Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial Book

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INTRO DUCTION “There are bunch of new things to engage with yet old fads seems to regain fame.”

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istory is all in the past, but having remains make it all last. This book caters not only a unique craft but also a jeweled tradition that should not perish. Anatomy of Paper Severing gives you a glimpse of San Miguel Bulacan’s very own decorative pastillas wrapper making. Presenting you an array of designs, from simple to symmetrical, this compilation hands you a packaged experience of knowledge, techniques and skills to a new world of craftsmanship, in an old Filipino way. San Miguel’s Decorative Pastillas Wrapper, a native packaging that exhibits intricate paper cutting packaging, has become a folk art and a culture in Bulacan. A folk art originated among the townsfolk reflecting their traditional culture. A culture that is now relapsing due to factors like decreasing number of Bulakeños, usually old folks, who knows how to make the decorative wrapper. Anatomy of Paper Severing gives you a hands-on experience on the basic steps in making the decorative pastillas wrapper. This book will guide you in every step you’ll make in creating your own piece of tradition. Also, it will give you a quick look on the history, the craft’s present stand, features on decorative pastillas wrapper artists, its kinds, its uses and a magnitude of knowledge about the craft. There are bunch of new things to engage with yet old fads seems to regain fame. It is not the end for San Miguel’s Decorative Pastillas Wrapper, this starts of a series of new beginnings. Take a peep. Take a step forward. Take a wonderful share of a craft and its zigzag road from past through the future.

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"Binayaran na ’ko, binigyan pa ko." Nanay Luz Ocampo received a framed picture of the personalized collection of Decorative Pastillas Wrapper from Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, which she made for the known Chairman and CEO of Ayala Corporation.


Living with her only daughter, Inang Wika St., Caniogan, City of Malolos is were the most popular Decorative Patillas Wrapper and Hand-carved Dayap Maker, Nanay Luz, presently resides.

Acknowledgement “Anatomy of Paper Severing has magnified my struggles and success on my 4 years as a Fine Arts student.”

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reating this book is a big challenge for me. And I’m glad that I have gone finishing this rim even if this is only made for my thesis completion. Anatomy of Paper Severing has magnified my struggles and success on my 4 years as a Fine Arts student. And this book won’t be made possible if not for the people who guided and supported me in the midst of making this compilation. I express my deepest gratitude to Liezel Marie Abrina, for helping me in writing the articles inside this book. Ate Evelyn Alera for acting like a tourist guide in San MIguel, Bulacan, thank you for helping me finish a hundred of survey forms and interview the few Pastillas wrapper artist, thanks a lot. And also I would like to thank Ashley Bercasio for taking photos and videos during survey and interview and for accompanying me in my trip in San Miguel. Also, big thanks to my ever supportive parents for giving expenses and budget for this book. I’d also like to thank my instructors, advisers, friends, Pacesetter and to God who never let me surrender through the challenges that I came across. This book is for all of you.

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04 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book


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ory t s i H stillas A a : P s n g r n i e t ecora k Patt c D a f B o r g h Yea Tracin aking T \ M 9 r 8 7 e r 0 p e Wrap : On H s s o a l n p l i g t i m s s a er De ve Pa i uz Oc p t L p a \ r a r o 3 1 f Dec illas W o t s s a e r P ocedu r ety of i P r a p V e igners t s S e 19\ y D b p stillas a e: Ste P g r d e E tting ng oth i u C w o \ n 29 ight: K L t o p S apper r d the n W i h s e a Pastill 37\ B e v i t ecora D f o Uses

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Teresita Ramos, a skilled Pastillas Wraper Artist from San Vicente, San Miguel, Bulacan. Her home welcomes pastillas wrapper enthusiasts for orders and personalized works.

