Kirigami Pop-Up – Strings of Sakura

While my excitement of the upcoming sakura season continues, I’ve decided to try a new kirigami pop-up project.

I think it turned out pretty good and it gave me a lot of ideas for different uses.

If you would like to make you own kirigami “curtain”, simply follow the steps (if you would like to see close-ups, just click on the picture!).

First, get a pretty piece of paper. I chose a slightly patterned and textured one of medium weight.

Next, fold it in half lengthwise.

Then, fold it in half lengthwise again. (This will give you a quarter of the width from the original).

From this point, draw out any design you would like, but just make sure to have the image connected to the folded edge at least a couple of times to keep all sides connected. For a better look, please click the picture.

Once you’re happy with your drawing, begin cutting it out with a scalpel type knife and self healing mat.
Scissors and regular exacto knives are fine if you have large simple cuts to make, but if you would like more detail, I suggest getting a scalpel type for better control.

Take your time when cutting out your image, with small connecting sections, it’s easy to cut through them when rushing.
If you do happen to cut through the wrong line or the edge, see if you can alter the image a little or just keep working with it -sometimes mistakes end up great!

Now that it’s all cut out and cleared, open up your creation!

At this point, feel free to secure it to a dowel or bamboo pole and hang as a curtain, or use a ribbon to weave through the gaps like I did with my last kirigami post.

If you would like to create another pop-up creation like my pop-up butterflies, then follow the next steps:

Find a bright contrasting piece of paper, or card, book, box -or anything else you’d like to decorate.

Arrange your kirigami anywhere you like and play around with it. I took two corners and started to slowly twist them in opposite directions to see how the flowers would pop up and arrange themselves.

Secure one corner then twist and secure a few other points in the way that makes you happy.

Now that your pop-up is done, you can frame it in a box frame, hang it as pop-up wall art, or up on a ceiling with some of the flowers hanging down.