teaching with a practical depth that purely diagram-based instruction cannot match. He and Alexander have authored over 75 books, kits, and videos about paper arts.
Start here
LaFosse & Alexander's Essential Book of Origami
Michael G. LaFosse · 96 pages · 2016 · Easy
Themes: origami lessons, video instruction, original designs, paper selection, folding techniques
The best introduction to LaFosse and Alexander’s approach to origami, and a complete course for beginners. The 16 structured lessons progress from basic folds to original, moderately complex designs, with each lesson accompanied by a video demonstration that shows you exactly how the folds should look in motion.
Why Start Here
LaFosse and Alexander have published over 75 books, kits, and videos, many of which target specific subjects like butterflies, airplanes, or advanced techniques. This book is their comprehensive beginner’s guide, the one that teaches the foundations everything else builds on.
What makes it distinctive is the combination of printed diagrams and video instruction. Many people struggle with origami because static diagrams do not always convey the motion and timing of a fold. The videos solve that problem. You read the diagram, watch the video, and then fold along. This dual approach makes the learning curve noticeably gentler.
The models are also largely original, meaning you will not find them in other beginner books. They range from a traditional crane to a three-dimensional heart, a two-color cat, and a great white shark folded from a two-dollar bill.
What to Expect
A focused 96-page book with 16 lessons designed to be worked through in order. The included DVD (or downloadable video) adds significant value. Each lesson takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes depending on the complexity of the model. Standard origami paper works for most projects, though the book encourages exploring different paper types.