Paper cutting

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Over recent months I have been marveling at the beautiful paper-cut works of art that I have seen on Pinterest and FB, and I am interested in having a go myself.

I could ask dh for some kit, for Christmas - but I don't know what the basics are, that I'd need to get started, so I am hoping that there are MNers who do this craft, and could recommend me a few basics, to get me going, and maybe a book or two as well.

Thanks in advance.

[Tate15]

Rob Ryan books are fab.

Have you got a HobbyCraft store near you?

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

We have got a Hobbycraft near us, but dh will not be keen to venture anywhere near any shops between now and Christmas, so ordering online would be easier.

I was thinking - a cutting mat, some basic scalpels/knives (maybe a starter set) and a book - I will look at the Rob Ryan ones on Amazon - thanks.

[Plexie]

I don't do 'paper cutting' but have cut a lot of paper for bookbinding and other crafts.

If you want a 'proper' scalpel look for Swann Morton (handle no. 3 and 10A blades). They're widely used by artists, designers etc and can be bought in lots of art supplies shops, eg www.londongraphics.co.uk/products/Graphic-Supplies/Adhesives-Cutting/Scalpel-Blades-Handles/list/perpage/20/page/1

They have a dizzying array of blades
www.jacksonsart.com/search.php?input_search=swann+morton&stock=0&x=0&y=0
but 10A is the standard one for cutting paper and that needs a no. 3 handle.

Alternatively there's Jakar which is more 'packaged' but some have a safety cap and container for the blades, eg www.jacksonsart.com/Brands-A-Z_All_Brands-Jakar-Jakar_Knives_&_Blades/c2200_1044_782_783/p12084/Fixed_Blade_Precision_Craft_Knife_A7360/product_info.html

Don't bother with a swivel blade - I have one and still haven't worked out what it's supposed to be used for!

Cutting mat: a cheapish one will do. Size is more important - they come in 'A' sizes (A4, A3 etc). Usually getting the largest you can afford/have room for is best but really it depends on what size paper you'll be cutting. Don't bother with A5 as that will be too small.

www.londongraphics.co.uk/products/Graphic-Supplies/Adhesives-Cutting/Cutting-Mats/list/perpage/20/page/1

This webpage offers some good advice on supplies: crafts.tutsplus.com/tutorials/papercutting-fundamentals-essential-tools-techniques--craft-10519

That page also suggests a metal ruler (I assumed all paper cutting was done freehand but obviously not!). It needs to be metal because the blade can cut into plastic and wood. I have a Linex which I REALLY recommend as it has a safety channel for your fingers and has a smooth high side on the cutting edge so it's easy to line up your blade for an accurate cut. I have a 30cm one but this entry on Amazon for the 50cm ruler shows pictures of how it differs from a plain metal ruler:

www.amazon.co.uk/Linex-Anti-slip-Aluminium-Bevelled-LXE2950M/dp/B001234370?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

The 30cm ruler is here: www.amazon.co.uk/Linex-Anti-slip-Aluminium-Bevelled-LXE2930M/dp/B0012387UO/ref=pd_sim_229_6?ie=UTF8&dpID=315gt9-VQ3L&dpSrc=sims&preST=AC_UL160_SR160%2C160&refRID=0W4KS26KXMJS7ZKP884E&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[Petallic]

If you want to cut very intricate things then you might find a glass or ceramic cutting surface easier. I use a marble cheese board cheapy from tkmaxx does the job well enough.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Thank you for all that information, Plexie and Petallic!

I used to be a Theatre nurse, so Swann Morton blades were a part of my daily life - I will probably go for those just for the nostalgia! I even visited the factory, as part of my Operating department nursing course!

I am hoping for some amazon vouchers for Christmas, so I will treat myself in the New Year, and have a go at this beautiful craft.

[NuttyCluster]

I've dabbled a bit with paper cutting, the only thing I'd add to petalics list would be a craft knife similar to this , the swan mortons are good but this one is much more comfortable to use, it's slightly weighted so much more like using a pen.

[NuttyCluster]

Sorry I meant plexies list

[NuttyCluster]

Ahh theatre nurse! You'll be fine then, ignore my post!