There’s no denying that scissors are an office and craft essential. Without them modern life would be a lot more difficult.
But it turns out that scissors aren’t a modern convenience after all. In fact, the first known pair of scissors was discovered in ruins from ancient Mesopotamia and dates back to 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. However, these scissors didn’t look much like the pairs we are used to today.
We have the Romans to thank for the type of scissors we know and love. The first modern-looking pair of scissors (the kind with the pivot point between the two blades) dates back to 100 B.C.
Apparently the ancient world was just as much in need of a cutting tool as we are today. No one denies that scissors are useful, but did you know they can also be a lot of fun?
Check out these project ideas:
1. Create Your Own Cards For Every Occasion
Note: For these ideas you will need some craft paper, glue, and a pair of scissors. That’s it!
(For this first project you may also want to order some blank cards, but this is not necessary.)
Nothing says “I love you” or “I’m thinking of you” quite like a homemade gift, and the same is true of a card.
The first thing to do is to choose a theme. If the card is for a holiday, this may be obvious. If it is for a birthday, try to center the card around a favorite hobby or interest of theirs.
When making a homemade card, it is important to keep the person you are making it for in mind. Rather than choosing colors that work for you, try to envision what they would like.
Then letting the cutting begin! You may want to lightly draw your design in pencil first, but the basic idea is to cut out and layer shapes to create the overall look you are going for. You can also find tips for 3D card ideas here.
An Oldie But Goodie
This one is admittedly more seasonal, but who can resist the simple pleasure of making paper snowflakes?
There’s just something about opening up all those folds after you’ve made your cuts that brings back fun memories of childhood. And consider this:
If you make your snowflakes on gold or silver paper and add a little glitter, suddenly your craft project goes from child’s activity to classy decoration. Give it a try!
Making Paper Dolls
This is a great project to do as a gift for a niece or nephew or as a project for the whole family. We’ve probably all seen chains of paper dolls made in movie scenes. Luckily, they’re pretty easy to make in real life as well:
The trick is in the folding. Choose your color and then fold the paper neatly like an accordion. You want it to look like a fan. Next:
Trace the outline of a person on the top fold. Be sure the arms (and the arms only!) touch the edge of the paper.
After that, use your scissors to cut through all the folds at once, being careful to stay on the lines of your outline.
Voila! A chain of paper dolls that look like they are holding hands.
You can find more detailed instructions here.
A Great Pair Of Scissors Makes the Difference
These are just a few of the hundreds of projects available when you have the right pair of scissors. What makes a pair of scissors great?
● A comfortable grip
● Cutting edges that stay sharp
● A pivot point that stays tightly bolted and won’t start to wiggle
So grab your scissors and get started! A world of fun craft activities awaits!