Introduction to the Paper Craft Kirigami

Kirigami is a variation of Origami where artist is allowed to make cuts in paper along with folding. In Japanese "Kiru" means to cut and "Gami" means paper. In simple terms it is Origami with cuts.

Kirigami in US

The first use of Kirigami in US was when Florence Temko used it in title of her book "Kirigami, the creative Art of Paper cutting" in 1962. The success of the book led to the acceptance of the word "Kirigami" as art of Paper Cutting. It is however an ancient form of art in Japan and China. Usually, this form of art was used to decorate Buddhist temples across Japan and China.

Kind of Paper Used: Origami paper, Card Stock, Copying Paper are commonly used. The kind of paper used depends on what you want to create.

Tools Used in Kirigami

For Simple Kirigami Pencil, Eraser, Scissors, Craft Knife, Metal ruler and creasing tool like a folding bone is enough.

For Complex Kirigami or commonly referred to as Origami Architecture more precision tools are used like X-acto craft knife, Craft Robo and Laser cutting machines.

Need more Inspiration to get started

Here is a video of some amazing Kirigami videos for inspiration.

http://www.bianchepieghe.it/tecnica/6/Kirigami/

Popular form of Kirigami in Modern World

Most Popular use of Kirigami today is seen in pop-up cards and pop-up books for kids.

This ranges from very simple to highly complex forms. It interests a wide range of artists.

Someone who has never done any paper craft can also attempt the simpler versions and the results are amazing.

Modular Kirigami: Modular origami involves assembling folded modules into a symmetric structure. It is advanced Kirigami and requires a little practice.

More about Modular Kirigami and some amazing pictures can be found at

http://www.georgehart.com/kirigami/kirigami.html and

http://www.georgehart.com/kirigami/Hart-Modular-Kirigami.html

Kirigami Resources

Patterns available online

Easycutpopup is the most popular resource could find for Kirigami videos on Internet. They have videos in various sites and they are truly amazing. They do sell complex Kirigami patterns in various kits however they offer one free pattern with purchase of a series pattern. They have a wide variety of good patterns.

Books and Kits available at Amazon.com

Kirigami: The Art of 3-dimensional Paper Cutting by Laura Badalucco

Origami and Kirigami: 75 Fun-to-Do Projects by Florence Temko

Kirigami - Basic Design (Kirigami) by Joyce Hwang

Kirigami - Sweethearts (Kirigami) by Joyce Hwang

Kirigami Paper Kingdom (Kirigami Craft Books series)

Kirigami Home Decorations by Florence Temko

Origami and Kirigami: 75 Fun-to-Do Projects by Florence Temko

Some popular videos for makingKirigami Pop-up-Cards

12 Easy to make Pop up Cards

Kirigami Humming Bird

Tiger Lily

Stork and Baby

Dancing Crane

Twisting pop up

How to make a Kirigami hummingbird with papyrus paper

Have fun with Paper crafting.