Wycinanki

I recently presented at a Early Childhood Education conference in Edmonton, the theme of my session was Multicultural Art Techniques.  One of the techniques I discussed was Wycinanki or Polish paper cutouts. There are lots of examples in google images.

This "Tree of Life" theme is quite common, a symmetrical cutting done on the fold.
I also talked about amate cutouts from the Otomi people of San Pablito, ( Art for Small Hands recently did a post), which is also a symmetrical cutting.

These Wycinanki designs  were used to decorate the freshly white washed walls of farmer's homes in the spring in preparation for Easter.
I think they look terrific at any time and it's amazing what you can create with the simplest of materials. (Paper, glue, and scissors)

Not all Wycinanki is symmetrical "cut on the fold". 

This turkey (for all of you in the USA this week) which could easily be a Rooster or Peacock, it is also a very traditional design.

A symmetrical design is a good way to get started.  Take a piece of black paper, fold, and trace out a design using white crayon, pencil, or colored pencils.

If you want to use my designs you can find them here:

Tree of Life 1
Tree of Life 2
Turkey, Rooster, or Peacock

Now with young kids trying to cut this design can be difficult so I am all for cheating.  We will glue this fringe back into place at the end and this makes it so much easier!

On the pattern you will see where you can cut this decorative fringe frame section off so you can cut the inner design.

Fringe frames are quite common designs, many Wycinanki have quite elaborate ones and often more than one. 

For this fringe cut little "teeth" into the outside edge. 

Glue your design onto a backing paper.  Here I'm using white as it contrasts so nicely with my black cutout.
Glue the fringe back into place and no one will be the wiser.

Now it's time to add some color.  To mimic a painted folk art design add bits of colored paper, layering as you go.

If you fold your colored paper and cut 2 shapes at the same time you can keep that symmetrical look.

Glue and let dry.  Place a piece of wax paper on top and place a heavy book on your design to help it dry flat.

That's it.

Once you start let's see if you can just stop at one...I have some ideas for some Christmas themed ones so check back for the templates.


See you next time.

Iris Folding Art Projects

So here is a project I will be doing with Grade 5.

Iris folding originated in the Netherlands.
The spiral resembles the iris of a camera. It is used in card making and there are a gazillion patterns on the web but they are all based on a few simple templates.

I find the template patterns to be works of art in their own right and with a black background and bright colors they are stunning.

Both my daughter and I are very taken with this technique and it is a lot easier than it looks.




Materials Required:

template patterns
black cardstock
colored paper
pencil
scissors or paper cutter
ruler
tracing paper (optional)
tape and/or glue stick



















Print off the template you like. Circle of Crafters has a lot of patterns.


If you have tracing paper trace around the outer edge of pattern and cut out. If you don't have tracing paper just print out a second copy of the pattern and cut out.









Put a little tape on the back of the cut out.













Then place on your black cardstock.


Trace around it with a pencil or white pencil crayon.











Cut it out using scissors or a craft knife....the grade 5's will be using scissors.









Place the cut out black paper over top the template pattern and tape temporarily into place.






Choose the papers you want to use. It depends on what template you choose how many different colors you will need. The square one takes 4 the triangle takes 3. There are other templates that take 5.


Using a ruler mark off strips about 1 and 1/2 inch wide.








Cut the strips using scissors or a paper cutter. At school I can use the big cutter.










Fold your strips in half. The easiest way to do this is to start in the center and then smooth the fold line out the sides.














The first time I tried this I used construction paper but found it tears very easily...a bit frustrating for the kids.

Colored cartridge paper works well as well as scrapbooking paper....if you can try to pick paper that is colored on both sides.

A lot of the scrapbooking paper is white on the inside and sometimes if your fold is off it may show thru in the final design.



Starting at #1 on your template place your first color down...you want the folded edge of your colored paper on that line facing towards the center.

You can either use a glue stick or tape to secure the paper.... tape is easiest.

Trim the paper as you go just make sure you leave enough of a overhang for taping.






Following your numbers keep taping down your strips.


You'll see the pattern taking shape and your strips will get shorter. As you get to the center watch your numbers as the pattern will really start to turn.









When finished remove the template you temporarily taped to your black paper.

Put some glue along the edges of your paper.











Place another black piece of paper on top sealing away all those ugly taped ends.

Turn over and Ta Da!! An amazing piece of art.



Give it a try.