Papercuts

Paper cuts.

The idea behind this workshop was to learn about and how to produce bridges and silhouettes using paper cuts. 

What is a silhouette?

• A silhouette is a dark shape and outline of someone or something visible in restricted light against a brighter background. 

What is a bridge?

• Bridges allow you to create a shape within a shape, it is a common technique used when working with paper cuts. This bridge allows you to have light and dark areas within a design which cannot be achieved with silhouettes.  
• For bridges to work its important that all your designs are joined up before you start cutting. Also bridges work well when they're added into shapes of an image.

Method: Silhouettes 

1. First you need to get an image you wish to use to create a silhouette. 
2. Next gather your equipment which will consist of, black card, tracing paper, craft knife, cutting board, graphite and pencil.
3. Then you need to trace out your image using the tracing paper. Do this by placing the tracing paper over your image and drawing over the main lines. Make sure the lines all connect. Then you need to transfer the tracing to the black card. 
4. Take your graphite stick and colour in the other side of the tracing making sure your traced image is completely covered. Then turn your tracing over and place it on the black card and retrace your drawn imagine. This should transfer your image to the card.
5. Then place your card on the cutting mat, using your craft knife cut out your tracing. Then you should be left with a silhouette. 
6. Put all the loose pieces of paper in the bin.

Method: Bridges 

1. You'll be using the same equipment from above.
2. You'll need to trace out your image again, except this time you need to have lines connecting your image to the edge. This allows you to create areas of light and dark.
3. Then repeat steps 3-6 as stated above. This should leave you with an outline of your image using bridges. 

An example of a bridge. 

Health & safety 

1. When using the craft knife always place your index finger on top to control the blade.
2. Don't press too hard it will make it harder to cut.
3. Cut towards yourself to have better control. Also turn your paper cut so you're always cutting in the correct direction,
4. Always pull the knife don't push or snap the tip of the blade.
5. Don't hold the knife too tightly it'll tear the paper cut.
6. Try to keep the paper cut as straight as possible, always work with the smaller details first. Work from the inside out. 
7. Keep your fingers out of the cutting line.
8. Don't run or throw the knifes.