Just a few more......

June 7

I have been a little out of practice.  But the humidity makes it hard to cut the paper cleanly.  But I think this one came out pretty good.  I am getting a little tired of copying images, I want to learn how to create my own designs. That will be my next challenge.  But for now, I will continue to hone my skills by cutting what ever pleases me.

Banjo

It is surprising how challenging it was to find a banjo that was conducive to paper cutting.  My friend requested it for a gift to give to her friend.  I thought using black paper for the rocking chair would only make the banjo get lost.  And while it really isn't to scale, I think the banjo is shown off pretty well.

something a little different

I love the simplicity of black paper cut out into a design.  But I am also intrigued by the seemingly endless possibilities with paper and this craft.  So in an effort to try something a tiny bit different, I cut 3 butterflies out of 3 different color and patterned paper.  Orange, green, and yellow.  The hard part was finding the right background to show enough contrast yet still having interest.  I am happy with this trial and will probably do more.  I cut them out all in one sitting so I was tired by the end, but happy to see the results.  I am still learning how to properly photograph my work.  I get so anxious to get the cuttings into a frame, I forget to take a picture.
So this is my best shot.Sorry it's sideways!

recent work

I have been working on making a bunch of paper cuttings for the arthritis walk.  I am selling them for donations to the arthritis foundation.   It is hard to decide what people might like.  I decided to just cut out things that I like.  That way it is more enjoyable for me and a more genuine experience. Not just cutting paper to make money.  It would seem so uneventful, just cutting paper, and even though I know what the design will look like, there is such gratification once it is cut and all the little pieces of cut paper are gently pulled away.  I love finding the right frame, and paper to mount the design.
I have also enjoyed giving the cuttings to family and friends as I have already shown.  Here is the latest one given to my sister in law Nancy.  Recently she discovered she and my brother are being carefully guarded by angels.

To order paperhttps://www.papercuttingsbyalison.com/itemDetail.cfm?ProductID=318

The tools I like to use

Most sites I have visited have suggested either small sharp scissors or an exacto knife.  I find I can get more detail with an exacto knife.  I discovered the swivel exacto knife that fits around my finger for comfort.  I love the swivel!  It is a very tiny blade and not as easy to find the replacement blades, but it works so well on curves.

I also use the other common tools like a self healing mat for cutting on, and acid free glue stick for adhering the image onto the background paper.  BUT!  I found a self healing mat that rotates!  LOVE IT!  Between the swivel knife and rotating mat, the images almost cut themselves!  I also bought an awl for poking tiny holes for certain effect.  But I use a folded paper towel between the image and the mat as I poke otherwise the holes are to tiny to notice once mounted.
I buy my paper which is black on one side and white on the other on line.  Amazon has some good books for Scherenschnitte that have designs ready to cut. 
Of course my last essential tool is my cheater eye glasses which magnify everything so each cut is exact, I hope!  Warning: I have noticed my eyeglasses I use for reading don't seem to be strong enough anymore.  Not sure if the magnifiers are too strong or I'm simply showing my age :(  

The exacto knives come in so many varieties, but I really like the one that wraps around the finger, especially with my arthritis.

These mats can be expensive but find a coupon and it's worth it.  After some time my little mat got too many groves cut in that could no longer "heal", I had to get another one. 

Don't skimp on your tools.  Replace the blades and your work will show it.