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Cost: $ $ $ $ $

Difficulty: • • • • •

Time: 3h00

When everything is in the eye
For this 1st papercut, I chose a pattern representing half of the head of an Owl. It's a relatively simple design, very expressive, which once cut, will only need a sheet of black or colored paper in the background to give all its effects.

Posted by Arnaud P. from Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France • Published 28th June 2021 • See Arnaud P.'s 7 projects »

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Wild A. favorited 1. The Owl 11 Jul 00:06
Crafterella featured 1. The Owl 03 Jul 23:00
C.J. M. added 1. The Owl to Paper 29 Jun 08:37
C.J. M. favorited 1. The Owl 29 Jun 08:36
KMOM14 favorited 1. The Owl 29 Jun 01:47
Arnaud P. published his project 1. The Owl 28 Jun 09:00

Step 1
In first, cut a cardboard backing 2 centimeters longer and wider than your drawing so you can scoot it freely. Scoot your drawing so that the paper is stretched and does not curl. Start your cut from the bottom going up towards the inside of the pattern. Choose simple elements for the first few minutes of cutting in order to take some habits. It's important to precisely cut its pattern, remove only the "black" elements, without removing too much white in order to keep the pattern as faithful as possible. For this you will need to use your scalpel like a pencil, respecting each curves, rounded parts and sharp.
Step 2
Once you are halfway through your papercut, you can continue by gradually going up to the top of the pattern. Do it round cutting the ear, forehead feathers, beak, the eye (without forgetting to recover the pupil which will have to be replaced at the end). Cut out the large element of the "cheek" last, as this may lift the paper and be damaged when cutting other elements.
Step 3
Your pattern totally cut out, remove the scotch tape gently so as not to tear or damage your papercut.
Step 4
You can now position it on a sheet of black paper or the color of your choice to appreciate your work. Do not forget the pupil so that the gaze is as expressive as possible. You can also frame this papercut, I advise you to stick the pupil on your bottom before closing the frame so that it is fixed inside.