This companion to the book Magic Windows - Ventanas mágicas contains directions for beginners wanting to learn how to create Mexican cut-paper art. Everything in the visual image must be connected in papel picado. Here is basic information about paper and scissors with suggestions for safely and productively holding the scissors, examples of projects (four cardinal points, stars, flowers, diamonds, leaves, tiles, the fan, the zigzag) and directions for hanging the papel picado art. Directions for advanced artists ready to use a craft-knife are included. Lomas Garza has used these directions and patterns in workshops she’s given for children and adults for more than twenty years. (Age 9 and older)

Following the hands-on format of Carmen Lomas Garza's highly successful papel picado workshops, this book shows, step by step, how to create beautiful designs and banners by simply folding and cutting tissue paper.

Following the hands-on format of Carmen Lomas Garza's highly successful papel picado workshops, this book shows, step by step, how to create beautiful designs and banners by simply folding and cutting tissue paper.

Projects you will learn to make include: the Four Cardinal Points, a design reminiscent of the four points of a compass; Tiles, echoing the colorful hand-painted tiles that decorate many Mexican buildings; and The Fan, one of Carmen's favorite designs, featuring leaves, hummingbirds, and flowers. For more advanced students there is a section on using a craft knife safely, and a sample Sunburst project to create.