October 15, October 22, and October 29; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Papel Picado Workshop

With papal picador artist Margaret Sosa

Papel picado (perforated paper) is the Mexican art of paper cutting.  Using sharp chisels and a hammer, elaborate designs are cut into a stack of tissue paper creating decorative banners, which typically are used to decorate for festive events such as weddings and quinceañeras, and on altars.  Papel picado can also be made by folding the tissue paper and cutting with small, sharp scissors.

3 sessions Thursdays October 15, October 22, and October 29; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Workshop overview:  In this 3 day workshop, you will learn a brief history of papel picado; how to cut traditional papel picado on tissue paper using only scissors; how to design and draw a pattern which you will then cut using a more advanced technique which employs hammer, chisels and craft knife.

Session one: Brief history of papel picado.  Examples of paper cutting in other countries. Create papel picado using scissors. Begin to draw your own pattern in preparation for chisel work.

Session two: Complete drawings.  We will be using hammer, chisels, and craft knives to cut your original design or use provided pre-drawn patterns.  

Session three: complete projects or begin new ones.  How to string the paper.  Explore other types of paper and other uses for paper cutting such as making cards and flags.

Margaret Sosa has been creating papel picado for over 25 years.  She learned the art form from master paper cutter Olga Ponce Furginson in Los Angeles.  Margaret has received countless commissions for her work and her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums as far away as Glasgow, Scotland. She has taught papel picado to children and adults at various schools, museums, and galleries.  Margaret has a BA degree in studio art from Cal State L.A.  She lives in the Mt. Washington area of Los Angeles.

$60 for all three sessions (checks payable to “Avenue 50 Studio”)

All supplies will be provided.