Kirigami
Kirigami is similar to origami in that it is a form of paper art. The major difference is that in origami, you fold paper whereas in kirigami, you fold and cut paper.
In the United States, the term "kirigami" was coined by Florence Temko. She used the word kirigami in the title of her book, Kirigami, the Creative Art of Papercutting, 1962. The book was so successful that the word kirigami was accepted as the name for the art of paper cutting.
In Japan, the word kirigami had been in use for a long time because "kiru” means to cut, and “gami” means paper. So, kirigami meant to cut paper.
Paper Snowflakes
Most people will remember kirigami as a way to make paper snowflakes. Unfolding the paper snowflake is a delightful surprise because it's almost impossible to make the exact pattern twice. Paper snowflakes have six sections because the paper is folded in half and then thirds.
Real snowflakes have six-fold symmetry too. This is because water molecules crystalize into a hexagonal lattice. No two snowflakes are alike because the condition in a cloud is always changing when water vapour crystallizes into snowflakes. Because of these ever changing atmospheric conditions, each snowflake grows in a different way. Click here for snowflake FAQs. [Photo by KG Libbrecht]
how to make a paper snowflake
Problem: it’s spring and it just doesn’t feel right to make snowflakes in the glorious growing season. Not a problem! Cut kirigami flowers, sun bursts, stars, hearts, and other cool designs. Look here for some different ideas:
make a kirigami flower
unique kirigami patterns
Beyond Simple Kirigami Snowflakes
Some artists can make extremely elaborate kirigami patterns. These often retain a high level of symmetry and have a delicate lace-like quality. [Photo from Bekah Gjerde] With a practice, you can make similar creations.
Cutting paper snowflakes is fun, but if you don’t want to use scissors, you don't have to. Computer software experts have now made it possible to make e-snowflakes. It’s not the same as good old "arts & crafts", but it’s worth a try nevertheless.
e-snowflakes
cut virtual paper applet by K Whitley
Here are some tips:
Practice and experiment with different designs. You need to do it to get an idea of what looks nice and what looks basic. Sit down, try it, and experiment. That’s the best way.
Use thin paper. Folded layers of paper become thick and difficult to cut. Thin paper, like origami paper is easier to cut and therefore will allow you to make detailed designs.
