Paper Cutting - A Sharp Idea

Explore paper cutting if are looking for a new twist for gift wrapping. The idea of paper cutting is a tradition among Chinese, going back thousands of years. Chinese women are quite skilled at this craft. History shows that they placed the art of cut paper in a very functional role. As alternative to written language these pictures were used to express ideas and as a learning tool. Children learned from folk tales about love, kindness, treachery and ambition. Their mothers used them as a way to teach morality and history as they were growing up.

These delicate illustrations, loaded with symbolism were also used as sympathetic magic. Fierce animals, hung over doorways to repel evil spirits or in invited good spirits into the home to bestow their blessings. It was also a custom to give cutouts to family members to ensure prosperity and good fortune or to newlyweds for happiness and fertility.

Cut paper can add a nice decorative touch to a gift wrap. There are many ways to approach it. In addition to the basic snowflake cutout, colored paper can be cut into shapes like stars, flowers and animals to adorn a present. The idea is to be imaginative and playful.