Saturday 14 June 2014

The big decisions in life!

To paper cut or not to paper cut??  MMM, now this has been a difficult one.  I keep trying to focus on my other crafts and setting up my website but I keep getting tempted!  A lovely friend asked me to do a couple of initials for her children, so pencil in hand I started to doodle!  I drew and cut each design three times in an attempt to get a design I liked.  


I thought I would share my  finished pieces with you and some of my other attempts, I wanted to see them all together to see if I have improved!


First attempt, I even did a tutorial for doing this one, If you fancy having a go click here.


Second go.  I love this one but the original design had far more in it, I kept cutting bits out and if you look close enough the lines aren't very straight!  This is certainly one of my favourites however!


I was very close to not having another go at papercutting!  after a little friendly push or two from my lovely blog readers I decided to give it another go and this little wonder was created, one chilled out Saturday afternoon.


All of a sudden it came to me!  That's right! why not try initials!  And where is the best place to start? well letter 'A' of course! he he!  A little cheer up present for a dear friend.


Here is my first go at the 'J'.  I big ideas for the snake but in the end it covered so much of the 'J' that is wasn't noticeable so unfortunately the snake just had to go!  I do wonder however if I couldn't have popped him in a tree or something though.


Last but not least (I have a few more ideas swimming through my head now) the finished 'J' and 'S' .  I am still not 100% about the J if I'm honest but I guess there should always be room for improvement!
Things I have learnt... it isn't called paper cutting for nothing, I used card for most of these and it is tiring on the hand, tough on the blades and in fact down right hard work!  I also learnt that changing the blades often really does produce a far better picture.  My next trial will be spray glue, I use a glue pen at the moment but worried every time where it will spill out or not, so spray is on my shopping list.

So what to do now?  Should I get back into trying to set up my shop, design some new story stone sets as these are selling well or do another paper cut? 

Well off to check out the lovely people hanging around in the handmade harbour, why not come and dip your toes in too?
xx


12 comments:

  1. I have only recently been introduced to paper cutting. Your results are so lovely I am definitely going to have a go, but on something more simple. #handmadeMonday

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  2. It is so wonderful, I really am still learning, such a hard skill to master and I am a long way off from it at the moment. Enjoying the journey! xx

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  3. They're fabulous! I've never tried paper cutting and as I've zillions of projects on the go I've promised myself No New Ones, no matter how tempting! But you obviously have a real talent for it, so it would seem a shame not to keep going? Could they go in your shop too?

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    1. I so know what you mean! I keep going in cycles with my crafts! I was so inspired with the paper cutting I really wanted to give it a go and as my first ever proper craft was quilling, I guess it isn't too far off. I did wonder about using a machine for producing duplicate pieces which would help keep the cost down but do one off handcut ones. What do you think? xx

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  4. I am very, very impressed - You have a great talent! Looking forward to seeing even more of these stunning creations after your shopping trip x

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    1. Thank you Josie! I am plotting as we speak! Although they will have to wait a little while as have three teacher story stone sets to complete! hooray! xx

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  5. The initials are a great idea, I love the darker backing card. Keep us posted on the spray glue, I have only used it on large areas and I'm not to sure how precise it would be on smaller areas. :)

    Jan x

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    1. Thanks Jan, I like the darker one too I think, it is more striking against the black. I will let you know how the spray glue goes, I am hoping I can find a fine one.
      xx

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  6. I'd do all of the above! Your papercutting looks great and you can definitely see an improvement already and I love the idea for decorating initials.

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    1. My plan is to practise as much as I can, the theory being is I will only get better, lets hope in practise this is the case! lol. Thank you for your continues support, it has really helped inspire me to keep at it. xx

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  7. You paper cutting is fab, i can't believe you're only a beginner!

    I think you need to go where your creative inspiration takes you, if you try and make yourself do something when you'd really rather be doing something else, the results won't be what they could be... that's been my experience anyway! x

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    1. Sounds like very wise words! Thank you. I have ended up doing a bit more website design as I just can't do creative things when there are other things pressing on my mind. Getting excited to being able to sit and create again tho! xx

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