Tracing

Back

Patterns: History Beyond Time H

undreds of years back a significant craft has dated its birth and has now given rise to diverse forms in cultures around the world. Paper cutting. Papercutting is an ancient craft of making design out of paper using small scissors or a knife. These designs can be symmetrical or not, most of the time decorative and sometimes even functional. Paper cutting has began ever since the invention of paper. Invented by Cai Lun during the Sung Dynasty in China, it is known here as “Jian Zhi� and was traditionally used to transfer patterns, adorns walls and windows, and decorate patterns. It was practiced by rich families, often brides prepared them as part of their dowry. The Chinese also used it for religious decorations and as patterns for embroidery. Their designs range from very simple, flat one layer designs to extremely intricate folded, multi-layered creations. Large Paper Cuttings were used as decoration for sedan chairs, boxes, chests, and saucers that were burned at funerals. The patterns for Chinese Paper Cutting were mostly taken from Chinese mythology. Silk paper (a very thin paper) and parchment are generally used for this art. Chinese paper cuts are often cut from red paper; common motifs include flowers and animals.

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"Paper cutting has began ever since the invention of paper."

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Tracing Back Patterns: History Beyond Time

“This not only magnifies creativity of people from the past but also the history that has been carried with it.”

In

Soon after it has started in China, paper cutting also start in different parts of the globe.

Japan, paper cutting is known as kirigami. A cousin of the widely known craft of origami (the art of paper folding). Kirigami combines both folding and cutting. In ancient times, it was used to cut the symbols of great Samurai families. Paper cut stencils were used to transfer these symbols to people’s clothing and property. In Germany and Switzerland, paper cutting is “Scherenschnitte”. Practiced by many people as early as 1500s, it is usually sym-

jian zhi, a traditional decorative patterns used to adorns walls and windows

*01/jian zhi*02/wycinanki*03/sanjhi*04/silhouettesi*05/ketubah*06/paper picado*07/kirigami*08/ Tov ben Yitzhak ben Ardiel

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“Different uses, different forms yet the art of paper cutting has surpassed the deals of time. It has evolved from its original form to a new and modernized designs.”

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Tracing Back Patterns: History Beyond Time

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metrical in design and cut from folded paper. Scherenschnitte is often cut with a scissor. It depicts local stories, landscapes and silhouttes of people. The Pennsylvania Dutch brought Scherenschnitte to America in the 1700s. Many of the Pennsylvania Dutch papercuts contained love messages and marriage commemorations. Immigrants from Europe has brought with them the distinct paper cutting tradition to the the United States. Traditional

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US paper cuts may depict homestead scenes or images associated with holidays. Paper cuts are particularly favored on Valentine’s Day, when people often send frilly heart-shaped cards to their loved ones. Also in America, “Papel Picado” is a known Mexican Paper Cutting that uses many layers of tissue paper with designs transfered through punching using a special tool called “fierritos”. These colorful and delicate papel picado are hung as banners across doorways and windows.

Wycinanki” is paper cutting in Poland. It was first practiced by sheperds who cut out images from trees and bark and in later years transitioned to paper. These Polish Crafts dated from early mid 19th century and was used as home decoration and window covering. It is traditional in some areas of the country to make them very colorful with peacocks, roosters and star-shaped medallions. Other parts of the country used only one color. They are punched out and cut out, and often use multiple layers. As the traditional designed were passed down they gradually became more intricate. Paper Cutting reached its high point between the 1840’s and the beginning of World War I. Ornaments, borders, and colorful pieces for collages were made with sheep shearing shears. Even today most Polish Paper Cutting is still made with rough sheep shears and is made mainly as wall decorations for the house. They were mostly in the shape of a wheel or square, and roosters and hens, which are some common motifs. In Poland eggs are also deco-

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Tracing Back Patterns: History Beyond Time

The

rated with Paper Cutting.

English form of papercutting is the making of silhouettes. The first silhouette in Germany was made around 1631. From early times, the shadow of loved ones was preserved. It reflects the desire to capture the likeness of people by the use of simple paper cutting. In Germany, cutting portraits became a very popular fashion, but remained among the upper classes. During the Middle Ages, silhouettes were all the rage, and it was a way for families to record images until photography was invented. This, of course, is where we get the old-fashioned Valentines adorned with silhouettes. Today, the best known center of design for papercutting in the U.S. is Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. In India, “Sanjhi” is the art of paper cutting. The cut paper is usually placed on the floor and colored are filled in to make “Ringoli”. Also in Israel, Jewish paper cutting has risen through the breakthrough by Rabbi Shem-Tov ben Yitzhak ben Nanay Teresita offers Pastillas Wrapper for different uses, for different occasions.

