I've been working on a couple of things this week, one being a papercut heart for my Auntie. I haven't quite finished it yet as it's quite intricate! An early birthday present of a craft knife is making things a little quicker though, it's easier to cut around all those little curves than the stanley knife I'd been using before.
Someone asked me last week if I could show the process behind one of these papercuts, so I've taken a few photos as I've gone along.
I start by drawing the pattern out in pencil and outlining the most intricate bits in fine line pen.
Then I begin cutting either side of the lines, stopping and turning the card to go around corners.
It's best to cut out the insides of shapes first, for example, the insides of leaves or butterflies. If you cut the shape out first and then try to cut the inside, it tends to rip or bend the card at the weak points.
That's about it, just continue growing it outwards. This is as much as I've done so far.
This is it from the back, where the cutting is done. One thing I would say is make sure that you write any words backwards, I speak from experience!
And again from the front. It's the sort of thing that once you start, you get quite addicted!
Another early birthday present that I received from some friends this weekend is this beautiful papercut! Aren't I lucky! It was bought on a trip to China and seems to be some sort of transparent paper painted gorgeous colours.
Finally I'd like to introduce you to our new pets! These are zebra danios and the first additions to our tank.
I've named them Fred, Cecil, Barney, Sparky and Wonk (as he's got a kink in his tail). I'm not convinced they're all boys (how does one tell?) but I'm sure they won't be too offended if they're girls.
Sorry about the terrible photos, they're so speedy it's hard to get a good snap. We're working on making the tank a little more interesting for them too.
If you haven't entered my giveaway yet to win this papercut heart, head over to my Facebook page for instructions, you've got until the evening of Monday 10th Feb (UK time)!
I'm sharing this post on the following blogs: Manon Popje's Illustrations and Handmade Harbour.
I love it Clare, can't wait to get it up on the wall xxx
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing talent. It looks beautiful. You must have incredible patience
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful - you must have lots of patience for something like this. Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeletethe heart looks amazing and so much work to get all that cutting done
ReplyDeleteYour artwork is amazing and the cutting even more so. What a fabulous gift!
ReplyDeleteThat is incredible. I had convinced myself that somehow you didnt do it by hand! What steady hands you must have. They are amazing. You are very talented!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Katie, you must have steady hands plus the patience of a saint!
ReplyDeleteLove the names you've called your fish - how do you tell them apart? Except for Wonky who is obvious of course! Fantastic paper cuts as usual and what a thoughtful birthday gift :)
ReplyDeleteWow, your new design is gorgeous and sooo intricate! I can imagine it being quite addictive, i'd love to have a go at this craft one day :) x
ReplyDeleteI can' believe how patient you are and how neat and careful your cuts are. Truly amazing, Clare! Your aunt will be thrilled! Thanks for sharing your process! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteWow how patient you must be. Your design is absolutely beautiful. It was lovely to see how you created it.
ReplyDeleteAli x
I've never done such intricate papercuts only big chunky ones, it's so important to get the writing the right (wrong) way :) The heart is so beautiful and I love all the little details :)
ReplyDeleteJan x
Your work is amazing, you are so clever with the cutting in detail. It's great to see the process of you making them too.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I loved reading your blog post about the paper cutting. What an art! And what patience! I saw a great documentary about this not too long ago from Mexico. It's really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWow - that is so intricate you must have the patience of a saint to do that! It looks amazingly beautiful and well worth the effort but wow!
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