Klutz Kit: Fashion Origami

Not long ago I was lamenting my lack of origami skills... diagram challenged, oh yes. But knock me over with a feather... yesterday I made a shirt, purse, and pleated skirt, all on the very first try! I can do origami as long as there are numbered steps and helpful tips to go along with all those little arrows. Recently I received an email from the Klutz company. You may recognize the name, as their book-kits for kids are sold all over the world, including Twirled Paper, which I've mentioned before. Fashion Origami, by Eva Steele-Saccio, is a brand new title. I was offered the opportunity to look it over and review it if I wished. Not only that, but three lucky readers anywhere in the world will receive a copy too, courtesy of Klutz! More about the giveaway in a moment...

Of course the book is geared to girls mucho younger than myself, but no matter, I had a great time choosing what to make, as well as the-hardest-part-but-in-a-good-way... selecting which brightly colored papers to use. The kit comes with lots of high quality supplies - sequins in pretty colors, hot pink and black ribbons, glue, and a terrific assortment of double-sided paper in two sizes. The featured fashion style is called harajuku, a Japanese term that basically provides teens with a license to mix and match all those patterns, stripes, and plaids Mom used to tell you not to wear together.The book is filled with examples of clever ways to use the sequins and ribbons. Much thought went into the generous quantity of patterned papers... there are even squares of alligator, houndstooth, and leopard spots, all perfect for handbags and shoes.
If you'd like to try your hand at making a coat, click here for PDF instructions and a sheet of patterned paper to print out. (sadly no longer available)My only quibble is that the book is suggested for ages 8 and up. I'm positive an eight year old would love playing with the supplies, but following ten to twenty steps might prove to be an exercise in frustration - working alongside someone older would be the way to go. It's probably most appropriate for ages 10-13 (not to mention card makers and scrapbookers of all ages!)Now.... about that giveaway! Leave a comment on this post by the end of Wednesday, March 31st. Gain extra entries by mentioning the Fashion Origami giveaway via Twitter, Facebook, and/or your blog. Good luck!