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Within the confines of this blog, you will find bits and pieces of the life and times of myself, my family and friend dear and near., far and wide, few and far between. You will find bits and pieces of my world, tho small to some, but huge to me. You will find everything from 'soup to nuts',; recipes, hobbies,crafts, gardenings,loves of my life, GrandLoves-a-Plenty, and even my pets... Sooo, if you can handle family life, enjoy the tour of my 'Stuffings'.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

~Scherenschnitte~

 Are you familiar with the craft called scherenschnitte?
It is simply a paper cutting technique using special scissors.
I do not own a pair of scherenschnitte scissors but I do have a set of Exacto Knives that do a fair enough job.
My first attempt was of playing around with making garland for the Christmas tree.  I have made several of these for gifts throughout the years, but only one set this year.
Those ' itis' brothers have been up to their schenanigans with my joints again, making it more of a chore to do fine work.

Garland was easy enough so I thought I'd give a set of trees of different sizes a try.  I still haven't found my pictures of them.  I wonder if my sister still has her set?
My templates don't stand anymore to show you at this time.
Someday. 
On to another challenge like these of the geese and lambs which are intended to be framed with colorful paper or fabric to help them stand out. 
 I do love doing these.  It's like therapy.  I get lost with time as I work on them.
Who would think that folding paper certain ways and cutting tiny bits of it away, would reveal such wonderful images.
This is supposed to be a ring of angels with a star in the center.  I, however, made just one wrong cut...( tired cut ), and a few of the angels took flight, never to be seen again.

The Nativity was cut from a single piece of paper, which lay flat, no folding, as I cut away the pattern.  The angels at the top are hard to make out, as well as the doves, but they're there.  Another depiction of a manger with a cow, sheep, cat and rooster.  What do you think.  Can you hear the cattle lowing.
The Butterfly is still my most treasured piece.  After I cut my first one, I could not believe how much the paper felt like real lace.  As difficult as it was to hold my paper work in place while cutting,  I still want to make enough of these to fill my Christmas Tree with only the butterflies and the Nativity, wrapped with Dove garland with white lights.
Each time I work on another piece, the templates are carefully placed in envelopes their size, so as not to destroy the fine work that takes hours to accomplish.  
I hope you've enjoyed this 'sneak peek' of scherenschnitte.  Take the time to research this craft.  You will realize that I have barely stepped in the door.  I'm amazed at some of the pieces I've seen but could never begin to do.
Do remember The Reason for the Season...and
Have a Very Merry Christmas~from our home to yours.

Jesus is Born

13 comments:

Dicky Bird said...

I've seen those, but didn't know what they were called - really nice! Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

BEAUTIFUL!
Have a wonderful Christmas!

Anonymous said...

BEAUTIFUL!
Have a wonderful Christmas!

Chatty Crone said...

I know what it is! I KNOW WHAT IT IS! Lol - I see how you decorated your tree with them - Now I am so glad you put it on here. It is one thing to hear and another to see it.

You are so talented.

Merry Christmas. sandie

jack69 said...

Beautiful, I wish I had the talent and patience to do that. These are gorgeous. I cannot imagine cutting the butterfly without coming back with a lot of 'magic mending' tape~!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS UP IN THE NORTH WOODS.
LOVE
Jack & Sherry

Paula said...

I remember my Mama making something simple like that but I had no idea it had a name. I mean the one she made was simple to what you have here that is sooo beautiful. I can imagine a tree with all butterflies and lights.

Muffy's Marks said...

They are so beautiful, and I'm betting time consuming, but oh so worth while. What a treasure. Merry Christmas!!!

Bonnie K said...

Those are amazing! I have never heard of them and am awestruck. I would never be able to do that. I flunked cutting in Kindergarten. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.

Leigh said...

Beautiful! I have seen these before and been amazed, but never knew how they were done. Obviously takes some talent too!

Wishing you and yours a very happy and blessed Christmas!

Cicero Sings said...

Oh my, such patient workings ... errr cuttings. But with beautiful results. Hope all the aches and pains have eased a bit with the onslaught of seasonal celebrations with loved ones. Merry Christmas

Dee said...

Oh my...I love the paper cutting...for a beginner you do amazing work...the butterfly is beautiful....I would go nuts doing this....LOL I hope you will share more as you do them.

Shug said...

These are all absolutely beautiful. I've seen them before and my first thoughts are.....A Whole Lot of Work went into that! Amazing it is!!
Hope your Christmas was wonderful and hope your New Year will be the Best!

Cher' Shots said...

I would love to see a pic of the entire tree decorated up with them. I still have the set of trees you did for me years ago. Love them!
'love & hugs from afar'