Papel picado coasters DIY

Papel picado:{perforated paper}

..... is the art of paper cutting...

...similar to Chinese papercutting but it is a traditional Mexican folk art which originates from San Salvador Huixcollotta....

...it is usually associated with the Mexican festival "the day of the dead", El Dia de los Muertos, which the Hispanic community celebrate on the 31st of October to commemorate their dead...

Traditionally Papel picado was made using a chisel and hammer to punch holes in tissue paper, but in the 1960's the art form spread to America , then Europe....and scissors became the tool mostly used...

It has since had many reincarnations all over the world...for example in Norway, where children use this technique to cut paper snowflakes to decorate windows with at Christmas....

When I came across these lovely coasters, decorated with papel picado at www.stylemepretty.com the other day, I knew I had to make some!! They are just perfect for adding a splash of colour to your home, but also this is a great project to do with the kids...(maybe not the youngest ones...they need to be confident using scissors)....

 It really is very easy...

....Here's what I did:

You will need:

Cheap plain square tiles

Coloured tissue paper/crepe paper

scissors

masking tape

Mod podge or decoupatch glue

paint brush

sandpaper

glossy clear Varnish

...and a template...

...you can of course freestyle this, or make up your own template, but I used the free coaster papel picado templates from stylemepretty.com...find a link on their website under step 1 of the coaster DIY(....and while you are there have a look at all the other pretty papel picado ideas they have.....)

 

Start by cutting tissue paper into squares to fit your tiles...

Fold your template and your tissue squares in half (right down the middle of the pattern of your template), to make a parcel....

Don't have too many bits of tissue in one parcel, as it makes for difficult cutting...I suggest 5-6 sheets at the time....

 

...secure with a bit of masking tape....

....now you are ready to start cutting....

Keep folding the parcel over to cut out the pattern along the folds...

 

When you have finished cutting out the holes....

....unfold to reveal your lovely papel picado.....

 

Tip: Keep the cut out template for future use as a stencil....

 

Now you are ready to make your coasters....

Give your tiles a light sanding down , before painting on an even layer of decoupatch glue (or similar)....

First I glued a single square of tissue in a variation of colours on to my tiles...

....this will add to the variations you can get....

After covering this first layer of tissue with another even layer of decoupatch glue, I carefully placed the papel picado on top......

....then, using the brush I first gently tapped the tissue down, making sure not to disturb the cut out pattern ....

 Then I painted another even layer of decoupatch glue on top....

Leave to dry for at least 4 hours, preferably over night...

....then add a layer of varnish on top...

I used decoupatch sealing glossy varnish, but you car also use a clear spray varnish

Leave to dry....

I recommend for at least 24 hours

....before using your fabulous new coaters...

 I simply love the papel picado effect....

....and it is sooo easy!!

These would make great presents!

And children will love the vibrant colours and the achievement of making something beautiful and useful....all by themselves...

Thanks for looking...

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!!

xxx

June