tips&tricks

A Must See Film On DVD

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 09:49:20 -0700

This is a definite must see film about Origami, paper, art and science. Watch a preview at http://www.greenfusefilms.com/ or on PBS at http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/between-the-folds/

Q & A: Cool Colors

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 09:33:05 -0700

Q:
Hi,
Can you please tell me if you have a coloured version of the 'Samurai Bunraku Finger key puppet', similar to the 'Geisha puppet'?

Great site by the way.

Thanks
Sanj

A:
A great way to incorporated color is to use graphic-printed paper. One of my favorite collections is the Far East Stack I found at JoAnne’s. But you can find it on many craft sites like: http://shop.scrapbooks.com/dwv-ps-5-13.html

Q & A: My Butterfly is Too Tense!

Wed, 9 Jun 2010 07:55:30 -0700

Q:
Hello,
I recently purchased the flower series of cards and made the Verbena card w/butterfly, the cut-out and assembly turned out
wonderful, however, when I folded the card the butterfly bent in half
and the pop-up would not work properly when the card was open.
Can you please give me a tip on how to fold this properly, I must be doing something wrong? Thank you very much!

Lisa

A:
Lisa,
When you initially fold the paper butterfly, the crease in the paper wants to stay folded because of the tension in the crease. To decrease the tension, fold the crease in the butterfly back and forth several times, loosening the fibers of the paper. Tension gone!

Don’t forget to curl the petals of the flower to add more dimension!

Finally! New Patterns

Thu, 6 May 2010 10:48:44 -0700

Although we have over 70 patterns to choose from, our loyal customers have been wonder when we will release new patterns? Well after the long wait, we will begin releasing exciting new patterns throughout the year. The latest two are the Chinese Dragon and the Chinese Lion Dance. Both patterns celebrate aspects the Chinese culture. Enjoy!

Kirigami Around the Globe!

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 20:18:41 -0800

We would like to celebrate the fact that Easy Cut Pop-up Kirigami patterns have sold in over 180 countries including:
United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, Romania, Poland, Barbados, Brazil, Australia, Netherlands, Philippines, France, Argentina, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Ecuador, Malaysia, Thailand, Greece, New Zealand, Slovakia, Peru, Ireland, Chile, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Israel, Costa Rica, Panama, Korea, Republic Of, Venezuela, Belgium, Norway, Portugal, Bahrain, Switzerland, Croatia, Hungary, Albania, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Vietnam, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Lithuania, Austria.

Banzai!

I Can’t Find the Free Pattern!

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:11:25 -0700

Many new visitors to our web site contact us looking for the Free pattern and say they can’t find it. The free Kirigami “Tulip” pattern is located on the first page of patterns, it use to be on the third page. I guess it was too hard for some people to find, they would think we really didn’t have a free pattern available and would get really rude about it... geez! We only ask that you join our mailing list. We promise to only send one to two promotions per month, which may include tips, discounts and more. And of course you can unsubscribe at anytime. Remember to disable your SPAM filter before entering.

If you already joined and did not get the email with the link to download the free pattern, chance are your SPAM filter placed it in your junk mail or trash. So check there first.

Melia’s Dragonfly Video Tutorial

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:08:00 -0700

(Video Tip) Who doesn’t love Dragonflies? Melia was kind enough to walk through this popular pattern, but also gives tips that help with all Kirigami patterns. Thanks Melia!

The Jurassic T-Rex Skelleton!

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 16:15:21 -0700

(Video Tip) Kirigami is easier than it looks. Each pattern consists of three simple techniques, scoring and folding, mirror-cutting, folding dimensional and slot-interlocking. The T-Rex Skeleton is a stand alone skeleton and is very fun and easy.

Q & A: Best Bobble

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:20:54 -0800

Here’s a little tip on how to attach the head so you get the best bobble. When you insert the point of the neck into the scull, just bend the tip to lock-on the scull. This applies to all the Jurassic patterns.

Q & A: Interlocking Cards to Create a Pop-up Book

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:42:22 -0800

Interlocking cards, without adhesives, to create a pop-up book is simple. Like the 12 Gifts series, corner “L” shaped lines are used to interlock the covers, we call the “L-slots.”

Q & A: How do I print on dark paper, like black?

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 15:33:00 -0700

You may want to use dark colored paper with some of the patterns. This poses the question “How do I print the pattern if I use a dark paper like black? How can I see the lines?”

Here’s a easy tip: Print the pattern on light weight paper, like copier paper, then tape the pattern to your dark paper. This technique can also be used if you want to use heavier paper that can’t go through your printer.

Q & A: Let’s Cut to the Chase

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:04:26 -0700

Christine from Texas asked some great questions. Thanks Christine!

QUESTIONS:
I am having difficulty getting crisp edges with an Xacto knife et al... even though I use new blades. The cut edges get are ragged. Also, When cutting cutouts, how to do you get rid of the printed lines that you follow to make the cutout? Last, but not least..when I print out the cover of the card, registration marks also print out (like a backwards L in the upper left hand of the page). Oops!...do you have any recommendations for good scissors that will cut cleanly?

TIPS:
Ragged Edges- If your getting ragged edges with new Xacto blades, it’s probably caused by the surface underneath the paper. A cutting mats will reduce ragged edges. A small 6” x 9” would be a cost effective option.

Printed Lines- Most of the patterns are designed with the printed side facing backwards, so that the lines are not visible when completed. For even less “inked edges,” cut inside the edge of lines.

