Halloween Paper Cuttings

Scherenschnitte artist Nancy Michalak of Cumberland, Maine often cuts idyllic scenes of small children cavorting in nature - for instance, this Fab Friday springtime sheep scene.
 

Four Witches Marching

With Halloween approaching, it's the perfect time to showcase some of the spookier images from her vast array of paper cuttings.

Winter Moon with Two Cats Watching

Nancy's designs have been widely exhibited throughout the United States, and are especially popular with visitors to Salem, Massachusetts, home of the unfortunate Salem Witch Trials that took place in 1692.

The Raven

In the New Jersey town where I grew up, we went trick or treating in the afternoon. Boo. Definitely not as eerie as being out after dark, but still, good memories abound.

Witches at the Cauldron

Nancy kindly sent me some of her greeting cards to see firsthand. Though the scenes are dark and scary at first glance, the lovely colors and small figures are a sweet nod to Halloween.

Can't you just imagine the pounding hearts of these little ones? But if there's candy being handed out on the other side of that gate, the anxiety will be worth it!

Don't Be Scared

Paper cut prints, greeting cards, and necklace pendants are available in the Nancy Michalak Etsy shop and at Fine Art America.