Hola from HoppArt and my daughter Adaline. We have started a tradition of greeting our neighbors on holidays with Adaline's artwork! (Hello Eagle Creek neighbors!) Adaline was hard at work this morning when I woke up and reminded me about papel picado a beautiful decoration that is so fun to create.
But first a greeting from Adaline:
"My name is Adaline, I am your neighbor. Holy Guacamole, Feliz Cinco de Mayo!"
Making papel picado is a delightful craft that adds so much color to any celebration. It's fun, easy and kids love it! It brightens any space. Check out this article from Amol's, San Antonio's Fiesta store, about the history of Papel Picado.
Here are some simple instructions to make at home with your family:
Materials Needed:
Colorful tissue paper (multiple colors)
Scissors
Pencil
Designs or patterns (optional)
String, yarn, or fishing line
Steps:
Prep: Lay out a clean and flat surface where you can work comfortably.
Fold: Take several sheets of tissue or construction paper and stack them together neatly. Fold the stack in half, and then in half again. Repeat this process until the stack is about 3-4 inches wide. Note: Construction paper will be thicker, try 2 papers at a time first.
Draw Your Design: On the top layer of the folded stack, lightly sketch your desired design using a pencil. Traditional designs include flowers, animals, geometric shapes, or patterns. You can also just begin to cut shapes and wing it!
Cut Out the Design: With the stack still folded, carefully cut along the lines of your design. You can use small, sharp scissors for intricate details or larger scissors for simpler shapes. Be sure to keep the folds intact as you cut.
Unfold and Flatten: Gently unfold the stack of paper to reveal your papel picado design. Carefully separate the layers and flatten them out. If you want to make more papel picado, simply repeat the process with additional sheets of tissue paper.
Put them together: Once you have all your papel picado designs ready, you can string them together to create banners or decorations. Thread a piece of string or yarn through the top edges of each cutout, spacing them evenly along the string. Leave extra string at each end for hanging.
Show them off: Hang your papel picado banners indoors or outdoors to add a festive touch to any occasion! They're perfect for celebrations like birthdays, weddings, or cultural events.
That's it! Enjoy your beautiful papel picado creations. Feel free to experiment with different colors, designs, and sizes to suit your preferences. I'd love to see your creations, share them in the comments! Feliz Cinco de Mayo!