Paper Cutting

Do people still read blogs? I am sad to say that I have not visited blogs in quite a long time, but I find that I miss them......I tried Instagram, and for a while it seemed like a great way to find and connect with others who shared an interest but lately it seems to be filled with ads, people trying to sell a class or a book, I don't seem to see the people I follow as much as an awful lot of stuff the algorithm suggests for me. 

While Instagram is great for just putting up a photo with a quick caption, there doesn't seem to be the same connection we once had with blogs. There seemed to be more of a community.

I, myself have been absent for quite some time....but I'd like to return, do a few posts and see who still likes this format.  I may need to refresh my memory about how to make posts, add photos and create links though. I am turning commenting back on (for now)  I originally turned it off as I was getting far too many suspicious links and spam.

So today I thought I'd post some of the Paper cutting projects I have been working on.  Regular readers from a long while ago may recall the themed paper snowflakes I used to create......those were done on folded paper and cut using scissors. ( There is a link to the gallery on the side bar) 

Today I am creating designs that I cut flat using an Xacto knife and self healing mat.  I used one of my old "doodles" as the jumping off point for this one. This was kind of a "test" piece to see if I fully understood the process.

Here is one that I created as a gift for a friend.

The process is quite simple really, once I have created the design, I print the image in reverse, then, using a lightbox, I carefully trace the lines onto the back of my paper. Next is simply cutting away the negative space.  

Some areas can be quite delicate so I need to leave what I call "bridges" to hold everything in place until I near the end of the cutting. The more cuts made, the more fragile the piece becomes. Below is the design with all the bridges still in place....looks a little chaotic at this stage.

For most of these pieces I place them on a black card stock background which really makes the design stand out....but for this one, because it was going to another textile artist, I used a beautiful batik which provided a lovely effect.......almost a ......night time in the garden feel.

This one is another of my doodles redesigned.....and just like doodling, sitting quietly making 1 cut at a time has a wonderful meditative quality.

Are you a "blogger"  maybe we need to have some sort of re-union! Leave me a comment so I can come find you.