Paper-Cutting
The Art of Design,Shapes with Scissors. Making Mobiles,Cards etc.
Unlimited ideas with the art of paper-cutting. Creativity develops as you perform the cutting-edge.
Paper- cutting is a many-faceted art from. It involves patience and practise.
It is an art form which can involve the entire family; it is easy and enjoyable, it can appear to be magical, but you can do it too!
Let’s explore the cutting-edge!
Silhouettes or shadow pictures, cut from paper, have been around for centuries and this style of portraiture has been raised to the level of fine art by the skill of some outstanding artists.
The name ‘silhouette’ derived from a Frenchman named August Edouart ( 1789-1861.) Edouart named his paper art work after a French general, Etienne de Silhouette.
Materials required:
Paper: ( not too thin) both black and coloured.
Pencil, scissors, a sheet of craft paper, white glue.
Caution: (scissor safety) always carry scissors with the tapered end towards the floor; when passing to another person-- pass handle first.
Step 1. Tape the sheet of paper to a wall and place your subject in profile.
Place a strong light so the shadow of your subject is cast onto the paper. Trace the outline of the shadow, then remove the paper from the wall.
Step 2. Cut out the silhouette with the scissors.
Step 3. You can either mount it on a coloured background or glue onto a board
Alternative is to place the original profile tracing on black paper and cut it out, then use the black silhouette as your main art piece.
You will find this a fascinating way to express your artistic abilities. After some practise, delightful scenes and pictures may be characterised by cutting.
You may use a template to trace your design onto the paper.
Wycinanki ( pronounced Vee-chee-non-kee)
This form of paper- cutting originated from rural communities in Poland and the Polish people have probably mastered this art form more than any other nationality; so the Polish folk art was born.)
The early cuttings were done by using sheep-shearing scissors, from these primitive tools, marvellous work has emerged.
A distinctive characteristic of Wycinanki is to use black background to complement the colours used. Once the basic technique is learnt you could produce some very elaborate arrangements which can be used as framed pictures, designs for boxes, decorating eggs, mobiles, cards etc.
Designs can be achieved by using glossy or matt papers. If you wish to use multi-coloured papers, you must cut out the main sections of the design first and glue them down. Other details are cut from chosen colours and glued onto the main design.
Material required :
Paper, black, multi-coloured or plain.
White glue, pencil, board for mounting.
Step 1. Fold paper in half (I suggest you draw your design in fine outline.)
Step 2. Begin cutting from the edge of the paper away from the fold but through both layers.
Step 3. Your background should now be cut away and you may now cut fine details.
Sep 4.Unfold your cutting and flatten out. Your Wycinanki art is now ready for mounting.
Step 5. To create multiple patterns, fold the paper more than once and then cut through this thickness, following your design shape. Unfold the paper and presto…you have a perfectly balanced design!
Step 6. Make your own personal crest:
Your choice should identify you!
Are you into sports, dancing?…………….. Cut your crest design and attach it proudly to the door of your ‘special room.’
The intricacy of the design depends on your imagination and the care you take with the cutting- edge.
Go ahead and expand your horizons.
