Inspired by Elsita

Whenever I want to try out a new paper craft, I look for the best example of a particular technique in a book, or in blog land, and attempt to make a simplified version. Then I decide whether I have the ability to pursue it further and develop my own designs. Personally, I find this a more effective and pleasurable way of learning new skills than reading complicated instructions in a book or attending a workshop.

If you want to learn about the technique of paper-cutting you can't go beyond the exquisite and magical work of Elsita Mora. Her imagination is boundless and her attention to detail astounding. My paper girl (shown above) is a rough first attempt at paper-cut illustration inspired by Elsita. What I've learned is that you have to be very skillful to draw with a blade and you also need to be patient and cut away tiny pieces of the image at a time to avoid making mistakes.

The reason I wanted to learn this skill was to use it in combination with a simple 3-d form to create a double oval portrait for my pop-up Snow White:


According to my blogger dashboard this is my 99th post. To celebrate my 100th post on Mosehouse Studio I'll be offering a special give away, so if you drop by again in the next week or so, you'll find out all about it.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.