papercuts

Papercuts can refer to two distinct meanings. The term commonly denotes minor injuries caused by paper or card, usually on the hands or fingers. It can also describe the craft of papercutting, a decorative technique in which shapes are cut from paper to create silhouettes or intricate designs. The two senses are unrelated in method but share a focus on the medium of paper.

Injuries, or papercuts, occur when a sharp edge or corner of paper abrades the skin. They are typically small and painful, with brief bleeding and a risk of irritation or infection if not kept clean. First aid involves washing the area with soap and water, applying gentle pressure to stop bleeding, and covering with a clean bandage. Keep the wound clean and dry; seek medical care for deep cuts, persistent bleeding, signs of infection, or if a tetanus vaccination is not up to date.

Papercutting as an art form involves cutting shapes from one or more sheets of paper to create decorative designs. Tools range from scissors and knives to laser cutters, and works may be single-sheet or layered to form complex images and negative space. The medium has diverse regional traditions, including Chinese jianzhi, German scherenschnitt, Polish wycinanki, and Japanese kirie, among others. Papercuts are used for festive decorations, illustrations, portraits, and contemporary artwork.

Historically, papercutting has appeared in many cultures, often linked to celebrations, rites, and lullabies in everyday life. In modern practice, artists explore both traditional motifs and contemporary minimalism, expanding the medium through new technologies and interdisciplinary approaches.