A Handbook for Paper Cutting Volume 1: The Basics

Paper cutting is one of the folk arts. It has been well known for thousands of years in the world, especially in Asia area. Paper cutting was originally used to make patterns for the ritual activities in the ancient times. Nowadays, the patterns are made for decoration purpose or to celebrate the holiday seasons and memorable moments. Paper cutting uses simple techniques to create various patterns to reflect the beauty of the nature, including animals, flowers, snowflakes, and so on. Patterns can be illustrative, continuous, non-continuous, and imaginative. For example, a pattern can be made to illustrate a tree with the young and green leaves found in the spring and the ripe fruits only found in the fall. This will give the picture of the tree of the whole life. Therefore, paper cutting can combine the various features into a mosaic, of an object or creature demonstrated in different times or locations. This is a key feature of paper cutting. By using personal imagination and the skills and language summarized in this book, the learner can create various patterns. Paper cutting can be done anywhere at any time. By practicing paper cutting, adult can sense the charm of the art, child can become more creative and imaginative. Paper cutting can improve thinking and design skills. Once a pattern is made, we will be more confident about ourselves. A little achievement will lay the basis for the future success.