Opening and flattening the black Origami House series books

[merman]

I have a couple of them:
- Origami Fantasy
- Satoshi Kamiya Works
- Origami Insects I
- Origami Insects II

I just received Origami Insects I and I always have trouble or am a bit hesitant to flatten the books when opening them. They are kinda jumpy but also very expensive and it's hard to keep them open unless you put something heavy on it.

I always treat them with care, but Lang's book has come apart. Kamiya's book I have devoured but it is still in tact...

So does anyone know how to flatten these book in a good way and is the binding decent? More people have problems with Lang's book?

[bethnor]

i use binder clips to keep my books open (a technique from my days of playing the violin). i have to say, every book save (interestingly enough) origami insects II has weathered this fine.

i put the clip right in the middle. be warned you can permanently dent the pages and binding this way.

my origami fantasy is from the days when it was hardcover.

funny story, i was searching for the proper name for binder clips. certainly, don't type, "black clips" into google...

eventually, when and if the binding falls apart completely, i plan to take the book to the local copy store and get it spiral bound.

[merman]

what are binder clips?

[orislater]

i just typed in black clips lol well atleast you warned us

[Falcifer]

what are binder clips?

See here.

[orikata]

I usually weigh the sides of the pages down with paperweights to hold the book open.

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

Be careful flattening Origami House books, kids. I've heard several people mention that they literally snapped their Works of Satoshi Kamiya in half when doing this.

[bethnor]

an example using a binder clip.

i'm shocked and disappointed in you, frumious. i thought for sure you would say something about my search for "black clips" on google.

oh, and i've been using this method to open all my gallery origami house products. only origami insects II has (begun to) fall part.

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

Sorry, I'm a bit slow...it took me a second to realize what that would bring up...good thing I didn't just try it when I read it the first time...AT WORK.

[jadylyon]

those're called bulldog clips in my neck of the woods.

[bethnor]

whatever one calls it that doesn't bring up porn on a google search is fine by me.

[orislater]

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=c ... nder+clips

just type in binder clips maybe i misread your post, but i thought that much would be obvious...

[dinogami]

eventually, when and if the binding falls apart completely, i plan to take the book to the local copy store and get it spiral bound.

I've done this with a few of my origami books over the last few years...it's a terrific solution; I'd recommend it over the binder clips simply for the ease of not having to constantly remove and reapply the clips every time a page is turned.

Having said that, another option I use for keeping a book open while folding is to put the book on my lap and cover it with a transparent lap board, and do all the folding on the lapboard. The instructions are visible through the board while still providing a large surface on which to fold. This can be done with a large acrylic clipboard, too, but I found this lap board, which is light, comfortable, pretty strong, and great for folding anything other than huge pieces of paper.

[Kijjakarn]

I've got my Works of Satoshi Kamiya destroyed. The binding ripped in the centre (I put something heavy on it while opening) and the yellow is cleary visible. I went to a small book manufacturer to ask if they can do anything. They said they would have to cut the spine at least an inch so they can re-glue the spine. But I don't want that.

My best suggestion is to open the book, see the instruction; close the book and fold. That's the way I do it. The clips will damage the pages.

[Adam]

This may be a solution for all of you:


Cookbook stands are perfect for Origami. The one I have only cost me 5 Euros and it works for every origami book I have.