Alex Hoben
reporter

 An event for Hispanic Heritage Month on South Campus brought together the history as well as the fun of papel picado, a traditional paper art.

Student development associate Sarah Ezrow prepared materials on a table at the front of an empty conference room Sept. 28. After about 10-15 minutes, she showed a new simple craft that has a significant cultural meaning.

Ezrow, as part of a continuing series called “Get Crafty with Sarah,” gave a brief summary of papel picados. She said these banners are used at Hispanic events, whether it’s Mexican Independence Day, Día de Muertos or even quinceañeras.

“The type of cutting depends on the event — flowers for spring, sugar skulls for the Day of the Dead,” she said.

Ezrow showed the group how to cut a simple traditional papel picado design based on a template she provided. First, she showed how to attach the template to the piece of paper and then cut it along the guidelines using scissors. The students used colors of green, pink, black and yellow for their banners, and Ezrow made sure to highlight how much freedom they had with this project.

“The best part about this craft is that you don’t have to do everything on the template,” she said. “You can do whatever you want.”

South student Emily Torres, one of the participants, said she felt culturally appreciated when she saw the event. Torres is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and was at the TCC Hispanic Kickoff event earlier this month. She mentioned how both of her parents are from Mexico, and she felt at home doing these activities.

“I feel nostalgic and emotional and it brings me back to my childhood,” she said while cutting her template. “I was excited.” 

NE student Kamal Walia said this was a good place to start and she would be going home to find more templates and examples on Pinterest later.

“Cultures kind of mixing with crafts is a great thing,” said South student Cylla Neuwirth.