Making Art with Simple Materials
Dear Wonderful, Creative You:
When was the last time you felt completely engrossed in your creative process? Lately I’ve been incredibly engrossed in my art, making art with simple materials. I’d like to help you imagine the same for yourself. In your mind’s eye, imagine yourself doing the following, and see what it feels like:
You carry a small sketchbook and drawing pen with you everywhere, making little notes and sketches as something catches your eye, or an idea strikes. When you open your sketchbook, you see patterns, shapes, and notes for your art pieces. It’s a jumble of scribbles, sketches, notes, and little drawings. It’s not neat and perfect, it’s an inspiring place where ideas are free to co-mingle and marinate. Art making is not just something you do when you sit down at your art table, it’s something you weave into your life.
When you sit down to create, you flip through your journal for inspiration, and pull out some paper to play with one of the ideas. You sit for hours, making slow, steady progress, noticing the shapes emerging, the sounds of art making, and your breathing. You finish tired and happy.
It sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?
This could be your story. Playing with simple art materials has offered me incredible creative license, and I want to show you that it can for you too.
Making art with simple materials – just paper and a blade, is incredibly satisfying.
Limitation is the fuel of my creative fire.
But really, I am working with so much more than paper. Once you cut into a page, you begin dancing with light and shadow. All your focus is on shape, form, rhythm, and the way you let the light in.
Wouldn’t you like to let some more light into your life?
Enter your name and email to join our community and get weekly inspiration!
When you give yourself limited materials and permission to create intuitively, without a plan, magic can happen.
I’ve got a brand new class, Layers of Light, that focuses on this kind of intuitive approach to paper cutting. Paper cutting is an old craft and art form, but it’s usually practiced in a very planned, exacting way. I want to open the door for you to create in a way that fills your soul, and brings you delight.
You can learn to paper cut from a pattern. But when you learn to create intuitively, building your own mark making “vocabulary” you open up to your unique expressive voice. You can do more than you think with your art.
Creatively Yours,
Amy
34 Comments
Submit a Comment
Connect
Social
Quick Links
The paper cutting looks interesting – I hope not too dangerous!
Hi Elaine!
It is SOOOO much fun. And I had that worry too – but really the only time I’ve cut myself is when I was not doing paper cutting art, but rather just cutting paper for a painting project and not paying enough attention. I think because paper cutting requires focus, it’s a really mindful activity and therefore you may be less likely to make a mistake. My free PDF goes through proper cutting technique and safety too! XO Amy
I’d love to receive the PDF so I can get a sense of whether this is something I want to pursue. Thanks, Amy!
Hi Judy!
So happy to have you drop in here. Yes, I totally agree, it’s so helpful to get a taste before making a commitment. If you haven’t already, just click the post title so you can see the form at the bottom of the page, fill it out, and you’re ready to rock and roll! XO Amy
Oh yes, Amy! I’d like a copy of your free Getting Started with Paper Cutting PDF please 😘. I still have some of that wonderful Legion and Stonehenge paper!
Hi Joanne – Oh yes, that would be so fun! Just access the post from a computer, click the title, and you should see the form. Sorry for the tech issues today! XO Amy
Please send me a copy of your PDF ‘Getting Started with Paper cutting ‘
Thank you
HI Sue:
Thanks for dropping by! I’d love for you to get started. For some reason, you have to click on the title of the post to see the form at the bottom of the page. Then just fill out the form where it says: Get your PDF Here and you’re all set! XO Amy
PDF on paper cutting please.
Hi Mary Ann!
I think perhaps my directions here were slightly unclear. For some reason, you have to be sure to click on the title of the post to open it fully, otherwise you can’t see the form at the bottom of the page. Then just fill out the form at the bottom of the post where it says: Get your PDF Here and you’re all set! XO Amy
Can’t wait to see how to get started with paper cutting techniques.
YAY – this is going to be so much fun. If you haven’t already, to get the PDF, be sure to click on the title of the post to open it fully, otherwise you can’t see the form at the bottom of the page. XO Amy
this looks so engrossing!!! I can’t wait to try it.