A varnished pattern made for manifold tracing.

“In the Philippines, paper cutting has been utilized by number of Filipino crafts.”

itas”, the elaborate and plain-cut paper streamers strung on a cord and suspended over the streets during “fiestas”. Also, paper cutting is into the art of making “pabalat” or sweets wrappers. These are rolls of colored paper wrappers with long elaborately cut paper tails that are used to sheathe “pastillas de leche” or milk pastilles. Different uses, different forms yet the art of paper cutting has surpassed the deals of time. It has evolved from its original form to a new and modernized designs.

Ardiel when he found his ink had frozen, continued to write the manuscript by cutting the letters into the paper. These paper cuts were also used traditionally to enhance “ketubahs”- marraige contracts, and other artworks hung in Jewish homes. It is often symmetrical with traditional Jewish symbols.

In

the Philippines, paper cutting has been utilized by number of Filipino crafts. In the traditional star-shaped lantern (“Parol”), usually assocaited Christmas in the country, colored paper is cut into various decorative forms to creat trimmings and tails of the lantern. Paper cutting is also involved in the creation of “bander-

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12 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book


Age doesn’t make any difference. More than 70 years of craft-making, 89-year-old Nanay Luz Ocampo still manages to make a Pastillas Wrapper for 20 minutes without eye glasses on. Accepting bulk orders and travelling to different provinces in the Philippines is still her line of work.

“At her age, she can still make pastillas wrapper without eye glasses on.”

Luz Ocampo: Defining Years with Pabalat Making

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14 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book


Luz Ocampo: Defining Years with Pabalat Making

balat is now dying. Only a few people, usually old inhabitants of San Miguel, mastered the craft. One of the few is the famous, Nanay Luz Ocampo. Nanay Luz Mendoza Ocampo was born on August 6, 1922 in San Miguel, Bulacan. Married to Oscar Sison Ocampo who is also from San Miguel. This is contrary to the rumors saying that Nanay Luz is married to a Maloleño. Her family originally lives in San Vicente, San Miguel which is now resided by his eldest son, Jorge. She has been credited to live in Malolos only from the year 1993 because someone has to watch over her grandchildren to her only daughter, Ma. Natividad.

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She

is not a Maloleño, she is a pureblood from San Miguel who currently lives in the City of Malolos.

-year-old Nanay Luz learned the skills of pabalat making in her 5th grade. Also, the craft is present in her family’s bloodline. Her grandmother makes sweets during her time and also makes the decorative pastillas wrapper. From there she discovered the art of paper cutting- the kind that requires delicate designing and precise craftsmanship. “Natigil lang ako sa paggawa n’ong dumating ang mga Hapon,” Nanay Luz said. But then right after the war, she says, it has been the start of her true pastillas wrapper journey.

“Natigil lang ako sa paggawa n’ong dumating ang mga Hapon,” Nanay Luz said. But then right after the war, she says, it has been the start of her true pastillas wrapper journey. Already considered a National Treasure by her hometown, this Gawad Manlilikha Awardee is among the last living pabalat or pastillas wrapper-cutter of her generation.

