The Art of Paper Cutting

When the words ‘Paper Cutting’ is mentioned, perhaps an image like that comes to mind?

Screen Shot 2015 03 11 at 11 14 10 amSource 

剪纸 or Chinese Paper Cutting originated from China, as paper was invented by a Chinese in the Eastern Han Dynasty in Chinese. It is one of the oldest and most popular folk art forms in China. Some of the patterns are of a single image, while others are symmetrical designs that are cut after the paper is folded in half or into more proportioned folds. Chinese paper cut designs are mostly used for decorative purposes and till today, during Chinese New Year, many Chinese still follow the traditions of putting up designs on their walls, windows or doors that indicate their wishes for the new year.

The art has evolved beyond China and have adapted various cultural styles over time, there are Indonesian, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Jewish, Mexican, Swedish and Swiss versions of their Paper Cutting art.

ArtofpapercuttingSource L to R; Jewish, Swedish, Swiss, Indian Style Paper Cutting

Kirigami 

Playing with Paper Craft recently, I got rather intrigued by Japanese Origami and discovered a variation of origami that includes not just folding the paper, but cutting paper as well. Kirigami patterns start with folded original paper, then the pattern is cut, opened to make the finished product. Like 剪纸, the patterns are mostly symmetrical, and it is alot easier to do then it looks, and the patterns go beyond just snowflakes :)

Screen Shot 2015 03 11 at 11 48 02 amSource

Snowflakes are simple enough for children above 5 years old to cut, however when it comes to other patterns that require more detailed cutting with a Xacto knife, the activity will be more suited for children 12 years old and above.

Kirigami patterns can be used for decorations, card-making, gift-wrapping, to personalise stationery and add some texture to scrap-booking layouts.

So what are the tools that you will need for Kirigami? 

1. 15cm x 15cm Origami Paper (You can get it for $2 a pack from Daiso)

2. Penknife

3. Sharp Scissors

4. Xacto Knife

5. Self-Healing Mat

6. Stapler

The Xacto knife and Self-Healing Mat are good investments if you want to give Paper Crafting a try. I got them from Art Friend at below SGD$11 each.

Kirigami tools 1

 

For more on Kirigami, go to this site or go to this post on the uses of Paper Crafts.

Next post, I will be sharing some ideas on how to make and use Kirigami.

Share it:

Related posts:

For the Love of Paper Craft

I recently discovered my love for Paper Craft, after embarking on #InHisLoveMAIL initiative.

Paper Craft is one of the most accessible forms of crafting, and most who think of Paper Crafting, think of Scrap-booking. Scrapbooking is a great way where stories can be preserve behind the photos and one can express themselves creatively with beautiful embellishments, memorabilia on patterned papers.

Screen Shot 2015 03 05 at 8 03 30 pmSource

When I found out I was pregnant with K in 2006, it was the first time I got myself some Scrap Book elements and was all ready to journal my journey having my first (and only) child through photos in a Scrap Book.

But I never got around doing it.

I realised that I have never been a Scrap-Book Crafter, and will never be. Although the embellishments sold in Scrap Book stores were so tempting, I curbed the temptation and saved quite a bit of money. Have you seen how expensive Scrap Book Materials are?

8 years down the road, I am now exploring Paper Crafting, but techniques other than Scrap Booking :)

 

Great for First Time Crafters

Paper is accessible, forgiving and cheap. People who want to start on crafting should start with paper, as it is less daunting compared to the other craft techniques.

There is so much you can do with Paper Crafts. All is take is some coloured or plain paper, thick or thin, and you can create something new by folding, cutting, colouring, sticking or layering.

Paper Craft can be used in a variety of ways;

  • Handmade cards,

Screen Shot 2015 03 05 at 8 15 29 pmSource

  • Personalise snail mail,

Screen Shot 2015 03 05 at 8 36 03 pmSource

  • Decorate a shelf with garlands,

Screen Shot 2015 03 05 at 8 40 44 pmSource 

  • Decorate the wall at home

Screen Shot 2015 03 06 at 1 06 45 pm Source

  • Personalise gift wrapping with gift toppers
  • Make your own stationery (bookmarks or personalise letter writing paper)
  • Paper flowers to decorate the table
  • DIY Paper Decorations

Screen Shot 2015 03 06 at 2 28 25 pmSource

 

I will be starting on a new series, sharing my love for Paper Craft with ideas and tutorials, so do look out for the posts in the weeks ahead.

