In my post yesterday I shared a variety of crafting ideas found across the web. Today I’m introducing you to a project I made that is extremely inexpensive and works well for holiday decorations as well as gifts. It’s scherenschnitte.
No, I didn’t sneeze! Scherenschnitte (sharon-sh-knit-ta) is a German word for “scissor cutting.” As the art of cutting paper into intricate paper designs, scherenschnitte is an easy-to-learn and inexpensive craft. I think it’s perfect for holiday decorations and gifts.
Scherenschnitte Nativity
To create this nativity scene I simply used heavy parchment style paper and very small pointed scissors. Using the right scissors is important. Scherenschnitte scissors are very small and are very pointed. A small pair of embroidery scissors will do the trick if you already have them. You could also try a craft knife but make certain to change your blade often so the blade remains sharp or you’ll risk ripping the paper.
Heavy parchment type paper and tiny pointed scissors resulted in this three piece nativity.
Each section of the nativity was cut from a single sheet of paper using scherenschnitte scissors. Below is a close-up of the creche scene.
The creche scene could be used alone if you prefer.
A close-up of the angels shows the simplicity of this panel.
You could cut a whole host of angels if you like!
Other Scherenschnitte Ideas
In addition to a freestanding nativity scene, you could also create a scherenschinitte village, a family of snow-people, reindeer and sleigh, and whatever else you can dream up!
For a hostess gift several years ago I folded a piece of parchement and cut out a Christmas tree – complete with a star on top and ornament shapes cut out of the tree. I then cut an exact replica of the folded tree, unfolded both tree cut-outs and layed them flat on top of each other, and then I hand stitched them together on the fold lines using a sewing needle and ivory color thread. When the sewing was complete the result was a four sided Christmas tree to stand on a coffee table or end table. If you looked down at the tree the scherenscnitte panels formed the shape of an “X” and the stitching formed the trunk of the tree at the point where the legs of the X intersect.
For a simple yet fun scherenschnitte project to do while watching holiday shows on TV, cut out gorgeous snow flakes. Use the snowflakes on your tree or a garland, apply them to the front of homemade greeting cards or mount them on dark blue paper and frame them - instant blizzard on your wall!
Holiday Scherenschnitte Patterns
Although you can draw your own scherenschnitte pattern, use a picture from your child’s coloring book, or find inspiration in a magazine or greeting card, I created the nativity scene shown above after buying a book titled “Scherenschnitte: Holiday Collection” by Back Street. The book was published many years ago but I found copies of it just recently on Amazon.com. Use the affiliate link at the end of this post to click through to Amazon and search using keyword “scherenschnitte.”
This book contains the pattern for the nativity scene shown above.
As always, I’d love to see your creations so send me a photo to solutions@yourdecoratinghotline.com !
Today we’re also participating in a Holiday Home Tour at the Inspired Room website. She shares photos of her lovely home and the way she has embraced “going simple” this year. At the end there are links to lots of other folks who are sharing ideas about holiday home decorating…so go over and click through a few – it’s fun.
Remember! Enter to Win
Don’t forget to send a photo of one of your favorite tree ornaments (maybe it’ll be a new scherenschnitte decoration you create!) and you may win a 16″ X 16″ French burlap pillow slip (value $31) provided by Michelle at Petite Coterie, ETSY store.
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Wow. They’re really nice but I guess it’s not easy to make them.
Actually, it’s not hard at all to make. You just need to use small, sharp scissors and take your time. Give it a try – if you don’t like the results you’re only out a sheet of paper!
Cindy