LaFosse & Alexander's Essential Book of Origami

A modern, structured course in origami from two of America’s most respected paper artists. Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander run Origamido Studio, where they create museum-quality origami from handmade paper. This book distills their decades of teaching experience into 16 progressive lessons.

Why Consider This One

Where Lang’s book is a classic reference, this one feels more like a workshop. Each of the 16 lessons builds on the previous one, and the included instructional videos let you watch the folds being made in real time. For visual learners who find static diagrams challenging, this combination of printed instructions and video demonstration can make a real difference.

The models are mostly original designs you will not find in other books. They range from a traditional crane to a three-dimensional heart, a two-color cat, and even a great white shark folded from a two-dollar bill. LaFosse and Alexander also devote attention to paper selection, explaining how different papers behave and which ones work best for different types of models. This is practical knowledge that most beginner books skip entirely.

What to Expect

At 96 pages, this is a compact and focused book. The 16 lessons are designed to be worked through in order, ideally one or two per sitting. The video component adds significant value, especially for the more complex folds. You will need square origami paper for most projects, though the book encourages experimenting with different paper types as you progress.