Papercutting Workshops

Dena Levie has been teaching papercutting workshops since 2001. She has taught at many schools, bat mitzvah parties, and sisterhood events. This past year she has taught over 60 zoom workshops all over the country. The classes are fun, interactive and make people feel like they had a night out.

While the workshops are based on your needs, Dena often starts her class with a 5 minute slide show about the history of papercutting and how she got started. During this time she tells engaging stories about commissioned pieces she has made. She then give a “tour” of her beautiful art studio. After the short introduction Dena walks you through the basics of how to use the knife and then you are off to work! During the presentation she has two screens on at all times so that you can easily watch her hands. While you work Dena tells entertaining stories and participants love interacting with her and telling their own stories. The workshop generally lasts a little over an hour but Dena tries to stay until almost everyone is finished cutting and everyone leaves with their very own piece of art. She has gotten many beautiful emails from students who have said that this has opened up a whole new hobby for them. It is so relaxing, fun and creative.

Everyone could get their own supplies or if you would like, I can make complete packets and mail them to one location in your organization.

Click here for a list of supplies

Please contact me if you are interested in setting up a zoom or in-person Papercutting Workshop.

Past Workshops

Testimonials

“Dena Levie recently ran a zoom paper cutting class for members of Kesher in Englewood, NJ. The class was fun, interactive and engaging. Under Dena’s guidance everyone was able to make a beautiful “shalom” Jerusalem paper cut. We also got a tour of her studio and learned about paper cutting. A great time was had by all and I recommend taking a paper cutting class with Dena.”

– Rena Rubin Miller February 2021 Kehilat Kesher

Dena, I can’t thank you enough for facilitating such an amazingly warm and wonderful Zoom papercutting program for AMIT in honor of Tu B’shvat! Your class was perfect for any and every age and every skill level (even a beginner like me!). Your dynamic personality and patience created the perfect environment where participants felt comfortable to interact with you and other participants. You made a cold zoom class environment warm and homey. Most importantly, your skill and love of the craft made it such a fantastic experience. I received so much positive feedback from the participants and hope other budding artists get the opportunity to learn from you.

– Genene Kaye, Amit Children January 2021

A few weeks ago I saw a post about Dena Levie’s Papercutting Workshop and decided to do it with Seriously Souled Olami Seminary. Honestly, I have no words. The girls really enjoyed. They learned a new skill that the girls already said they want to continue. Dena was so inspiring. Besides being an incredible teacher, she kept the conversation flowing and showed some of her artwork and shared funny stories. She answered many questions about being a female artist and Jewish woman in art. All I can say was that it was a 10/10. I highly recommend reaching out if you have a group of people teens or above.

– Rivki Cherrick, Olami June 2020

What a wonderful class Dena Levie led for the JCC of the Lehigh Valley. Dena was so talented and interesting, as she shared her story of starting in the papercutting world, gave us a tour of her studio and shared many stories of her stunning projects. The group loved the presentation and it worked so well on zoom. She was so fun, and really engaging. Everyone had a wonderful time and I am super excited to papercut again!

– Beth Kushnick, Adult Program Coordinator, Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley

Dear Dena,

A huge thank you on behalf of Kehilat Pardes for leading an incredible paper cutting class!

We enjoyed learning about the history of papercutting, getting a tour of your studio, and all the ways you have evolved as an artist and use your gifts to inspire others.

You had such patience teaching us each step of the paper cutting process, always asking if we had questions, and making sure we understood what to do.

You are so personable and interactive and create such a warm, fun, and meaningful experience.

It was a beautiful way to welcome in the month of Nissan. We highly recommend this class!

Many thanks,
Dahlia Topolosky and the women of Kehilat Pardes,
The Rock Creek Synagogue

Thank you so much for the papercutting class you did for my synagogue. I really loved it. I took the class on a whim but I see it’s is going to be a new hobby for me. You have such a nice style and you were so inclusive of everyone. You were even able to help those who were a little slower feel included. Be well and stay warm.
– Bassie

Workshop Projects

Supplies Needed:

  1. Exacto knife with #11 blade (available at staples or amazon)
  2. Colored paper/construction paper for the back of the finished artwork
  3. Glue or glue stick to attach papercutting to the colored paper background
  4. Self healing mat or a piece of cardboard (back of a notebook) so that you don’t cut your table
  5. Design. I will email you the design before the class and each person who is taking the class should print it out.