Thursday 20 November 2014

The Origami Home by Mark Bolitho

This has to be by far one of my favourite books that I've reviewed this year!
When this landed on my desk I was left in awe because as a child I was obsessed with making furniture and accessories for my doll's house.



Origami expert Mark Bolitho does just that! Not that it's for dolls' houses but it does lend itself very well for this but this publication is perfect for lovers of design and interiors too.
His little folded art works are absolutely beautiful and you can make things like recliner chairs, coffee tables, potted flowers and even pets.
They are amazing just as they are and you really don't need a doll house to make the projects. Though I'm gutted that this book wasn't around when I was a kid as my Barbie would have had the swankiest pad on the street!




Mark Bolitho has been Chairman of the British Origami Society for 35 years and though he had a successful career as an accountant he traded in the paper work for paper folding and we're honestly pleased that he has made that choice.
Working for clients like the BBC and Hewlett Packard have undoubtedly brought  his art of paper folding to the general public prompting further projects with many others in  Japan, Canada, France and Sweden to name but a few.
The popularity of origami isn't looking to fade anytime soon and so it shouldn't... with amazing talent like his and great books like this one then it can only grow.
Author of several books including the aptly named Creaselightning (which is also his web site name) we tip our folded paper hats to him not only for his artistic talent but you know us... we also love a good pun!

The BIG Lottery Fund and the BBC challenged villages across the UK to come up with ideas for new businesses! ©BBC/TBLF

With over 30 project explained step by step including how to furnish each individual room (or sets as Mark refers to them) with a selection of sweet, quirky and fun projects we're sure it'll leave you inspired to make your own.

Everything is covered here from the living room, loft room to even a terrace. He also shows us how to select colours and patterns to construct your ideal set and a huge plus point is that he has also added a few pages of very nicely explained basic instructions with detailed diagrams so you don't feel overwhelmed before you tackle the projects.




The book is divided by rooms and there's a great mix of styles of furniture from Shaker to mid century which will please just about anyone.
An added bonus is the handy pocket in the back cover which is filled with an amazing array of origami paper sheets... flowers, geometrics, you name it. It's there!


Though the little me would have imploded with excitement a more mature guerrilla has sat down and though loudly quietly squealed at every page I am now beginning to construct a Standard Lamp to gift to another excitable little girl who has room in her doll's house for some great hand made origami treats! 


A great gift for any origami fan or even novice and especially for those, like me, who despite their age still love making miniature furniture. The mix of furniture designs, along with the unique and fun presentation style, will ensure that The Origami Home appeals to anyone with a love for design and interiors, as well as paper folding enthusiasts!

Available via Jacqui Small Publishing... we hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did!

To order The Origami Home at the special offer price of £16 including UK P&P, telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk, quoting the offer code APG267 and the book ISBN 9781909342514. 

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