HI Carol!
Oh JOY! I can’t wait to see what you create! XO Amy
Your paper-cutting creations are so beautifully patterned! The strength and movement of the patterns as opposed to the delicacy of the paper lines and shapes, spaces and shadows is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your excitement over this form of expression.
I see not only the papers as art in themselves, but as some stencil possibilities as well…
I’m going to go look for my old Exacto knife and buy some new blades!
I would love a PDF from you.
Thanks, from California
Hi Gwen!
Your attentiveness to detail and your loving attention are so appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to comment so thoughtfully. It means a lot to me, as I put a lot of heart into each post. I think perhaps my directions here were slightly unclear. To get the PDF, be sure to click on the title of the post to open it fully, otherwise you can’t see the form at the bottom of the page. Then just fill out the form at the bottom of the post where it says: Get your PDF Here and you’re all set! XO Amy
I would love to see the pdf!
Hi Phyllis! YAY! I’m so happy you are excited about paper cutting. Be sure to click on the title of the post to open it fully. Then just fill out the form at the bottom of the post where it says: Get your PDF Here and you’re all set! XO Amy
Would love this generous PDF as well, but at the “Get your PDF HErE” there is no click to it. I’ve clicked on the title of the post MAKING ART WITH SIMPLE MATERIALS, and that opens another window but no other clicks to the Get Your PDF, no other form. Are we all having the same problem? Maybe something is missing?
HI Jeannette:
Oh geez. Tech snafu- Sorry about that! So yes, I’m having an issue with my form. I *believe* you can access it in the way I’ve described from a computer browser, but for the moment it won’t show up on your mobile. I’ve got my web guru on it. Thanks Jeannette! Can’t wait to get you started! XO Amy
Hello! At this point in the thread, the form worked for me but the document downloads as a “pages document” rather than a PDF. I’m not able to open a pages document …
The paper cuts are absolutely gorgeous!!! As I find all of your work.
HI Heather: I’m so sorry about the tech issues. I have the form fixed thanks to The Blog Genie – Kim! But I see I attached the pages instead of PDF. It has the PDF now. Sorry – I have a sick kid at home today and missed this! Thanks for your patience and I’m thrilled yo are enjoying the paper cuts! Please let me know if you need anything else. XO Amy
Perfect! Got it. And so fast. Thank you! No need to apologize. These things happen. Wishing your sick kid a speedy recovery! And you a restful sleep tonight! 🙂
Oh good Heather! Thanks for the kind words and happy paper cutting! XO Amy
This looks like it has so many possibilities and I like the idea of being so absorbed that you forget your worries for a while. I can see where it could be very beneficial for anyone suffering with mental health challenges
OH gosh, Lori, it IS so absorbing. For me it’s so relaxing. I hope you enjoy it if you try! XO Amy
I’m interesting in trying some paper cutting projects so I’d like to see your free PDF on paper cutting please.
HI Christine!
You can just fill out the form in this post to get the PDF. I’m here if you have any questions!
XO Amy
Amy, thank you for your generosity in giving us a taste of paper cutting. Your work is stunningly beautiful and it is evident that you pour yourself into it.
I did not have any issues getting the PDF, it is now printed and I am on the hunt for fresh blades…I know I have some. I will hunt out the bandaids as well, just in case.
Enjoy the day
Michele
HI Michele:
You are the sweetest. Thanks so much for your kind words and I’m thrilled I could inspire. Yup, we got our tech figured out after a few hours, so I’m glad to hear you got the PDF without issue. SO fun! Can’t wait to see what you make! XO Amy
Cyber Hugs
🙂 🙂 ;P HA!
Wow Amy, so very generous of you to share your process with us. Can’t wait to read the PDF and get started! Loved all your other projects so I’m sure this will ignite my creative fire and look forward to everyone sharing their progress. Thanks again for all you do for us, have a great day!
HI Eileen:
Oh you are the sweetest. Did you get the PDF okay? I’m so happy that this piques your interest. Can’t wait to see what you make!
XO Amy