Kirigami for beginners by hand - step by step instructions, photo ideas, schemes and templates

Do you remember yourself as a child? The first cards made of paper to mom, snowflakes, airplanes, ships. In what technique they were made, did not think about, the main thing is that with their own hands.

Creativity - a unique phenomenon, he is submissive to all ages. Children's hobby can grow into something more, and we see no longer those simple crafts for kids, but true masterpieces.

Hearing the word "kirigami" for the first time some people think of the word origami, and rightly so, because it is a form of paper modeling. But, many had to look in the dictionary, and then ask themselves, do I need to know more about it?

Believe me, you should, it's worth getting to know the undeservedly little-known young art of kirigami, and maybe even get involved with it or get your children, your grandchildren, involved with it.

Kirigami - a hobby and art

Paper as a source of inspiration

Paper-like materials are known to mankind long before the invention of "classic" paper, the birthplace of which is considered China. The beginning of II century AD was marked by this event, but only in the VI - VII centuries, the paper begins to travel - goes to Korea, Japan, and then to the West.

Is it any wonder that the Chinese have so many skilled techniques of working with paper, which spread around the world, loved by all and developed. Is it necessary to marvel at the beauty of handicrafts, their subtlety and elegance, the splendor and jewelry of paper products.

Surely one must both be surprised and admire this ancient art, the basis of which is centuries-old traditions passed down from generation to generation.

Time does not stand still. Some forgotten techniques as if born again, others appear again. But any of them deserves special attention.

All ingenious is simple

In the art of working with paper to succeed not only the Chinese.

In Japan in 1981, was developed the concept of architectural origami. Presentation of the layout of the building in the form of a three-dimensional model, made with a scheme and scissors of paper - that was the beginning of this wonderful technique, called origami.

It is impossible not to admire the smoothness of lines, lightness and elegance of the models of the founder of this art Masahiro Chatani - professor of the Tokyo Institute.

Subsequently, the author has written more than thirty books, leaving lovers of work with paper and fans of his talent description of products of different thematic areas and not only architectural.

Kirigami is origami in volume

Origami and kirigami are paper techniques. And if the folded paper figures without scissors and glue familiar to many, the more complex art of working with paper using scissors, is still gaining momentum.

Cut paper and fold - so briefly can be formulated the essence of technology kirigami, and literal translation from Japanese means "cut paper. Cut and folded according to a certain way paper, create a three-dimensional picture, a scene or a whole architectural model. And all this from a single sheet of paper!

We can say that origami - is the volume of origami, but with scissors. It is this difference opens up new possibilities, allows you to do wonders and create works of art.

Directions of kirigami

Two-dimensional or flat kirigami is a usual cut silhouettes of paper, for example, snowflakes, familiar from childhood. You never know what you are going to get when you fold a sheet of paper and use scissors. Just as in nature, you can never have the same snowflakes!

But more interesting are pop-up books and volumetric greeting cards. When you open such a card or book, made in the style of "pop-up", cut out shapes straighten up and in front of us there are scenes, grow flowers, characters and palaces. And how else, because from the English "pop-up" as it is translated - "suddenly appear" or "emerge. And you can also do the effect of motion. Really, like in a fairy tale.

Who hasn't admired such amazing books, reading them to children. Each time I wanted to open them again and again, enjoying their beauty. Wonderful invention, immersed in a magical world!

Another type is three-dimensional or three-dimensional kirigami. Schemes for it are difficult not only in execution, but also in design. The ability to see the future volume of the model, having in front of you a flat sheet of paper and draw a scheme of its transformation, can not everyone.

Don't worry, such connoisseurs with unique spatial thinking and imagination fortunately do exist, and they have already created templates for execution. It is noteworthy that in kirigami the cut out parts are not removed, but only take their position thanks to cuts and folds.

In the even more labor-intensive direction of jenigami, figures with intricate configurations are composed of several parts without the use of glue, connected to each other on slits. You can say that jenigami is a 3D version of kirigami.

Tools for kirigami

Model template

Get the idea to make something in the kirigami technique? Start by choosing a model. Patterns can be bought in specialized stores or found on the Internet, such as snowflakes, Christmas trees, valentines, animal and bird figures, birthday cakes, stairs, rooms, and even castles. If you are a beginner, first take the schemes simple and clear.

On the patterns, the images consist of lines - conventional signs:

• a solid line - the place of a through cut,
• dotted line - the place of the fold inwards,
• The dotted line with dots - the place of the fold outward.

Paper

Next, choose the paper of desired weight and color. It can be white and color, transparent tracing paper, office paper, thin or thick cardboard, it all depends on the purpose. The intended artistic effect depends on the right choice.

The product is created from a single sheet, so its size also matters. In Japan, there are dozens of different kinds of paper, and in some countries already produce sets of paper for folding.

Scissors and knives

In kirigami, unlike origami, you can and should use scissors, knives, cutters and even a scalpel. To cut out large sections you will need small scissors with a sharp tip and a blade for needlework or embroidery.

Depending on the parts, use different sized stationery or layout knives. You can be limited to knives of two sizes - small for very small parts and large, for folded in several layers of paper, but it is better to be guided by the chosen model.

Regardless of the size, tool sharpness and changeability of the blades are crucial. The movement when cutting must be very precise and clear, a blunt blade will not allow to do it qualitatively.

Auxiliary tools

• A rubberized mat will be needed so that the layout will lie tighter and not move during the work, as well as to preserve the surface of the table. You can use thick glass, a piece of linoleum or a sheet of plywood.
• The stationery clip will hold the folded layers of heavy paper and connect them to the pattern and mat. If you don't have a clamp, use paper clips or masking tape.
• When making a craft it is necessary to smooth out the folds, so as not to do it by hand there are special styluses, spatulas or spatulas. They will help to separate the corners, there will be something to pick them up and adjust. For the smallest details, a simple toothpick also comes in handy.
• A metal ruler is an aid and support when cutting.
• A glue stick, which does not leave traces, is used for gluing several parts in a complex product.

You will also need

Patience, assiduity, attentiveness, meticulousness and accuracy in following instructions, drawing skills, a lot of time and confidence in your abilities, and most importantly - the desire to create. If you do not have all these things in your arsenal, do not despair.

Working in this technique develops not only the properties and qualities listed above, but also fine motor skills, concentration, diligence, accuracy, spatial thinking and imagination.

Perhaps, creating the first models, something will not turn out the first time, you will spoil more than one sheet of paper. Do not despair, remember the saying "Gods do not burn pots" and go ahead.

Beginning with ready, uncomplicated patterns, you can get to the creation of your own copyrighted ones. And the enthusiastic views of your work will give strength and inspiration for creativity.

Algorithm of the process

1. Choose a layout, find its pattern scheme.
2. Prepare everything you need - workspace, paper, tools.
3. Print out on a printer a template of the required size.
4. Transpose the scheme on a sheet of paper.
5. Fasten the sheet with clips to the mat.
6. Begin to cut, following the instructions and observing the safety precautions.

For different models, depending on their complexity and volume, recommendations and instructions are given with an indication of where to start cutting, how and with what to make cuts and notches, when to start folding. Only by following them in exact sequence will you get the desired result.

And if you still do not have money for a real castle or palace, you can, without much cost and expensive materials, realize your dream and build the desired palace first from paper, using the technique of kirigami or jenigami. And there who knows.

Photo ideas and schemes of kirigami