He was pierced for our transgressions.
Isaiah 53:5
How do people in Latin America decorate for a special occasion? One fun and affordable way to decorate for a holiday or a party is to use Papel Picado. What is Papel Picado? Its name literally means “pierced paper”. Detailed patterns are cut in the folded, colorful paper. The paper is then unfolded and hung over a string to create a festive banner for any celebration.
You will need:
- brightly colored Origami paper or tissue paper
- regular scissors
- patterned scissors (optional)
- pencil (optional – for drawing the pattern on the paper before cutting)
Note: the backside of this paper is white. This view is the front of the paper.
Begin with the back side of the paper up and then fold the paper in half by placing the left edge of the paper over the right edge.
Fold paper in half again from top to bottom.
Fold for a third time, from right to left (keeping the top left corner in its current position) to create a triangle. You’ll notice, as indicated by the arrows, that the left-hand edge never leaves the table as you make all of these folds.
Fold one last time in the same direction, right to left, making sure to line up all of the edges of the paper on the left.
This is what the paper should look like after the final fold (note it has a “tail”).
Along the single-folded right edge (opposite end of arrows in pictures) use a pencil to draw designs that will be cut out with scissors (good step for young children or if you desire a specific, detailed design) or skip the drawing and just start cutting). Be creative! Each design is unique.
Note: you can cut all the way through the tip of the triangle as part of your design, but once you start cutting along the 3 sides of the triangle, DO NOT cut all the way through to the other side/fold.
Unfold your Papel Picado and flatten. To create a banner, gather papers and cut a piece of yarn or twine the desired length. Tape upper edge of paper over string, and hang!