San Miguel, Bulacan is not just a home for famous personalities in the history like Nicanor Abelardo (The Father of Philippine Sonata), and the historical places like Biak-na-Bato but also of its sweets especially pastillas de leche (soft and sweet confection of fresh carabaos milk and sugar). In fact, San Miguel is originally named San Miguel de Mayumo (“mayumo” means “matamis” in Kapampangan). Also, pastillas de leche is not only

“A woman of her time that will surely amaze people with her art.” known for its distinct taste but also for its uniquely made wrapper, also known as the “pabalat”. Though considered a folk art that should be bought from generation to generation, the art of making pa-

A home for Luz Ocampo. A house in Inang Wika, Malolos. 15 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book

16 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book


Luz Ocampo: Defining Years with Pabalat Making

She

conducts demos and seminars to universities in Manila like University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and University of Sto. Tomas. Nanay Luz is also commonly invited by the Department of Tourism to showcase her skills to foreigners. She has also been invited for demos in Cebu and Ilocos. mong the seminars she has attended are the following: • Bulacan Pastillas Wrapper Making (April 2011) in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur • Delphic Games Workshop Management- Bulacan Pastillas Wrapper Making (May 2006) in Baguio City • Heroes’ Feast - The Art of Pastillas Wrapper Cuttings (Exhibits) June 2002 Dusit Hotel Nikko • Bulacan Food Festival (July 28, 2001) in Cebu City • Dayaw Festival ( Phil. Cultural Communities Arts Festival) Dec 3-9, 2000 in Manila

starts cutting early in the morning and oftentimes stop working at 4 in the afternoon.

• Gawad Pagkilala – Palihan ng Sining at Paglikha (September 13, 2000)

Because of her fame, Nanay Luz’s customers have range from commoners, designers, establishments, government offices to famous personalities. She has made pabalat for SM Marilao and Baliuag. She is also the creator of the bantings during the Singkaban Fiesta 2010 located the vicinity of the Provincial Capitol. Nanay Luz is also often visited by designer from Manila, contracting her to make the wrapper. Above all this, Nanay Luz has made 300 personalized decorative pastillas wrapper for the known Chairman and CEO of the Ayala Corporation, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala. Nanay Luz also received various awards and recognitions from different government offices and organizations. • Bayani at Bituin ng Malolos – (Sinaunang Sining –Borlas de Pastillas) Fiesta Republica, City of Malolos (January 23, 2012) • Gawad CCP - Manlilikha: Artisans of Philippine Traditional Crafts (June 2005)

woman of her time that will surely amaze people with her art. Nanay Luz Ocampo depicts a picture of long lost tradition and values that people, especially Bulakenyos, should carry with their lives. The art of making pabalat is a Bulacan folk art that should not die. Having people like Nanay Luz rings an alarm for upbringing, a chance of giving rise to something on the verge of extinction.

A

In a world growing increasingly impatient, the art of making decorative pastillas wrapper is fast fading. Let the people like Nanay Luz and other pastillas wrapper artists set as an inspiration for a handful of third and fourth generation of artists to carry on and reinvent the art of pabalat into a popular art once more.

• The Fine Art of Pastillas wrappers(workshop) May 25, 1996 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila

“Let the people like Nanay Luz and other pastillas wrapper artists set as an inspiration for a handful of third and fourth generation of artists to carry on and reinvent the art of pabalat into a popular art once more.” Today, Nanay Luz already has 25 patented patterns that are commonly inspired from various shapes of flowers, leaves and other subject of her surroundings. At her age, she can still make the pastillas wrapper without eye glasses on. She manages to complete a pastillas wrapper for 20 minutes. Nanay Luz does the craft mainly as a past-time. She

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18 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book


Variety of Borlas de pastillas Borlas De Pastillas is another local term for Decorative Pastillas wrapper in Malolos

You

have geared yourself with the knowledge on the basic techniques and materials on making the Decorative Pastillas Wrapper; next thing you should understand is the kind of techniques a wrapper is made. On this part, you will be supported with the vital understanding in starting your own decorative wrapper. Guided with the principles of the kinds of Decorative Pastillas Wrapper, you’ll surely make a fantastic work of art.

