Take and Makes for this project for ages 9-12 will be available at area PPLD libraries beginning Friday, Oct 1, 2021.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making papel picado, “punched” or “perforated” paper. This traditional folk art is often made by drawing an intricate design and using a chisel to cut several layers of tissue paper. Because this art form is created using materials that disintegrate in the elements, not many historical pieces remain. Often elaborate, these festive banners are used at many celebrations in Mexico and areas with Hispanic roots and heritage. Use scissors to cut out your own version of this traditional art form.
Supplies and Directions:
Tissue paper, scissors, template (find online or draw), tape (washi or masking)
- Find or draw a symmetrical design to use as a template. Check out one of the links below for ideas. Fold the template in half.
- Stack two to three pieces of tissue paper in a pile and fold it in half.
- Slip the tissue paper inside the folded template so the folded edges are on one side.
- Cut out the outside of the template, cutting through the tissue paper inside.
- Cut out the inside shapes in the template, folding the template around to gain better access to the different shapes to cut out.
- Once the template is entirely cut out, remove the tissue paper pieces and unfold them.
- Repeat steps 1-6 with more templates and tissue paper.
- Using a long, flat surface, such as a table, unroll a long strip of washi or masking tape, leaving it attached to the roll.
- Starting at the end, attach the top of each papel picado (tissue paper design) to the washi or masking tape. Unroll more tape as needed, tearing it off the roll once all papel picado have been attached to the banner.
- Fold over any tape hanging over across the top of the banner.
- Hang your banner up and enjoy!
Adapted from https://happythought.co.uk/how-to-make-papel-picado/
More information about papel picado can be found at https://www.internationalfolkart.org/learn/lesson-plans/papel-picado-(d…
