Paper Cutting: Create Paper Scenes with Depth
A course by Noe ArataPapercut Artist
A course by Noe Arata, Papercut Artist
Learn how to design and build scenes full of depth and mystery with layered paper
Paper is one of the most versatile and attainable materials out there, and the main ingredient in all your paper cutting recipes. Paper cutting artist Noe Arata takes this technique to the limit producing projects for her brand Dobleufa and others like Lancôme, L'Oréal, and Isadora, as well as pieces for Cartier and MALBA (The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires) events.
In this course, learn to create a fantasy scene using paper cutting without needing any previous experience. Noe explains step by step the cornerstones of this technique, how to approach the templates for a project, how to make the foldable structure that serves as the base, and how to exhibit your pieces without frames.
What will you learn in this online course?
22 lessons & 31 downloads
The layered scene
12 minutes, 54 seconds
The language of papercut 1
14 minutes, 48 seconds
The language of papercut 2
15 minutes, 40 seconds
The final mold! 1
14 minutes, 47 seconds
The final mold! 2
16 minutes, 49 seconds
Transfer to cutting paper
17 minutes, 7 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know Argentine artist Noe Arata, who talks about how she entered into the world of paper cutting and her career so far. She also shares her main influences and sources of inspiration present in her work.
Next, Noe goes through the materials you need for your final project one by one and gives you a brief history of paper cutting.
See how to decide which story you want to tell and familiarize yourself with all the variables you need to consider to tell it in the best way possible. Once you've come to understand the language of paper cutting a little better, define your templates and transfer them to the paper.
Now comes the fun part... With all the preparation done, it's time to get cutting! Noe shows you tips and tricks for cutting all the lines, curves, and figures with absolute precision before teaching you how to build the two structures: the foldable pop-up and the outer cover.
Then join all the elements to bring your final pop-up scene to life. Finish off by looking at two mounting methods and some of the different applications for your pieces.
What is this course's project?
Create a foldable structure containing a scene inspired by a classic tale with paper cutting.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Illustrators, designers, artists, and anyone interested in exploring paper cutting to create fantastic paper scenes.
Requirements and materials
No prior knowledge is necessary for this course. In terms of materials, you need a cutting board, a cutter or craft knife, 160gr and 220gr paper (approx.), carbon paper, tracing paper, a passe-partout frame, glue, a ruler, a pencil, and an eraser.
Reviews
- 14 days ago
Ho creato un mio progetto partendo da quello proposto. Ho preso alcune forme e le ho reinterpretate secondo il mio gusto. Per la struttura e il montaggio ho seguito passo passo il progetto originale. Alla fine ho un lavoro un po' mio e un po' di Noe. Sebbene avessi già fatto intagli, i suoi consigli son stati utilissimi. Brava perché non ha mai tralasciato di spiegare ogni passaggio. Grazie Noe.
- 6 months ago
Válido, increiblemente inspirador.
- 6 months ago
Excellent instruction and easy to follow. Made a really amazing layered paper scene with this!
- 8 months ago
me gusta como enseña! buen curso
- 8 months ago
Fantástico
She says she does what she does "because it's what my body wants" and it is this innate passion that has led her to carry out projects for L'Oréal, Lancôme, Kiehls, Isadora, Brother, Olfa, Rapsodia, Ver, Campari, Yagmour, Natura, Ohlala, Pesqueira, and more. She has also collaborated with event managers on events for MALBA, Cartier, and Calandra.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- U2
History and materials
- Materials and tools
- The papercut in the world
- The story
- U3
Project planning
- The layered scene
- The language of papercut 1
- The language of papercut 2
- The final mold! 1
- The final mold! 2
- Transfer to cutting paper
- To Learn More: Layers to Mold
- To Learn More: The Scene to Layers in Digital Format
- U4
Time to cut!
- Cutting technique: workspace and straight lines
- Cutting technique: curves
- Cutting technique: extra elements and gluing
- Pop-up structure
- External structure: Kamishibai 1
- External structure: Kamishibai 2
- U5
Installation and application variants
- Assembling the final piece
- Alternative mounting methods
- Possible applications of papercut pieces
- FP
Final project
- Paper Cutting: Create Paper Scenes with Depth
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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FAQs
Papercut is a technique that involves cutting and carving paper to create decorative objects, narrative scenes, and three-dimensional structures, exploring the artistic and visual potential of paper in creative projects.
This course is aimed at people with basic crafting experience but is also suitable for those wanting to deepen their skills with intermediate and advanced papercut and layered composition techniques.
You’ll need paper of various weights and colors, a craft knife or cutter, scissors, a cutting mat, carbon paper, a metal ruler, adhesives, an embossing stylus, and optional tools for fine details and finishing touches.
You’ll learn cutting, carving, folding, layering scenes, pop-up design, transferring sketches, and methods to create complex, stable compositions inspired by diverse artistic traditions.
You’ll be able to create carved garlands, pop-up books, paper theater sets, three-dimensional decorative pieces, botanical illustrations, and designs inspired by folklore and Japanese culture.
Prior crafting or cutting experience isn’t required but recommended to get the most out of the course’s intermediate content.
The course covers layered cutting techniques, German symmetrical cuts, Japanese kirie, isekatagami, pop-up structures, volumes, textures, and ways to stabilize and assemble complex pieces.