KALEIDOSCOPE PAPERCUTS

  You are about to embark on a journey in kaleidoscope papercutting that will amaze you. The process is really straightforward and easy. The results will be most gratifying and before you know it, you will have created your first kaleidoscope papercut.
  If you are new to papercutting, try to use simple patterns so the cutting is less intricate and the frustration level is quite low. Practice makes perfect so allow yourself lots of mistakes in creating a kaleidoscope papercut.
  Okay, let’s get started. You will need at least 3 pieces of clear acetate approximately 9 x 12. Draw a circle in permanent ink 7” to 8”. Now divide the circle into 6 equal parts like a pie. The second circle divide into 8 parts and the last circle into 10 part. The reason for the 3 circles is to allow yourself the opportunity to create 3 different kaleidoscope papercuts from the same pattern.
  Now take a circle and overlay it on the pattern so that the pattern peeks through one of the sections. If you like what you see, then trace the pattern and copy it into the remaining sections. If you don’t like what you see, then continue to move the pattern until the desired effects are achieved. When you have a working tracing, copy it onto a sheet of white paper. Take a good look at the design because you are going to have to make changes. What changes you might ask? Well, make sure that you have continuous thick lines connecting the entire kaleidoscope papercut. If you do not correct this, you will be very sorry because somewhere in your cutting, and it could be hours into the cutting, the whole papercut will fall apart into pieces. I am well aware of this mishap as my wife will attest to the wonderful things that came out of my mouth from shear frustration. Analyzing your pattern is a key part of papercutting. You will avoid many mistakes and it gives you the chance to simplify the kaleidoscope papercut to a level that you feel comfortable with.
  The tracing by now should have been transferred to the white sheet of paper. Glue the white sheet of paper to a black sheet of paper or any color you choose to use. Try and use a light-weight cardstock that is acid-free.
  Let the cutting begin!!!! Start cutting from the center out so you will not risk tearing the cut areas. Go slow and be careful and remember that the e-xacto knife you are using is extremely sharp and if your white pattern is red in spots—please check your fingers.
  When your pattern is completely cut, it is time to affix it to your background paper. The paper can be a contrasting color or just white or black. Keep in mind that you do not have to glue the entire kaleidoscope papercut to the background paper because the glass from the frame will keep it in place. Just glue sections so that it is centered on the background paper.
  Place the finished kaleidoscope papercut into a frame, with or without an inner mat frame, and you have just created your first kaleidoscope papercut. Stand back and take a good look at your masterpiece of papercut art. Don’t you just feel great?

YOU CAN GO TO MY GALLERY PAGES AND SEE ALL OF MY KALEIDOSCOPE PAPERCUTS