Handmade Paper Crafts

The meek nature of its origins and the non-deserved acknowledgement of its practice has caused paper cutting to be ignored as an art form, until now, when various artists, artisans, and collectors are becomingly increasingly aware of this valuable folk heritage. There are many different regional styles of paper cutting, and as one of China's most significant art forms, it is definitely worth appreciation and recognition.

The craft of paper cutting is famous as a folk art for many years in many countries all over the world. One of the earliest known paper cuttings is from China and dates back to 960 A.D. The entire process of paper cutting craft, involves preparing a draft, engraving the desired shapes, placing this mould onto stacks of paper to cut out the shape, and finally removing the mould to touch up the cuttings.

The popularity of handmade paper crafts may be a result of several factors, like, easy accessibility of the material, affordability of the material, and the dramatic result of the art. It is fast emerging as a popular hobby for women in rural areas as it is both decorative and can be used to make useful items. Traditionally, paper cutting was symbolic and often used as offerings to ancestors and gods, but, nowadays, paper cutting is more likely to be used for decorative purposes, such as decorating walls, doors, windows, mirrors, lights and lanterns or as a decorative gift-wrap. It also allows to unique frameable gifts, cards, invitations, notecards, and assists in many more creative projects.