Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Re-do "Fly Away"



I redid the "Fly Away" image in order to try and cut better curves. The first version was cut totally with scissors. This one was done totally with an X-acto knife. These curves are better than the first, but not as nice as I would like. There has got to be a way to cut smoother curves.

Of course, part of the problem lies with not changing the blade when it is dull. This is a recurring problem. I'm too cheap to change them as often as I should.

7 comments:

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

I think it looks FABULOUS! I'm guilty of keeping dull blades too. Then, when they get REALLY dull, I swap them but still save them for cutting things like balsa. I'm terrible.

Susan Tuttle said...

Your fine motor skills blow me away my friend!

Susan
xo

Swirlyarts said...

I love this! I also wanted to let you know that I have featured you on Cuteable today. http://cuteable.com/

daysease said...

cost savvy, cost conscientious, economical, etc... not cheap... Um, I do the same thing..! :-)and, cool, that you have been featured!!! neato! and, understand your desire for better curves (in cutting) and nice cut!!

Anonymous said...

I like both snips, but this one seems smoother (it's the only way I can think to describe the difference). I haven't figured out the curves too well either. I have really analyzed Nikki McClure's papercuts and can't figure out how she does it. I'm sure a sharp blade helps, but yeah who wants to keep buying new blades?

ZenCrafter said...

This one really speaks to me, especially lately. I think this could be a whole series.

Have you checked out Elsa Mora's new papercutting page? http://elsita.typepad.com/allaboutpapercutting/

You should definitely leave a comment so that you can get on that papercutting artist list. Our friend Celita's flickr page is featured!

mayaluna said...

I know we are our own wort critic, but this is just so lovely and curvy and swirly and has so much life and air...I love it! I'm not a paper cutter,yet...but I'm constantly cutting freezer paper for stencils...maybe that counts. I swear by my swivel head xacto and my cookie sheet. Some how that old cookie sheet really makes for great gliding on the curves. I feel a little awkward giving tips to a pro, but I thought I'd give it a shot!

I've been missing you, friend!