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Papel Cortado

skill level: easy
cost: under $5
 raft time: 5 minutes per sheet

You can see these colorful paper decorations decorating the streets at almost any Mexican Heritage celebration.  It is the technique of "punching paper" or papel picado.  Artists make beautiful intricate designs depicting birds, landscapes and so much more. This is a similar version--cut paper.  The idea is similar to making snowflakes.

tissue paper, cut into 6x8 (measurements do not need to be exact)

have on hand
scissors
string
tape

Fold tissue paper in half lengthwise.
Fold in half, lengthwise 3 to 5 more times.
Cut out shapes.  
NOTE:  don't cut off all the way to the other side; do not cut off all the edges.
Unfold.
Make several more.
Make a banner or decorations: Fold over the top 1/4 inch of the papel cortado over a long piece of string and tape closed.  Add more and hang.