Cut paper wall art
My friend Megumi sent me traditional Japanese kirigami paper-cutting patterns for my birthday, and I was very excited to try it. Foolishly, before even picking up a scissors, I had to make it harder for myself by deciding they would look simply perfect framed in some square Ikea frames I had in the closet. So that meant in order to fit them in the matted opening, I had to reduce the pattern to 40% size. Nothing like starting off easy! But I was bursting with confidence. So here's my first attempt. Not perfect, but I'm happy. Oh my gosh, it's SO FUN to unfold these little guys!
They're 3.5" in diameter. I ironed them to make them flat. Wasn't sure if they'd burst into flames or not, but they lived. Here they are, framed and ready to hang in our bedroom. (See bedroom. Still crazy about our Blik Iron Vines. But there's plenty of wall space left that needs filling.)
And I was so proud of myself, until I saw these. Holy cow. I'm going to go throw myself in front of a bus now. :)
19 comments:
Beautiful- they look fantastic!
Eeek! Reminds me of making paper snow-flakes in winter; they are totally addictive! The only thing that makes me stop is that, well, you don't really need snowflakes year round. I probably didn't ned to know about THESE! :)
wow! looks amazing... u don't need that bus! :)
oh those are so pretty!! great job! (and your bedroom is gorgeous too)
You did a great job and they're beautiful!
I found your blog last night and I'm so glad I did! It's very inspirational.
I love yours, they're going to look fabulous in your bedroom.
I like your cuts, but understand about the bus. Those other ones are amazing!
Oh, My Goodness! I love these! How can I make them at home?!? I have been adding color to my office at home, where I spend so much time and would love to make these.
I just found your site tonight, and am already in love.
Wow, how clever. And so beautiful!
Oooo I love them! Paper magic!
yeah I agree, they look fabulous!! forget about the bus! by the way just the way you said it "holy cow..." made me laugh hahaha
xox
yours are beautiful -- i can understand the bus sentiment, of course, but in all honesty i prefer yours, because they're more "you." While the other reflects a gorgeous refined technique, yours reflect your amazing design sensibility, which inspires me daily. Thank you so much for your great and generous posts!
Wow, that was so nice! Okay. No bus.
As for making them at home, Jodi, maybe look online for a book about kirigami? There are many ways to fold the paper (1,2,3,4,5 folds, etc.) to get different results. And I love the traditional patterns my friend sent (photocopied pages with instructions in Japanese!), but you could also easily design your own once you got the hang of it. For me, figuring out the odd-numbered folds was the hard part, but she'd sent samples she had folded for me so I could see. Google and see what you can find for instructions.
HI,
Thanks for the idea of looking on the internet for hopefully, step, by step instructions.
I will do that. I am really enjoying your website.
Blessings,
Jodi
These are such fun - I got a kirigami calendar last year and have managed to not cut up ALL the pages yet... I stowed it away to remove the temptation, but now you're reminded me!
Those turned out very nice. I like the way you framed them. If you like paper cutting you might like the banners I made last February. http://flibbertigibbetbunny.blogspot.com/2007/02/banner-how-to.html
I'm so glad you posted this! I got a kirigami page-a-day calendar at Christmas and I've been trying to figure out what I should do with all of them.
Thanks particularly for the ironing suggestion! That will help a lot!
What a great idea! Thanks for posting the pictures!
Rustin Allison
Those art the EXACT decals that I'm planning on putting up! Nice choice. :)
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