Paper Precision in Baltimore: Hands-On Papercutting Workshop with Annie Howe

On a quiet block in Baltimore, Maryland, Annie Howe’s papercutting workshop turns sheets of paper into delicate, high-contrast compositions that read like miniature landscapes or urban maps. Set inside a small studio space (meeting point details provided at booking), the class is a two-hour, single-session introduction to the traditional craft of papercutting. You do not need previous experience; Annie guides every step from thumbnail sketches to the precise slicing motion that transforms a drawn idea into negative space and light. The core features of the session are simple and exact: a sketching phase to nail your composition, demonstrations of safety and blade technique using X-Acto knives, and a guided cutting session using heavyweight and translucent papers to show how layers change depth and shadow. The workshop highlights how negative space can function like a landscape—edges become ridgelines, tiny bridges cast clean silhouettes, and botanical motifs read like local flora. Participants commonly work with archival-grade paper and learn to create connecting bridges so more intricate designs remain intact. What makes this workshop stand out in Baltimore’s creative scene is Annie Howe’s direct, hands-on instruction and the studio-to-home focus. Attendees leave with a finished or nearly finished original, plus a clear plan to continue at home. The group cap is small—10 people—so you get individual feedback, practical tips on conserving paper, and troubleshooting for tricky interior cuts. The class is ideal for people comfortable with basic drawing and safe knife handling; a steady hand and patience reward you with crisp results. Baltimore’s craft history and DIY culture frame the experience. The city’s makerspaces and art alleys have long supported paper arts and printmaking, and this workshop is an accessible entry point into that local tradition. Expect a compact, lively environment where conversation about composition mixes with the soft sound of blades on paper. Plan logistics around a two-hour commitment and the recommended minimum age of 13. Bring any custom concept you’d like to realize, and be prepared to focus: fine motor control and attention to margins matter more than speed. Safety is emphasized throughout; Annie demonstrates how to angle the blade and where to rest your hand. Whether you’re a visiting traveler looking for a tactile, creative interlude or a local wanting to add a new skill to your studio practice, this papercutting workshop delivers a concentrated, practical lesson in craftsmanship that translates directly to projects you’ll make at home. Reservations fill fast due to the ten-person cap, so check availability in advance. Basic materials are supplied, but bring specialty paper or a reference sketch if you have one. The class suits gift-givers, date outings, or solo makers seeking a focused, hands-on skill to practice long after the session ends at home.