Supplies needed:
- Self Healing Mat
- Metal Ruler or Cork back Metal Ruler
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Low Tack Artist Tape
- Exacto Knife
- #11 Blades
- Paper
- optional - Computer Program ( like Illustrator or CorelDraw )
Tools:
Self healing mat
A self healing mat is important for paper cutting. It protects your work surface and provides stability. The mats are self healing meaning when you cut into the surface the cut will close up. This is important! The more you cut into the surface, those cuts over time will affect your cutting by allowing your blade to get caught and break.
A self healing mat is important for paper cutting. It protects your work surface and provides stability. The mats are self healing meaning when you cut into the surface the cut will close up. This is important! The more you cut into the surface, those cuts over time will affect your cutting by allowing your blade to get caught and break.
Metal Ruler
A metal ruler is handy to help with precise cutting of lines. The ruler with cork backing will keep your ruler from accidentally sliding .
Pencil
Most paper cuts are created by a pencil drawing and this aids in the design process.
Eraser
A good eraser will help you in the design process. Also, white eraser will keep marks off your paper.
Low Tack Artist Tape
Artist tape won't adhere enough to damage your paper cut design but enough to securely hold your art as you cut.
Exacto Craft Knife 0r Scalpel
In the US most paper cut artists use an exacto knife that can be purchased at any arts and crafts store. I have noticed that overseas, most artist use an scalpel to cut their designs out. You can try both out for your comfort level.
I like the exacto craft knife with the soft comfort grip that comes with a cap to protect the blade and you.
Blades
A good blade is essential in paper cutting. You want one that won't break easily or dull quickly. Finding one that fits your needs comes through trial and error. I find that Techni Edge Blades hold up nicely and I will continue to use them until something better is found.
Paper
You want to find paper that fits your current project. There are different paper weights, textures, size and color that you want to take into account. Just keep in mind the lower the paper weight the higher it is prone to tear while you are cutting and the higher the paper weight the faster your blade will dull.
I like to use white Bristol 96 lb water color paper for it's texture, feel and stability and black Artagain drawing paper 60 lbs for my silhouette designs.
I like to use white Bristol 96 lb water color paper for it's texture, feel and stability and black Artagain drawing paper 60 lbs for my silhouette designs.
Computer Program
To create type or to add detail like a seamless pattern, a computer program is excellent to use. I have a career background in Fashion Design and have been using Illustrator for years. You may also use CorelDraw or any other program that will help you with your design process.
Foundation Techniques:
Download Paper cut exercise by right clicking on photo
Cutting a Straight Edge
It is best to start off using your ruler to help. Keep your ruler on the outside of where you are cutting so you don't accidentally cut into the design.
* The ruler will cover your art, so line the ruler up correctly on the edge to get a straight cut.
Cutting Curved Lines
Taking your time and going slow are essential to cutting curves. Moving your paper in the direction of your cut will help you achieve a smooth curve and it keeps your blade from breaking.
Cutting Letters
I like to add a "tail" into the parts that need to be connected to the paper so they won't fall out, this is a personal preference. Start cutting at the thickest part of the letter first, making your way around the letter.
Cutting circles in small sections is the easiest way to go. Start cutting, then lift your blade before you rotate your paper in the direction of the cut. Cut, lift your blade, then rotate, cut, lift your blade, then rotate until you have completed the circle. This takes some time to master but it eventually becomes easier.
Hope some of these tips will help you master paper cutting. I will post advance tips in the near future.
Please comment below on how you liked the template or use hashtag #WCTemplate and @WashingtonCuts on Instagram to show off your skills!
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