September 04, 2018

DIY PAPERCUT AMPERSAND - Jason Koons ( @jason_koons )

DIY PAPERCUT AMPERSAND

This technique is great, because it can be applied to any letter form or even full words.

SUPPLIES

Excel Blades K-26 Black Fit Grip Knife

French Paper Company Construction Paper (100C)

Colors: Pure White / Whitewash / Nightshift Blue

Tracing Paper

Pencil

Eraser

Masking Tape

Choose a letter outline to be cut – in this case I chose an ampersand from the Elephant typeface. Transfer the letter outline onto the backside of the paper that will be cut. Make sure to flip the letter backwards when transferring so that when flipping the cut back over it will face the correct direction.

For this project I’ll demonstrate a double cut, where I will cut through two pieces of paper at the same time - which will create two identical images. In order to do this, tape the two pieces of paper together along one side using masking tape (taping on one side will allow for progress checks).

Experiment with patterns by drawing on tracing paper before starting the cut. This will help work out any complex issues and plan out the direction of the cut.

Once a pattern is selected, start cutting! Begin from the center of the outline and work toward the edges - keep in mind that cutting through two pieces of paper requires a little extra pressure and patience!

The cuts should get smaller as they get closer to the edge of the outline - the cuts should also start to follow the contour of the actual letter outline itself.

Taper into corners and tighter spaces using smaller cuts.
Finish the central area of the outline first.
Stop the cuts against the previously cut letter outline edge. This will help to give dimension to the stroke of the letter form when finished.
Finish it off!
Carefully remove the masking tape.
Flip both papers over and VOILA! - two identical letter outlines have been cut!
Slide the darker paper behind the lighter paper and slightly offset for a nice drop shadow effect. Back the two cut sheets with an uncut piece of neutral colored paper (in this case white) to help pop the colors of the cut sheets.
FINISHED FINAL IMAGE! Frame as you like!