1.Symmetrical 2.Asymmetrical

Symmetry means a mirror image -- one side is the mirror image of the other. Symmetry in Pastillas Wrapper can occur in any orientation as long as the pattern is the same on either side of the central axis. The most common used type of symmetry in Pastillas Wrapper is the Reflection Symmetry. Reflection symmetry is also known as bilateral symmetry. It is the "mirror" effect, or when one object is reflected across a plane to create another instance of itself. Also, we only use Vertical Symmetry in this decorative wrapper. Each vertical half (excluding text) of the papel de japon is a near mirror image of the other. This symmetrically balanced layout is very formal in appearance. Elements: a. Leaves- can either be the following: • Entire- having a smooth edge with neither teeth nor lobes. • Lobed- having deeply indented margins. b. Floral Design c. Curls d. Lines

Asymmetrical decorative design is typically off-center or created with an odd or mismatched number of disparate elements. However, you can still have an interesting design without perfect symmetry. This is a near symmetry based on symmetry but the two halves are not exactly the same. Slight variations will probably not change the balance but there is more potential for variety and hence more interest. Uneven elements present us with more possibilities for arranging the page and creating interesting designs than perfectly symmetrical objects. Asymmetrical layouts are generally more dynamic and by intentionally ignoring balance the designer can create tension, express movement, or convey a mood such as anger, excitement, joy, or casual amusement. Examples of Asymmetrical Design: a. Lettering of Names (Place and Person) b. Shapes (Animals and Man) c. Sceneries

Decorative Pastillas Wrapper designs by Luz Ocampo 19 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book

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Variety of Borlas De Pastillas

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21 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book

floral DESIGNS


Variety of Borlas De Pastillas

typography

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23 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book

ABSTRACT DESIGNS


Variety of Borlas De Pastillas

human imageS

Variety of Borlas De Pastillas

“Often inspired by nature, events and people, pastillas wrappers are now of use in wedding celebrations as souvenir items, centerpieces and decorations.�

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25 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book

sliceof life


Variety of Borlas De Pastillas

BIRDS DESIGNS

LEAVES patternS

seasonal DESIGNS 27 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book

FRUITS DESIGNS 28 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book


CUTTING EDGE: STEPBYSTEP PROCEDURES OF DECORATIVE PASTILLAS WRAPPER MAKING 29 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book

Materials Needed: • Papel de Japon (29 t” x 20”) • Paper Cutter or Knife • Pattern • 2” x 10” White Construction Paper • Pen • Pencil • Cuticle Scissors • Pin or tip of metal paper clip • Single-hole Puncher (optional) • Stapler (optional)

Procedures: 1. Using a pen and the construction paper, make a pattern you prefer. You can refer to the designs included in this book. (When making the pattern, leave 3 inches allowance on top for the pastillas.) Set aside. 2. Divide the papel de japon lengthwise then crosswise into four (4) equal quadrants of 14 5/8” x 10” with a cutter or knife. 3. Fold each quadrant in two, two times along its width. The quadrants is now folded into eight (8) linked segment of about 1 7/8” x 10”. 4. Insert the pattern inbetween the two (2) top segments or layers. Trace the pattern onto the top segment or layer with a pencil. 5. Remove the pattern. If desired, staple the eight (8) segments together on two points along the open edge to hold them in place (optional). Make sure that the staples are located in areas that will be cut out later. 6. Prick the parts of the traced pattern to be cut using a pin through all eight (8) segments or layer. The puncture tag areas will be cutout and will provide entry points for the cuticle/embroidery scissors. If you include small circles in the pattern, you can use the single-hole puncher. 7. Using an cuticle/embroidery scissors, cut out the pricked parts of the traced patten through all eight (8) segments, along the pencil marks while saving the portions with staples for last. 8. Open the quadrant and cut along the width after every two segments. Each quadrants will yield four (4) wrappers with two (2) ornamental cascades each. 9. Before attachig the pastillas wrapper, make sure that the pastillas is wrapped in wax paper.

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3 Using a pen and the construction paper, make a pattern you prefer. You can refer to the designs included in this book. (When making the pattern, leave 3 inches allowance on top for the pastillas.) Set aside.

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4 Fold each quadrant in two, two times along its width. The quadrants is now folded into eight (8) linked segment of about 1 7/8” x 10”.

