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Michael G. LaFosse's
Origami Butterflies

A Field of Discovery Through a System of Design

By Richard L. Alexander and Greg Mudarri

Published: 2006 by Origamido
Pages: 104
Binding: Spiral bound
Language: English
ISBN: None

Buy from: Origamido Studios

Skill Level : Intermediate
Clear diagrams? Yes
Tinted diagrams (to show 2 sides of paper)? Yes
Photos of completed models? Excellent photos of all models
Is there indication to the model size resulting
from size of starting paper?
No
Are the models "Pure" origami (From square - no cuts)? Yes, except for one from a $ bill and one from
a rectangle.
Overall Impression

This self-published book contains not only diagrams for 15 of Michael LaFosse's butterflies and variations, it also teaches the system he devised for coming up with new variations.

The system is presented as a set of building-blocks, presented at the beginning of the book, showing different ways to make head-details, proportions of flaps, wing details etc.
The instructions for each model refer the folder to the appropriate blocks to be used and then add the individual model's unique details, encouraging the readers to come up with their own variations.

The production quality of the book is great, with full-color diagrams throughout, and many color photographs of the models, including an inspirational gallery at the end of the book.

As many of the models are named after origami luminaries, the book is peppered with information and history of LaFosse's development as an origami artist, and of modern origami in general.

The Models
Model Notes Photo (click for a larger image)
The Alice Gray Also diagrammed on origami.com
The Lillian
Emiko Fritillary
Alexander Swallowtail
Alexander Aztec Swallowtail
The Baxter
The Michael Shall
The Temko
Origamido Butterfly My favorite. Also diagrammed in Advanced Origami
Joyce Rockmore Butterfly
The Nolan
Mudarri Luna Moth Also diagrammed in Origami Art
LaFosse's Moth
Evangeline Fritillary From a rectangle
LaFosse's Dollar Bill Butterfly From a US $ bill.
Also diagrammed in Origami USA 1997 convention book