Saturday, April 25, 2009

Squirrel Scherrenschnitte

Paper is fascinating to me. For those of you who sew, I'm sure you feel the same way about fabric. The prints, the texture, the weight, the color; it all beckons me to come fold it, cut it, glue it and just make something out of it. Today I made a Squirrel scherrenschnitte (paper cutting) design.

I purchased an exacto type knife. Last Christmas when I made a few designs I was using a small scissors. My sister got interested and bought a knife similar to this and it was soooooo much easier. I'm converted. I like the knife.


This is where color is interesting to me. The paper is brown, but placed against a light green sheet of paper it looks reddish. That could be partly the lighting too.

Here's the finished squirrel. I plan to go to Michaels tomorrow and see if there are any little wooden embelishments that could be added to a corner of the frame. I'm thinking an acorn or pinecone. Lower left corner.


I got my design from this book, Paper Cutting by Claudia Hopf. I have several more designs I want to do. Are any of you familiar with the online store "Etsy"? I've heard about it but haven't searched it out myself. I'm wondering if it might be a good market for my cards and scherrenschnitte art.

8 comments:

crochet lady said...

Love it! That must take patience and a steady hand. I think cards like that would be a big hit. I recently came across a kids book that was all cuts like that, that were printed on vellum and layered. It was one of the most facinating kid books I've seen in a long time.

Aunt Krissy said...

Good thing you gave up drinking! The way your hands used to shake. It would have been to do this art form back then!



I jokes! Like the squirrel.

A Free Spirit Butterfly said...

Girl, you're good!!!!!!!!! I love paper too and have the cutting tool and various other stuff from Michael's. I know I've got over $1,000 worth of supplies in my little home office. Seeing your creative juices flow throughout your blog makes me a little envious that I don't have the extra time that I use to and be and do the things that bring me joy. But in those moments, I can click on here and see something that makes my heart happy. I just love hanging out with other Creative Souls. You really should look into giving "How to classes" I took a greeting card class at AC Moore.

Love,
China

tainterturtles said...

My grandma fannie use to make polish cut-outs, which is basically what you are doing too. I have one of her pictures so I will take a picture and send it to you.

Vicki said...

Oh, I love it! I was going to ask you how you do the cutting. I've never seen a knife like that but it sure looks like it would be easier! beautiful!

Ellie Great said...

You are very good. I like it.
Ellie

Becky from Alaska said...

I have heard of Etsy, and yes I think it would be a good place for you to sell your stuff!! The categories they have make it very easy to search for the what you want, AND a fun thing, you can click a color on the color wheel, and it will bring up products that match that color!! I love the site, and your paper cutting too. :)

Cathy said...

Years ago I read in a magazine about the art of scherrenschnitte. It was put on the back burner as something I would like to try one day. The day has not come yet, but I certainly enjoyed seeing your work. It fascinates me!