Divide the papel de japon lengthwise then crosswise into four (4) equal quadrants of 14 5/8” x 10” with a cutter or knife.

*This step is for a whole non-folded Papel de Japon. You can buy a ready-folded which is in bond paper size already. In case you have the folded Papel de Japon, procede to step 3

Insert the pattern inbetween the two (2) top segments or layers.

MATERIALS• 01\Papel de Japon• 02\Paper Cutter or Knife• 03\Pattern•04\White Construction Paper• 05\Pen• 06\Pencil• 07\Cuticle Scissors•08\Pin or tip of metal paper clip • 09\Single-hole Puncher (optional)•10\Stapler (optional) 10

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5 Trace the pattern onto the top segment or layer with a pencil.

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If desired, staple the eight (8) segments together on two points along the open edge to hold them in place. Make sure that the staples are located in areas that will be cut out later.(optional)

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Remove the pattern.

Prick the parts of the traced pattern to be cut using a pin or tip of paperclip through all eight (8) segments or layer. The puncture tag areas will be cutout and will provide entry points for the cuticle scissors. If you include small circles in the pattern, you can use the single-hole puncher.

MATERIALS• 01\Papel de Japon• 02\Paper Cutter or Knife• 03\Pattern•04\White Construction Paper• 05\Pen• 06\Pencil• 07\Cuticle Scissors•08\Pin or tip of metal paper clip • 09\Single-hole Puncher (optional)•10\Stapler (optional) 10

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Using an embroidery/cuticle scissors, cut out the pricked parts of the traced patten through all eight (8) segments, along the pencil marks while saving the portions with staples for last.

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You can now wrapped it to the pastillas de leche.

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Before attachig the pastillas wrapper, make sure that the pastillas is wrapped in wax paper.

Open the quadrant and cut along the width after every two segments. Each quadrants will yield four (4) wrappers with two (2) ornamental cascades each.

MATERIALS• 01\Papel de Japon• 02\Paper Cutter or Knife• 03\Pattern•04\White Construction Paper• 05\Pen• 06\Pencil• 07\Cuticle Scissors•08\Pin or tip of metal paper clip • 09\Single-hole Puncher (optional)•10\Stapler (optional) 10

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Portrait of Nanay Tessie Ramos looking to her pastillas wrapper pattern.

T Behind the Behind the SpotLight: SpotLight: Knowing Knowing other other Pastillas Pastillas Wrapper Wrapper Designer Designer “Noon pang 60’s ay marami na talagang may ganoong trabaho sa San Miguel. Iyon ang kasagsagan ng paggawa ng pastillas wrapper. Sikat na sikat noon ang pastillas wrapper o ‘yong special pabalat,” said Teresita Ramos.

