The Art of Paper Cutting

HGTV Ideas magazine

This article for HGTV Ideas print magazine included

• A short history of the art of cut paper
• Several craft projects based on ethnic paper cutting techniques
  
  • Mexican papel picado banners & flags
  • Japanese kirigami
  • German Scherenschnitte
• Projects included step-by-steps and pattern templates
• Home decorating projects using cut paper in non-traditional ways
  • Cut paper curtains
  • Cut paper stick-ons for windows and glass doors
• Resources for supplies and related organizations

Papel picado banners

These banners were created in the tradition of papel picado, the Mexican art of paper cutting. Papel picado, which means “punched paper” in Spanish, describes the method used by traditional artists; they use a hammer and chisel to punch their designs in stacks of layered tissue paper. I used scissors and a craft knife.

Papel picado flags are easy to make once you get the hang of it. Make them for party favors and banners.

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I LOVED working on this article, from researching paper cutting techniques of different cultures to design and production of the finished projects. Colorful scraps of paper littered the path from my studio to my office for weeks!
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Japanese Kirigami

Japanese kirigami cutouts look like colorful snowflakes and are just as easy to make. Hang them in the window or make them into coasters and placemats.

This project, like the others, included original designs and step-by-steps.

Window Coverings

Cut paper curtains are cool and airy and so pretty. I made them with Thai Unryu paper, carefully pressed, then machine-stitched.

Use cut paper stick-ons, made of art paper and double-tack mounting film, to shield a view or add interest to windows and glass doors.

All photographs by Charles Brooks, 
courtesy of HGTV.

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