The Big Easy

My latest project was a series of New Orleans inspired papercuts...

Papercut #1:

The first piece I cut was intended to look like an intricate back tattoo.

I pulled the circular text from the drum kit at Preservation Hall, a music venue in the heart of the French Quarter "established in 1961 to honor one of America’s truest art forms – Traditional New Orleans Jazz."*

Although Preservation Hall is located on St. Peters Street, 'Rue Bourbon' (also in the French Quarter) seemed more fitting for this papercut, especially in a tattoo-style font.

Papercut #2:

New Orleans infamous ghost stories and witchcraft legends inspired the bridal skulls of my second papercut.

'Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo' on Bourbon Street is named for New Orlean's notorious Voodoo Queen. Here you can stock up on talismans, candles, tarot cards, incense...

The word 'Lafayette' on the top hat was borrowed from the ironwork gates of Lafayette Cemetery. A pair of ironwork gates were also included on papercut #1.
 

Papercut #3:

The final papercut in the series is presented as a beautiful poster. The Big Easy is one of the city's many nicknames...

Inspiration for this piece was taken from the cemeteries of New Orleans, often referred to as 'cities of the dead'. Due to the high water table "departed loved ones are interred above ground"** (Caskets would literally float if buried in a traditional grave.)

The name 'Toussaint' on the central tomb is for Allen Toussaint; the musician, songwriter and influential figure in New Orleans R&B who sadly passed away last year.

Overall, I'm really pleased with this series of papercuts. The New Orleans influence is clear in each piece, and the repetitive floral pattern and tattoo-style font tie the three pieces together.

 

Which papercut is your favourite?

Until next week...

-Karen

* http://preservationhall.com/hall/history/
**http://www.experienceneworleans.com/deadcity.html

Halloween Crafts

Traditionally, Christians believed Halloween (or All Hallows Eve) was the night when the veil between the material world and the afterlife thinned... In order to prevent being recognised by a weary soul, they would wear masks or costumes to disguise themselves.

Between carving a pumpkin into a jack-o'-lantern and watching Hocus Pocus, this year I'm going to give some of the following crafts a go:

 Split pumpkin - Owl pumpkins

Whilst my pumpkin carving skills aren't quite on par with this silhouette lantern, it's made me determined to up my game...

For those who prefer not to gut a pumpkin, there are lots of internet tutorials for no-cut designs, like these monochrome sharpie owls! Perfect for kids too young to be wielding a kitchen knife...

 

 

Skull bunting - Origami bat

Bunting! Skulls! What's not to love?! Really easy to make and effective to look at. Cut from metallic card to add a ghostly feel...

While my origami skills haven't got further than a couple of penguins and a swan, I'm looking forward to giving this bat a go. It might take me a few attempts...

 

Paper web - Paper spiders

I don't like spiders but I love these paper cut 3D webs! Make a few and watch the shadows dance on the walls. Decorate with neon spiders.

Decorate with an eerie spider garland, cut from a simple strip of folded paper. For an extra long garland, carefully glue multiple strips together. 

 Spider cookies - Ghost cupcakes

Why not bake a batch of spooky cookies or ghostly cupcakes? Your trick-or-treaters will pick treat every time!

There are also lots of recipes for using up the insides of your pumpkin, including pumpkin bread, pumpkin and choc chip cookies, and even pumpkin flavour cocktails!

What are your plans for Halloween?

Until next week...

-Karen 

*All images from Pinterest