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Monday, April 26, 2010

Finishing the decorations...

As promised (but a little late, sorry, my family and I took an impromptu long weekend trip), here are a few more decoration ideas.

Papel Picado










Things You'll Need:
  • Piece of computer paper
  • Multiple sheets of colored tissue paper
  • Scissors
  • Razor knife
  • String
  • Glue stick
First, trim your tissue paper down to the size of a standard piece of paper-8 ½ inches by 11 inches.  Stack two or three pieces of tissue paper on top of one another, then place the stack on top of a piece of computer paper. The computer paper gives the tissue paper stability.

Fold the stack of paper down the middle with the computer paper facing out. Fold it again at the edge of the paper to keep the papers contained. Keep the stack folded as you work: this is what will create a symmetrical design on the finished paper.

If you want, you can sketch a drawing of what you want your papel picado design to look like onto the piece of computer paper so that you will have a pattern to follow.

Begin to cut out your design. Use scissors for cutting out large holes and other less intricate designs.  Implement a razor knife when cutting out fine details in your design. Apply enough pressure to go through all the layers without tearing up the delicate tissue paper.   
  • Savvy Tip:  Place the tissue paper on the top of an old magazine.  This way you can apply enough pressure, and not worry about what surface you are working on.

Flatten out the stack of papers after you are finished cutting. Carefully remove the piece of computer paper to reveal your beautiful design on the tissue paper beneath.


Once you have created a dozen or so of these, it's time to string them up.  Line the designs on a flat surface, spaced about an inch apart.  Lay a piece of string across the top of the tissue paper design.  Fold over about an inch of the top, and glue to itself. 


Paper Rose Buds

Another idea you can use, is paper rose buds.  After my son's class had made a few of the tradition flowers, their super creative teachers started playing around with the tissue and pipe cleaners and came up with:

Start with a stack of 6 pieces of long, skinny strips of tissue:
Place your pipe cleaner at the edge of the paper, and just start rolling.  Stay taunt at first, and then loosen the roll as you come to the end.
Secure the rose to pipe cleaner, but twisting it along the bottom of the paper.  Once secure, fluff as much (or little) as you want.
Have fun, and let us know how you are coming along with your decorations.  We love to get comments, and if you feel so inclined, send us some photos of your work, and we will display it here!

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