Paper Cuttings by Ali Harrison

A friend sent me the link to Ali Harrison's frameable paper cuttings as she thought they were especially nice. I agreed the moment I visited the Toronto-based artist's Light and Paper shop... I mean, who doesn't want to Up the Happy?!

up-the-happy-paper-cutting

Many of Ali's designs are lighthearted and she often uses brightly colored paper to enhance the fun vibe.

mermaid's-tail-paper-cutting
Mermaid's Tail

Ali  began creating paper cuttings and hanging lights as decorations for her apartment and as gifts for friends and family... they were met with such a positive response, she soon opened an Etsy shop.

I wrote to Ali to ask a few questions:

Have you always enjoyed being artistic?

I have always liked being creative and I really like working with my hands. I never considered myself artistic in a traditional sense while I was growing up, but now creating art is my favourite thing to do. 

cut-paper-girl

Did you have any formal art training or are you self-taught?

I have no formal training in paper craft or any art - 100% self/internet taught!

amsterdam-houses-paper-cutting
Amsterdam Houses

Have you dabbled in other paper arts?

I have experimented with different methods, but they mostly centre around the papercut pieces that I produce. 

Dutch-Bike-Paper-Cutting
 Dutch Bicycle

I noticed several of your pieces have to do with Amsterdam... is it a special place for you?

Yes! My family is Dutch, and Amsterdam is my favourite city in the world.

fly-home-paper-cutting

I read that the lace-like lamps you make are actually upcycled metal vases, but at first glance I thought they must be laser cut paper. Have you ever thought of using paper to make lamps? Not such intricate designs as this one if you don't have access to a laser cutter, but I bet you could create some really pretty shades.

cut-metal-lamp

I have thought about it and am planning to experiment with this in the future, but I'm a bit nervous about starting a fire! 

Perhaps CFL or LED bulbs would be fine, but either way - metal or paper - the shadows cast are lovely!


floral-paper-cutting-up-the-happy

 Ali Harrison's Light and Paper website/blog and Etsy shop.
Ann Martin
Ann Martin

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Comments

  1. so pretty. love the mermaid tail.

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  2. Knowing that I don't have the patience for it make this skill all the more admirable - lovely work Ali

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  3. Ali, your work is amazing! So beautiful and inspiring.

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  4. Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing, Ann!

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  5. The mermaid's tail is gorgeous!

    This post makes me want to get my exacto knife and start crafting.

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  6. Do you sell the mermaids tail?

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  7. Unknown, yes, Ali does! Click on the link to her Etsy shop and you will find it listed for sale there.

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