Inspiration for this Floral Tree of Life comes from the extensive collection of Polish paper cutouts (Wycinanki) at the Museum of International Folk Art. Pictured alongside the kit photos are two examples of Wycinanki from the museum's collection.
Wycinanki, is a form of folk art most known in the cultures of Poland, the Ukraine and Belarus. Like many of the folk arts, the art form evolved out of a functional practice. In the 19th century farm women hung sheep skins over their farmhouse window openings to keep out the elements. To let in light and air, the women used sheep shears to snip small openings in the skins. The openings evolved into more refined designs that were transferred to paper which allowed for more embellishment. Over time a new Polish craft tradition was created -- one that is now widely celebrated.
This flat pack, DIY Floral Tree of Life is made of plywood and unpainted. Enjoy it as is or paint your own version with a group of friends.
Instructions included, but please note, for best results, we recommend you remove the tree cut out and paint it before assembling it.
Approximate dimensions for the Floral Tree of Life: 10 3/4" high x 8" wide.
Pictured to the left are two examples of (Wycinanki) -- the source of inspiration for the Floral Tree of Life:
Stanislawa Bakula, Kadzilo, Ostroika, Poland, ca 1960, cut paper. Museum of International Folk Art, gift of the Girard Foundation Collection, Santa Fe. Photo by Blair Clark. ©Museum of International Folk Art