Introduction to commonly used tools for paper-cutting
Paper-cutting, like other paper arts, not only requires artists to have superb paper-cutting skills, but also requires corresponding paper-cutting tools. In the image of ordinary people, a pair of scissors is usually enough for paper cutting, but this is not the case. Both traditional paper-cutting and modern paper-cutting are based on the needs of their craftsmanship. In the process of development, many tools have been applied to the creation of paper-cutting. The most common ones are scissors, carving knives, paper, wax plates and other tools required for paper-cutting creation. Grindstone etc.
The first thing I want to talk about is the scissors used for paper cutting. Scissors are the main tool for paper-cutting. If you don’t have high requirements for paper-cutting creation, the common scissors for cutting fabrics on the market are very good. At the same time, you can also choose some scissors that are more flexible in operation, have a thinner tip, and have suitable tightness as your own tools according to your creative needs.
Another commonly used tool is the carving knife. There are two types of common carving knives on the market: bevel-edged knives and round-edged knives. However, many paper-cutting artists make their own carving knives, so that they can be adjusted according to their own paper-cutting style and are easier to use. A sharpened blade can be used as the head of the carving knife, which can then be clamped into a wooden handle.
The paper used for paper-cutting is also essential. Paper is the most basic material for paper-cutting and needs to be selected according to the specific creation. Generally, single-color paper is acceptable and is relatively easy to buy in the market. The most common one on the market is single-sided red paper. This kind of paper is very good for festive paper-cutting to enhance the atmosphere.
The wax plate is mainly used to facilitate the operation of the carving knife. Making a wax plate: Use a 15-20 cm square wooden board, nail 1 cm wide wooden strips around it, the wooden strips should be 1 cm higher than the wooden board, then heat and stir the sifted plant ash and yellow wax in a pot, pour Put it into the wooden board, flatten it and let it cool. This wax tray is very comfortable to use. If you really don't have the conditions to make a wax plate, you can use plywood instead, but plywood is hard and can easily blunt the blade.
The main tool for sharpening scissors and carving knives is the whetstone. When making paper-cut creations, you can keep two grindstones of different thicknesses. You should sharpen the knife while carving, and always keep the blade sharp.