Share it:

Related posts:

Friendship #InHisLoveMail

We had something in common, it was a second job for the both of us after University. After having moved from various media agencies, this was our first foray into the client’s business, doing marketing in a consumer goods MNC.

We were wide eye and enthusiastic, and I first met K about 6 months into the job. I was in Corporate Marketing, while she was in Trade Marketing. What bonded us together was that we were both in the less glamorous marketing jobs in the company, since Brand Marketing were highly coverted roles. Besides, she was seated diagonally across to where I was seated, so naturally she became my lunch partner.

I initially thought she was too prissy at times, but we clicked nonetheless. We saw each other through various changes in that company, after a year, I joined her in the trade marketing team, and we eventually move to Brand Marketing with separate portfolios.

I left the company to do brand marketing for a beauty company, while K stayed another 2 years in the company. Despite not being colleagues anymore, we met each other for dinner then drinks weekly, as it always seem that we had so much to chat about.

She was a ’sister’ at my wedding and when she got married, I was also her ‘sister’ despite already married.

Our weekly meetings slowly fizzled out over time. It became once a month, then once a quarter, then barely twice a year. In fact the last 2 years, I met up with her twice. It has been tough to find some time on weekday nights to wrangle myself away from my responsibilities at home.

So when I embarked on #InHisLoveMAIL project this year, I thought that she should be one of my personal friends, who will be the recipient of my first snail mail package.

 

Why Snail Mail?

Simply because I think it is one of the most meaningful ways to show love and care to a friend. It is a very good excuse for me to pull together my love for crafting, through sewing and paper-craft. Then personalise these items, together with a hand-written letter in a cute little package.

Most people love receiving letters and cards though mail. I do! I used to love receiving snail mail from my pen-pal in my teenage years, and really looked forward to receiving mail from my sister when I was studying in Australia.

It may be an old-fashioned way of communicating in this ‘technological age’, but there is so much love that is bundled up into an envelope for the recipient, even if it may be just a simple card or just a few sheets of hand-written letters.

IMG 0081


How does #InHisLoveMAIL ties in with #InHisLoveFund?

To date, about $350.00 have been raised for the fund. This $350.00 will be converted to 7 sets of $50 Supermarket vouchers that will be placed in each #InHisLoveMAIL mail package. The package will consist of hand-made items, some stationery items and a personalised letter.

This snail mail package was personalised for my friend K, who loves bunnies, giraffes and is fond of cute concepts and sweet flower motifs.

IMG 0087

My good friend Pauline, who is another avid crafter, will be working with me to personalise 7 sets of #InHisLoveMAIL packages this year. So the items in each package will vary according to our inspiration for that month. In other words, our ‘crafting and encouragement services’ 😛 are available for any readers who want to encourage or bring joy to a friend through a #InHisLoveMAIL package.

We will create the items, write the letter, throw in a $50 Supermarket voucher with each package, and then mail the package directly to the recipient fully at our cost.

There are 7 sets available, 1 will be prepared for each month.

So do comment on this post and share with me, why you hope to send a #InHisLoveMAIL package to your friend, and I will do a random pick. This could be a friend whom you haven’t met for some time, or she may be going through some challenges in her life, and will need some encouragement. You can choose to remain anonymous if you wish.

Your friend’s name do not need to be shared in the blog comment, as confidential information will only be needed if you are selected. If you are selected, do provide more details about your friend and her design preferences, as the #InHisLoveMAIL package will be personalised according to the concepts that she will like.

IMG 0091

If we do not get any ‘nominees’, Pauline and I already have quite a few people in mind whom we want to send these packages to :)

So do join us, and participate in nominating a friend and let us work together to spread some love, hope and encouragement through #InHisLoveMail this year!

Share it:

Related posts: