Before cut paper, patterns should be first sketched on paper. In the past, moistened paper is stuck to the sample and smoked by coal oil light. When paper is dried, the pattern will appear. But such approach does not produce good effect, because black smoke can blur the pattern. Now artists use a chemical solvent. They paste it on a piece of white paper and put a painted piece of paper on it. They then place a piece of glass on the paper and put them under the sunshine. By this way, patterns are clearer.

 The Last Paper Cut Artist

Lin Bangdong, 77, still make dragon lantern paper cut every day, for he doesn't want to give up the work he has done for many years. Lin was born of a family of dragon lantern makers. His grandfather was a skilled craftsman making painted pictures, dragon boat lanterns and Buddha statues. At 13, Lin began to learn paper cut to make a living. Thanks to his intelligence and creativity, he not only carried forward traditions but also made innovations, thus developing his own distinctive style. Lin also depict modern life with traditional techniques. His artworks, all designed and carved by himself, are creative and vivid. Lin said, 'Doing paper cut does not make a fortune.' But he is very pleased that his son followed his craftsmanship.

Chen Yuhua began to learn thin line paper-cut at the age of 15 and is now the youngest thin line paper-cut artist. His father Chen Chaofen is a celebrated paper cut craftsmen. He can make the thinnest paper cuts, with each line clear cut  and well carved. One of his stunts is to carve 52 lines on a tiny space of only square inch. His works are known as masterpieces of miniature carving.

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