37 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book

here are other fish in the ocean. And in the field of making pastillas wrapper, aside from Nanay Luz Ocampo, there are other unknown artists that should be credited for the craft’s existence. San Miguel bears the heart of pastillas making and its unique wrapper, also in this land remains some of the old folks that still carry the skills and values of making the traditional pabalat. “Noon pang 60’s ay marami na talagang may gan’ong trabaho sa San Miguel. Iyon ang kasagsagan ng paggawa ng pastillas wrapper. Sikat na sikat noon ang pastillas wrapper o ‘yong special pabalat,” said Teresita Ramos, a pabalat artist of San Miguel. This pastillas wrapper artist is a resident of San Vicente, San Miguel. Since her marriage with Benny Ramos (who happened to be in a family of pastillas wrapper makers), Aling Tessie has started making pabalat. When Mang Benny passed away, Aling Tessie continued receiving orders from restaurants and tourists. She made wrappers from the patterns designed by her late husband. For over 30 years, Aling Tessie has developed her own patterns which have amounted to 50 different designs inspired by birds, fruits, trees and leaves that she sees around town. She also has patterns for names of persons and places. Aling Tessie uses thin, delicate and multi-colored papel de japon, cuticle scissors, pins, Styrofoam, pencil and pattern. The thin papel de japon, she says, must be folded carefully and pressed in between pages of books, telephone directory of magazine. Though this type of paper is hard to work with, the Japanese paper looks better because of its lace-like quality. “Ako ang nag-iisip ng mga pattern kong gagamitin. Minsan ‘yong mga customer, sila ‘yong nagsasabi kung anong style ‘yong gusto nila. Tapos i-e-enhance namin,” Aling Tessie said. She also adds up her current inspirations for her designs like religion, nature, man and architecture. Up to date, Aling Tessie still continues to make pabalat whenever there are orders. Clients are often from Bulacan, as well as the Department of Tourism, and first class restaurants. Also, she usually receives orders for wedding, fiestas and baptismal, all serving as souvenirs. .She usually makes 100 pieces in a day and sells it for 350php to clients. Today, she is being helped by her son and niece. “My children all know how to make wrappers. But they have their families now. My two granddaughters, Christine Marie and Marie Therese are skillful, too. But they now live with their parents in Canada so I don’t know who will continue this craft,” Aling Tessie added. The art of making pabalat is indeed in need of revival, through people like Aling Tessie, who are optimistic on saving the craft, the art will still remains. “Sayang at ngayon wala ng masyadong nakakaalam ng ganito [making pabalat]. Kung pwede nga sanang gawin ‘tong bahagi ng HE (Home Economics) sa mga eskwelahan o kaya naman magkaroon dito sa ‘min ng competitions for the pabalat. Also seminars, kasi mas magiging aware ang tao if there are seminars on how to make this wrappers.” 38 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book


Uses of Decorative Pastillas Wrapper

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side from its original use, pastillas wrapper has evolved not only from its designs but also to its use. Because of its functionality plus the creativity of its makers, its use has been maximized for years. Listed below are the early and modern day uses of the decorative pastillas wrapper.

About the Author

1. Pabalat (Sweets Wrapper) – rolls of

colored paper wrappers (papel de japon) with long elaborately cut paper tails are used to sheathe pastillas de leche (milk pastilles).

B

2. Banderitas (Bantings) - feature promi-

nently in fiesta décor. These are elaborate or plaincut paper streamers strung on cords and suspended over streets.

3. Gift Wrapper – ornamental wrapping for gifts. 4. Home Decoration - adornment of the interior of a house. This is usually hanging decorations. 5. Center Piece - arranged hanging to 2-level or 3-level lazy susan and placed in the middle of the table serving as the highlight. 02

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37 Anatomy of Paper Severing Tutorial book

orn in Cavite yet a pure Bulakenyo, Renz Marrione Bautsita is a personification of youth with a heart for art. Bautista is a Fine Arts major in Advertising student of Bulacan State University who has exemplified his skills in different fields. He has topped visual arts competitions like the 4th Cocolife Colors of Life Student Visual Arts Competition – Runner up (College category), 2011 National Student Art Competition (Art Petron) – Grand Prize (T-shirt design) and Semifinalist (Painting category), 43rd Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) – 5th honorable mention, 2010 Metrobank Art Design Excellence (MADE) – Semifinalist, and, a grandprize winner in the 1st Bulacan State University Painting Contest. Aside from his artistic excellence, Baustista has contributed in BulSU’s official student publicaton, Pacesetter, as a member for 3 years and the Art Director for his last year. He has won Regional and Luzonwide press competitions in editorial cartooning and comic strip drawing.


Anatomy of Paper Severing is a compilation of San Miguel Bulacan’s famous La Banderitas Pastillas

Wrapper. It takes hands on approach on the step-by-step procedure of making different pastillas wrapper design. Each section of the book explains a sound making of the wrapper then demonstrates it in pictures. The examples build from simple synthesizers in the first few chapters, to more complex designs as the book progresses. Each step of the way is examined at a level that is simple enough for new learners and comfortable for more experienced craftsman. Topics covered include a feature story on San Miguel’s remaining pastillas wrapper artists, Luz Ocampo and Teresita Ramos, 140 varieties of pastillas wrapper designs, and, everything else an artist may need to bring their Paper Severing sketches to life.


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