A Cut Above

Papercutting is a centuries-old art form. Using scissors or knives, beginners and experts alike can create delicate designs and various types of pictures. Papercutting is believed to have originated in Asia about 1,500 years ago and to have spread around the world. The art form gave birth to silhouette portraiture, which became popular in the 18th century. One form of the art involves folding the paper and making precise cuts to produce a symmetrical image.

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum has a circa 1860 patriotic scene that features squirrels, five types of small birds, hens with chicks, carnations and a variety of flowers. It also includes human figures, other animals and a flagpole with a flag that was painted with watercolors. These elements were either cut directly into the paper or glued on after the cutting was completed.

The project here focuses on the Capitol and celebrates the 250th anniversary of Virginia declaring its independence from Britain.

What You Need

• Colored scrapbook paper
• Template printed on white copy, scrapbook, linen or laid paper
• Pointed scissors
• Gluestick

The Process

Step 1

Print the Capitol template onto white paper, and fold the printed paper in half along the dotted line.

Step 2

Cutting through both layers of paper, cut out all the interior sections that are marked with an “x.” Begin by piercing the paper with the point of the scissors.

Note It is easier to cut the interiors before cutting around the edge, since the edge provides something to hold on to.

Step 3

Once the interiors are cut, cut around the edge of the design. Once finished, open
the paper. Cut off half of the flag.

Step 4

Carefully apply glue to the side of the paper with the template lines, and then press onto the scrapbook paper. Write
a celebratory phrase across the banner at the top.

Find a pattern and a practice coloring sheet at colonialwilliamsburg.org/downloads or click here to download.