To view a recording of the demonstration, click here

Debra Collins is a home town girl who has enjoyed living in the Hayward/Castro Valley area. She earned her college degrees from Chabot College and Cal State, East Bay where she majored in fine art. She taught high school art at James Logan High School specializing in drawing and digital media. After 36 years she retired to focus on her own art. In 2019 Debra won a commission from the Bay Ecotarium and Aquarium of the Bay to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the arrival of the world-famous sea lions at PIER 39 . In 2020 one of her papercuts was on display in the De Young Museum's Open show. She is currently a board member of the Sun Gallery, secretary of the Diablo/Alameda branch of the National League of American Pen Women, and board member the Guild of American Papercutters.

Demo Description

Improvised Paper Cutting
Come and enjoy an evening of improvised paper cutting. Let's take ordinary paper and cut something extraordinary! We'll follow Debra Collins' path from her childhood experiments of cutting snowflakes to one of her favorite, professional paper cutting strategies. All it takes is some simple tools, materials, and a willingness to let your imagination lead you.

Materials

• Scissors (the finer the blades the better)

• Craft knife (Xacto type with a #11 blade)

• Extra #11 blades

• Self-healing cutting mat (You can find reasonably priced ones at Diaso.)

• Compass

• Ruler

• A stack of copier paper and/or 8" origami paper

• White liquid glue