This is the second book about origami jewelry that came across me. The first was Origami Jewelry by Ayako Brodek. While Ms. Brodek’s book is filled with feminine and intricate designs, this new Origami Jewelry by LaFosse and Alexander includes bold and striking designs. Understandably, Ms. Brodek is a woman and Mr. LaFosse and Alexanders are men thus the difference in the same topic. I very much enjoyed this whole different take on Origami Jewelry.
There are 25 different models that are introduced as “beads,” or more like “folded gems” in this book. They are geometric designs, some of which flat and others three-dimensional. Some of the 3-D gems have beautiful curbed shapes to them. As far as I know these designs are all new that had not been published elsewhere. These gems can turn into earrings or necklaces, and the book explains in details as to how to turn these gems into certain kinds of jewelry that are shown as examples.
As always, LaFosse/Alexander’s instructions are very clear and easy to understand, and the book comes with DVD just in case you get lost in diagrams or you prefer to follow video instructions. For each model, they show the size comparisons between the paper and folded model so you will know what size of paper to use for the size of a folded model that you want.
The book goes into details on how to mount these folded beads, how to connect them and their variations, selecting paper and materials, back-coating to strengthen the paper, cutting and trimming paper to size, and all other details on tools and materials needed for making origami jewelry.
Furthermore, the authors “offer all of the jewel designs present in this book to the public for their unrestricted use, without obtaining any commercial use license or design royalty.” In other words, LaFosse/Alexander are OK with the readers selling jewelries made out of the designs included in this book. However, you have to be aware that any other original designs by LaFosse/Alexander or by any other origami artists are intellectual properties so if you are to use them for commercial purposes, you must first obtain permissions.
Here is an earring that I’ve made out of a design called Wolverine Claw in the book. I think it looks more like the Eiffel Tower.
I’ve made an ornament out of another design called Square Rhombus Beads, which is used on the cover of the book as an earring design. I think a lot of the designs in this book are also great to use as ornaments or garlands.
Lastly, I loved the analogy that the authors made in the book about musical performance and folded art, so I want to share: “Well-chosen paper is the instrument. If the paper is patterned, the scale of the patterns, colors, and textures will provide tone, and even play their own notes, too. The design is like the musical composition that provides the strength and substance necessary for durability. Elegant results demand a careful, heartfelt execution, or a cogent interpretation during your performance. Refining your folding skills take ‘practice, practice, practice’ as does playing any musical instrument artfully.”
