Papel Picado

Hey guys! Are you familiar with papel picado?

Maybe you've seen them as decorations at the taco place in your neighborhood? Or maybe on a recent vacation to Mexico?

Papel picado are these colorful buntings made from gift tissue. What makes them special are the cut by hand designs that have a lace-like quality to them.

Whenever I see them, I always stop in admiration.

I don't think I'm the only fan. I've noticed it applied in many different ways:

Instead of plain boxes, papel picado-inspired graphics were used as packaging.

via JP Stationery

What about these dainty wedding invitations?!

via Sweet Treets Bakery

And edible papel picado banners that dress up this cake!

As a Valentine project, I think I'll attempt to make my own. Here goes:

This is a piece of red card stock which I had readily available.

There are templates available on-line or we can draw the designs freehand. I'm using these stencils I found in my craft stash (I bought them many years ago at the Target Dollar Spot). 

With a pencil, I traced shapes and letters all over the paper.

Here is the design I came up with.

With a pair of scissors or a craft knife and self-healing mat, hallow out the insides of the shapes and letters.

It's a tedious process so I recommend to use simple shapes that aren't too skinny or complicated to cut.

Progress...after about two hours of cutting.

Here is my version of papel picado...TADA!

I can use it as a Valentine card or as a cake topper...TADA!

Have you ever tried making papel picado?