In Essential Origami, paper-folding experts Steve and Megumi Biddle reveal a remarkably comprehensive and easy-to-use technique to create dozens of dazzling models. The key to this unique approach is mastering just 10 easy base folds: the Bird Base, the Blintz Base, the Fish Base, the Frog Base, the Kite/Diamond Base, the Nappy Fold, the Pig Base, the Preliminary Fold, the Waterbomb Base, and the Windmill Base. Building on these base folds allows for countless creative inventions-from koala bears, Scottish terriers, antelopes, dragons, pandas, and planes with propellers, to multi-unit spheres, octagonal boxes, and other exquisite geometrical designs.In addition to more than 1,000 step-by-step illustrations, Essential Origami contains helpful paper-folding tips, note-worthy trivia, and fascinating explanations that illuminate the worlds of both ancient and contemporary origami. A compendium to delight the novice and the expert alike, Essential Origami puts centuries of noteworthy techniques at everyone's fingertips.