Newbie here

[HankSimon]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... origampage
Amazon has Montroll's "...Mythical... " for ~$50 still steep, but cheaper than $100. You may find is cheaper in other countries.

Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, sasugabooks, Amazon.jp and other countries are good sites for books. Also, check ebay.

Also, if you are convenient to Chicago, check out the main library. Ask for available Origami books, books by interlibrary loan (which may include local universities), as well as suggestions for used book stores online.

In addition, I bet that Chicago has millions of art supply stores, and at least one will have some interesting paper. There may even be a little Japan, or some Japanese stores with Origami supplies.

You can check out http://www.origami-usa.org/, check under shopping for KAMIYA. Also, there may be books and paper for at the convention.
And, check out http://www.britishorigami.info/ under supplies for their books.

As far as doing Origami without reading the language, that depends on your skill. I can't fold his stuff easily, even when written in English and accompanied by videos . But there are other people on this forum who seem to be able to glance at his models, and then reverse engineer to create their own diagrams..... But if you are interested and have the money, I do recommend buying it before it goes out of print. You can always get help on the Forum.

- Hank Simon

[mrsriggins]

Also, about the paper - I've been reading the paper thread and had a question about using something like wrapping paper? Yay or nay? And if that IS a good plan, is there a certain type I should get?

I've done models from wrapping paper and they turned out quite good. I just got a small roll from the dollar section at target around christmas time. Shapes very well actually. Another thing I've used and was surprised at how well it stood up to folding was parchment paper, the kind that is sold in rolls at the grocery store and has wax on one side, it think they actually sell it labeled freezer paper. But that did really well too and both allowed me to get a larger square of paper about 12" by 12"

[stinlin]

When my girl and I go downtown again, I'll try and hit up one of the art supply stores. The problem with those, is that I get SO wrapped up in them haha. But with the institute down there, there has to be some awesome art stores around.

And the wrapping paper and wax paper comment is ultra promising! I'll probably hit up the dollar store tomorrow morning to see what I can find. I'm assuming it's thin enough for low to high intermediate models, no?

[mrsriggins]

Most are pretty thin. The one I have actually has a thin layer of foil on the back so it makes it super nice for shaping. I'll post some pics i've done with it later.

[stinlin]

That'd be awesome, thanks!