Paper Scraps

Paper Scraps

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08/25/2010

Cut-paper artist Angie Pickman has been creating these two-dimensional masterpieces since 2008. While she has exhibited in galleries and other local venues in her home state of Kansas, we found her on online handmade marketplace Etsy.com. Pickman does everything from greeting cards to book covers to personalized pieces.

Here’s how Pickman created our cover image, in her own words:

Tools & Materials: Mechanical pencils, rulers, #11 X-acto blades, self-healing cutting mat and acid-free paper.

Process:
First, I made sketches of all the elements to be included (guitar, microphone, etc.). Then I made a rough sketch of how I wanted it to be laid out. From there I did a detailed final sketch on the back of the paper that would be cut. I printed out "FALL PREVIEW" backwards and taped it in place so that I could get the lettering exact and fit everything else around it. My entire sketch was done backward—what I drew is the inverse of what you see on the final cutting.

I started cutting the internal elements first—the insides of the hollowed-out shapes, the smaller letters, etc. After I finished all those details, I began cutting away around the external edges of the shapes and lines to reveal the final image.

I've been asked many times if I use a laser cutter, and if not, why not?! I don't. I enjoy the work involved in cutting paper. I think there is a lot more authenticity and character to the piece when it is cut by hand. It really makes it my own.”