Paper is something that’s used most frequently in everyday art and craft – especially in do-it-yourself ( DIY ) projects and as a hobby. It is also neater to work with than paints, dyes, and other colouring materials. A favourite medium used in the education of children – it’s a simple yet an aesthetic and enjoyable way in which to keep everyone meaningfully engaged !
Paper Crafts are also used in therapeutic settings, providing users with a safe and uncomplicated creative outlet to express feelings
There is something so simple and yet almost meditative about working with paper – creasing and folding and shaping it into the most complex of two and three dimensional objects and figures. Making it both an art and a science.
On a more evolved level – Paper Craft consists of a collection of art forms employing paper or card as the primary artistic medium for the creation of three-dimensional objects. Paper is a relatively inexpensive medium, readily available, and easier to work with than the more complicated media typically used in the creation of three-dimensional artwork, such as ceramics, wood, and metals.
It lends itself to a wide range of techniques, as it can for instance be folded, cut, glued, molded, stitched, or layered. Paper Crafts are known in most societies that use paper, with certain kinds of crafts being particularly associated with specific countries or cultures.
Well known forms of Paper Craft include Paper Flower making, Decoupage, Papier Mache, Origami, Paper Cutting, Quilling and more. Papel Picado is practiced in Mexico and other places in Latin America and is done using chisels to cut 50 to 100 sheets at a time, while Chinese paper cutting uses knives or scissors for up to 8 sheets at a time. Wycinanki and other European forms usually are done on one single sheet. In either of these traditions, paper sheets are folded prior to cutting to achieve symmetrical designs. And of course we all know about the famous craft of Origami which is Japanese in origin.
Lately – Paper Craft Artists have created some of the most incredibly intricate 3D art ever seen. Master paper sculptors cut, fold, glue and otherwise transform sheets of paper in various colors, sizes and textures into complex creations that mimic architecture, nature, the human form and subjects that are purely the products of their own fertile imaginations.
We’re delighted to share the work of our versatile craftspersons who have used paper to craft flowers, 3 D and 2 D papercuts, lamps, jewellery, clutches, baskets, bowls, napkin holders and much more. Delicate, intricate, one of a kind. And so incredibly beautiful.
Explore this versatile medium with us.
Lead image: Handmade Paper Ixia by Pot Of Earth