On the cover cut-lines, there is an edge of the that falls behind the interlocking tab. Cut on the inside edge that falls behind the tab and the lines will be completely covered.

Backwards L- The covers of the 12 gift series have “L” lines in the corners. These are optional if you want to interlock the even-day cards with the odd-day cards to make an entire pop-up book. The instructions for this will be posted soon.

Scissors- I found that most scissors in the $7 range on up, cut well. Otherwise, I haven’t found a difference between expensive and cheap, not including kids scissors. I typically pick out light scissors with comfortable handles.

FINAL TIP:
I believe the imperfections of handmade Kirigami card add charm and nuance. It’s important to cut fairly accurate at the points where the separate sheets of paper interlock. However, I recommend not to focus so hard cutting on on the lines and feel free to improvise. My father use to say “... play jazz.”

The Basics of Kirigami

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:53:46 -0700

(Video Tip) Kirigami is easier than it looks. Each pattern consists of three simple techniques, scoring and folding, mirror-cutting, folding dimensional and slot-interlocking. The hummingbird pattern step-by-step video demonstrates all techniques that are used in most of the Kirigami patterns.

Embossing Tools for Scoring

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:26:45 -0700

Scoring your fold-lines is recommended in all patterns. Using embossing tools to score works the best. These can be purchased at most craft stores for under $1.

Mirror vs. Open Cut

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:53:51 -0700

Some patterns indicate a mirror cut and an open cut. What’s the difference?

A mirror cut is done by folding the paper and cutting along the cut lines. This will create a symmetrical shape, like a Valentines heart.

An open cut is done without folding the paper and cutting along the cut lines. This method is used when an asymmetrical shape is necessary, like the fisherman, fly fishing, stork and lion patterns.

In most patterns that include a mirror-cut and an open-cut, the mirror cut is performed before the open cut is performed.

Making Smaller Cards

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:28:03 -0700

All patterns are designed for easy scissor-cutting. However, if you are confident in your cutting skills, making smaller cards is easy, just print them at a lower scale. Try 83%, this will make them small enough to fit into an A7 envelope and cutting is still fairly easy. Some of the Blossom patterns are very easy to cut at 50%, making great gift tags.

You can find this option under File Menu/Page Set-up.

Try it, it’s fun!

Personalize Your Cover Message for Mom

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:10:48 -0700

(Video Tip) All Easy Cut Popup patterns include a cover option with a PDF entry field. Enter your own poem, haiku or simple message for Mom. She’ll forever remember that you handmade her a Kirigami card on her special day.

Pray Mantis Tips

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:00:50 -0700

(Video Tip) This fun pattern takes some basic Kirigami techniques. This pattern is still in development and does not include instructions. If you want to give it a try, it’s pretty cool. Here are a couple of tips that will make it easier. Have fun!

Adding Color

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 15:06:56 -0700

(Video Tip) All of us at Easy Cut Pop-up love the simplicity and elegance of monotone pop-up cards. Kirigami uses shape and shadow to capture the essence. But for those who want a little color, it’s easy. You can paint the patterns before you cut them out or after, whatever your preference.

Personalize Your Cover Message

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 09:53:32 -0700

(Video Tip) All Easy Cut Popup patterns include a PDF entry field on the cover. Enter your own poem, haiku or simple message then just print it out.

Curling

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 09:53:04 -0700

(Video Tip) By using the corner of a desk or counter, you can add a curl to the pedals. This will give your paper blossom more dimension and softer shadows.

What About Envelopes?

Wed, 5 Mar 2008 21:10:16 -0800

The final dimensions of your card is 8.5” H x 5.5” W. The proper envelope size is an A-9. You can buy A-9 greeting card envelopes at Joann’s or Michael’s. You can also order nice envelopes on line at a web site like actionenvelopes.com.

What’s the best tape?

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 19:36:15 -0800

Using a good double sided tape is important. Tape roller’s like Scotch® Taper Roller are nice because they’re fast and neater than glue. Best of all, you can re-adjust your positioning before it dries and it doesn’t wrinkle the paper like a wet glue.

Subtle Nuances

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 19:32:02 -0800

As perfect as a flower looks, it’s their imperfections that give them character. At first, you may be focused on cutting on the lines. But don’t worry about being so exact. And by adding your own nicks and chips to the edges of the pedals adds subtle nuances that personalize your piece.

Scoring Your Folds First

Sun, 2 Mar 2008 11:38:45 -0800

(Video Tip) The folds in the Easy Cut Pop-up patterns are very easy. But if you’re the type that appreciates super intricate detail, try scoring the folds before folding. By using the rounded end of a paperclip or an embossing tool, score along the dotted lines and you’ll get a nice crisp fold.

Picking the Perfect Paper

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 11:06:25 -0800

The Easy Cut Pop-up patterns are fun, easy and do not require any special paper other than using a thicker paper also called “card-stock.” If you like paper with texture, selecting paper that will enhance the card is easy. My favorite is actually 90 lb water-color paper. It’s easy to fold and if you paint it, the paper slightly curls to add even more dimension. Plus you can buy a pad of 30 sheets for under $6 at places like Joann’s or Michael’s.

Public Educators & Craft Instructors

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 11:05:22 -0800

Are you a public educator and would like to teach Kiragami to your class? Click here.

Are you a commercial craft instructor and would like to teach Kirigami to your craft students? Click here.