I had a hard time thinking of what, if any, message to include in this year’s papercut. I don’t think I’m the only one here who, when looking back at 2018, would laugh at the idea of finding a single thing to say about where we are now. Shit’s been real, huh?
I looked at the previous designs, and realized that even though I’ve looked a whole lot at the traditional Polish papercuts (wycinanki) that inspired this current tradition, I’ve never made one that was a straightforward wycinanki. They’re good enough on their own, and dang are the little old Polish ladies who make them good at it. So, likewise, I decided to go with the original reason for why I do this quixotic endurance crafting session once a year – I’m thinkin about you. Even if I never send that email I keep meaning to send, or followed up on that invitation to catch up, if you’re getting this I’ve thought about you fondly this year.
This year’s gift is in memory of Corby Gillmore. Those of you who knew him knew how solid, funny, kind, and just fuckin great he was. I have no idea how he managed to stay so steady and decent through nearly constant pain, but I hope I never stop appreciating that he did. He always supported my dumb little traditions, so this one’s for you, Corby.