When you were little, did you ever make paper snowflakes in art class? Well, papel picado is kind of like that, only much more elaborate. Originating in Mexico, the folk art involves making cuts in colored tissue paper and then stringing the designs into banners. It sounds simple, but the results are gloriously elaborate. Yreina Flores Ortiz, who owns the Etsy shop Ay Mujer, has put a modern take on her culture’s tradition by making banners you’ll want to keep up long past Cinco de Mayo. She makes everything from Bella + Edward banners for you Twilight fans to “Mi Casa Es Su Casa” slogan cut-outs that help express yourself via paper. Though her banners aren’t meant to last forever, Yriena seeks to rethink the concept of temporary art—when the papel picado goes up, they bring a kind of party magic to the proceedings. Don’t see a design you like on the Etsy store? Yriena takes custom orders, too. Check out the Ay Mujer shop here.
Images courtesy of Aymujer on Etsy
