to Fabric
FROM PAPER
Use internationally inspired paper-cutting
techniques to create quilt art
by Lisa Th orper
ecently while in San Francisco, I
wandered into a Mission district
shop bursting with color and joy. It was
a party shop featuring Latin American
wares, and Mexican papel picado (cut
paper) banners fi lled the space. There
were banners for a variety of themes
such as birthdays, quinceañeras, Day of
the Dead remembrances, and weddings.Each banner was made by cutting intricate designs
out of delicate tissue paper often in bright colors like
magenta, turquoise, and orange. I went home thinking
of the bright, vibrant colors and wondering how I could
cut fabric inspired by what I saw. I didn’t intend to
copy the banners—they are so detailed and fi ne that it
would be impossible to do with fabric and scissors—but
I wanted to capture the spirited energy I felt in the shop.
I began with the familiar. As a child in school I loved
cutting paper snowfl akes so, with that in mind, I began
folding paper and cutting different patterns and playing
with shapes, curves, and sharp edges. When I had a few
patterns I liked in paper, I moved on to fabric. I made
three in bright color combinations and I liked what I
saw.