A Cut Above
Explore cultures from across the globe and design your own in this paper-cutting craft activity.
Task
Be creative and make something meaningful.
Resources
- Craft materials (for example, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, stickers)
- Pens or pencils
- Scissors
- Cutting mats
- Craft knives
- Mirrors (optional)
Instructions
- Choose some craft paper for you to use. Bear in mind that thinner paper will be easier to cut and delicate, while thicker paper or card will be harder to cut but less flimsy.
- Fold their paper in half once or twice. For complex designs, you may wish to fold the paper three or four times. Bear in mind that this will make the paper harder to cut.
- On the folded paper, sketch out a design. Have a look at the attached examples for inspiration. Traditional paper-cuttings feature everything from geometric patterns to plants and animals. You should be creative and try to think of something they might display at a celebration. If you have a symbols that means a lot, you might include this. Jewish paper-cuttings, for example, will often feature symbols like the lion (symbolising strength and bravery), fish (symbolising fertility) and a snake eating its own tail (symbolising infinity).
- When you have finished sketching your design, you could use a mirror to see what your design will look like when cut and unfolded. You should hold the mirror along the fold-line and look at the reflection.
- For the next part, you will need to use scissors or craft knives and cutting mats. If you use a knife, you should work on a secure, flat surface, cutting slowly and carefully with the cutting mat beneath the paper. Scissors can be used to cut at the edges. Make sure you take your time and cut with care.
- When finished, unfold the paper.
- Collect up all the scrap pieces of paper that were cut out. These can be recycled in other art projects or used as fire-lighters.