Kirigami is the art of cutting Japanese paper; however, it is also very similar to Chinese paper cutting. The basics of this art is to create beautiful shapes and patterns with a simple sheet of paper and a cutting tool such as scissors or a scalpel. While there are many different printer-like devices that instantly cut any desired pattern, manually cutting paper is really the best way to go. Not only is there a greater sense of pride in the work, but there is also great satisfaction in completing a paper craft like no other.

Ideal paper craft for beginners and children.

For beginners and children, it is certainly a wonderful paper craft that can be enjoyed at any time, and it is a wonderful way to use your imagination to create any number of different kirigami patterns and shapes. Although it may seem like a difficult job, it can be very simple. In fact, some of the kirigami templates are simple enough for children who have just learned how to use scissors properly.

One of the best parts about kirigami is that virtually any type of paper, size, or even shape can be used to make lovely little decorations. These paper cutouts can be used for other craft projects such as cards, embellishments, collages, scrapbooks, and more.

Kirigami Pattern Basics

The most basic kirigami pattern will begin by folding a sheet of paper in half. The next step is to draw half of an image on one side of the sheet, making sure to include the center crease in the drawing. Cut out the image along the line, making sure to include the center crease to ensure both pieces stay together when you’re done. Unfold the cutout and there is a full image silhouette.

Once the basic ways of cutting Japanese paper feel comfortable, more details can be added for more complexity and appeal. Although they can be a challenge for some, in the end it is worth the effort. Some additional details can be animal whiskers, lines on leaves and petals, blades of grass, or pretty patterns on butterfly wings.

Infinite possibilities

Paper cutting is a great activity to help children not only train their hand-eye coordination along with their ability to use instruments such as scissors, but it is also a wonderful craft to help children expand their imagination and see what can do with a simple sheet of paper. . Many will be amazed and impressed with the end result of all the cutouts.

This craft is also a fantastic opportunity to recycle many everyday scraps of paper that tend to accumulate over time. With all the different packages, newspapers, magazines, and flyers constantly floating around the average home, it’s a great opportunity to use it for something fun and even useful (when it becomes a gift). The best part about upcycling multiple paper products is that each one will create a different look based on the color, pattern, weight, and texture of the paper, so a kirigami stencil can be used for different results.