Handmade Paper Cuts, Emanate I and II

I have been saving the scraps from my paper cuts for quite a while.  I saved them to recycle them into handmade paper.  I still have a lot to learn about the process, but I was pleasantly surprised how well my paper turned out.  I absolutely love the natural texture created.  Even so, I was doubtful about the possibilities of actually being able to make a cut paper piece of art out of this beautiful stuff.  And again, I was amazed when I could!  It's definitely different than cutting store-bought, smooth, even paper.  I can't get nearly as much detail, which adds to the challenge, and as many of us know, there is creativity within limitations.

Here are the first two paper cuts I made from my handmade paper.  The background is also handmade paper, painted with watercolor.

"Emanate I" 17"x17", handmade paper cut, watercolor, by Heather Clements, 2013

"Emanate I" (detail), by Heather Clements

"Emanate II" 17"x17", handmade paper cut, watercolor, by Heather Clements, 2013

"Emanate I" (detail), by Heather Clements

There is something so beautifully cyclical about using the cut-out pieces of old art to create new art.


Inspiration Source #13: HiiH handmade paper lights.  HiiH Lights (pronounced "Hi Hi") is Lâm Quang and Kestral Gates; artists and parents based in Portland Oregon.  Watch this amazing video showing the making of some of the most beautiful lighting I have ever seen, made with handmade paper!

HiiH Lights from Cineastas on Vimeo.


Thank you for the visit!

-Heather