People are always asking me for advice on how to papercut on my blog. I'm no expert, but I will share what I do know and if you have any tips for me,
please feel free to send them along.

Check out my How to Papercut video!

Paper
You can pretty much use any kind of paper in papercutting. The thicker it is, the less fine the detail you are going to be able to achieve. I like to use origami paper because it's a stronger paper, but it also is thin enough to get really fine details. Plus, it's white on the back so you can easily draw your design.

Materials
Some people like to use small scissors to cut out their designs. Embroidery scissors are nice because they have a nice sharp tip to help you get into small places. I like to use a plain old exacto blade. They are easy to find, the blades are easy to get and you can get all sorts of comfortable handles.

Tricks of the Trade

Templates
For those of you who are a little unsure of your drawing skills, feel free to use a template that someone else has provided. If you do use a template, be sure to only use the product for yourself or give it as a gift.

To use a template, print it out, cut near the edge and tape it to the paper you wish to use. Then, cut the inside holes out first. If you don't do this, then you lose the security of the template and it will slip and slide all over the place and really you should probably just stop. When you've finished cutting out the inside, cut out the outer edge. Then show it to all your friends when they come over to hang out with you.

Cutting Fine Lines
People always say, "Cindy, how do you cut such fine lines? Does the paper rip?" and I say, "Very carefully and yes." To try to ensure that the paper doesn't rip, try these two tricks: Cut from left to right. This way you can see how thin the line is that you're cutting. If you're left handed, cut from right to left. Secondly, do NOT be afraid to trade out your blade for a new one. Most of my smaller projects I run through three to four blades. If the blade isn't running through your paper smoothly, it's time to chuck it.

Cutting Small Circles
This is a trick I just recently figured out. To cut a small circle by hand without any tools, first, cut one half of it, then, hold onto that half with your finger and then cut out the other half. I found that if I just tried to cut out small circles with just my blade, it would smoosh up and become more of an oval or just be ragged. You just don't want that.

Those are all the tips I can think of for right now. If you have any questions, please e-mail me and I'll try to answer them and post them on here.