top of page

Shop fine art paper cuts and more from paper cut artist Janelle Washington

paper cutting art - artist Janelle Washington

Paper Cut Art, Silhouettes & Illustrations

Janelle Washington is an accomplished paper-cut artist and award-winning picture book illustrator.

Her brand, WashingtonCuts,

strives to provide unique, high-quality paper cuts, prints, silhouettes, and illustrations celebrating Black history and culture.

Picture Books

Portfolio

Shop

News and Events

Fine Art inspired by Black Culture

Best sellers

SHOP CUT PAPER ART

The Artist
JANELLE
WASHINGTON

Sign up to be included in the know about WashingtonCuts events, new art, workshops, and exhibits!

Follow Along With Me On Instagram

Today is #RightToReadDay, and the theme is #DrawnToFreedom. I created this paper cut to express my support for librarians, libraries, and the freedoms they provide. My paper cut was inspired by an antique Library poster. I remember the colorful and cool posters in the library. I wanted to recreate a poster to support the idea that libraries provide and protect our freedoms to read, learn, and think for ourselves. #NationalLibraryWeek #UniteAgainstBookBans @uniteagainstbookbans

Today is #RightToReadDay, and the theme is #DrawnToFreedom. I created this paper cut to express my support for librarians, libraries, and the freedoms they provide. My paper cut was inspired by an antique Library poster. I remember the colorful and cool posters in the library. I wanted to recreate a poster to support the idea that libraries provide and protect our freedoms to read, learn, and think for ourselves. #NationalLibraryWeek #UniteAgainstBookBans @uniteagainstbookbans

Join me this Friday at The Library of Virginia for their exhibit First Fridays at LVA | Virginia Stories: Flora & Fauna. 5pm -8pm
.
April’s theme is Flora & Fauna. View works from local artists that reflect Virginia’s plants and animals, as well as related items from our collections. Engage with the theme by creating flower origami in our makerspace and watching demonstrations of Ikebana, the Japanese flower arrangement art form, presented by Ikebana of Richmond.
.
And don’t miss poetry readings from the “Writing the Land: Virginia” poetry anthology, which will occur throughout the evening in the Conference Rooms. The book celebrates the beauty and value of conserved lands of all kinds from across the Commonwealth of Virginia, including public wildlife management areas, conservation easements, city and riverside trails, park systems, and shoreline farms. Each chapter contains poems, illustrations, photographs, and information on properties from land conservation organizations or Indigenous tribes. The Library is partnering with the Capital Region Land Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy to present this poetry reading.
.
Limited free parking is available underneath the Library at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA. 5pm -8pm
.
#flowersandfauna #vaartist #papercutart #papercut #firstfriday

Join me this Friday at The Library of Virginia for their exhibit First Fridays at LVA | Virginia Stories: Flora & Fauna. 5pm -8pm
.
April’s theme is Flora & Fauna. View works from local artists that reflect Virginia’s plants and animals, as well as related items from our collections. Engage with the theme by creating flower origami in our makerspace and watching demonstrations of Ikebana, the Japanese flower arrangement art form, presented by Ikebana of Richmond.
.
And don’t miss poetry readings from the “Writing the Land: Virginia” poetry anthology, which will occur throughout the evening in the Conference Rooms. The book celebrates the beauty and value of conserved lands of all kinds from across the Commonwealth of Virginia, including public wildlife management areas, conservation easements, city and riverside trails, park systems, and shoreline farms. Each chapter contains poems, illustrations, photographs, and information on properties from land conservation organizations or Indigenous tribes. The Library is partnering with the Capital Region Land Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy to present this poetry reading.
.
Limited free parking is available underneath the Library at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA. 5pm -8pm
.
#flowersandfauna #vaartist #papercutart #papercut #firstfriday

We made it to another list! Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the 21st century (So Far) .
Congrats to all those on the list!
.
Mamie and Emmett would be so proud!
Please continue to buy copies! Buy them for your family, schools, and public library! We can not allow Mamie's brave story to be forgotten.
.
If you haven't gotten a copy, get one now! Please and thank you
.
#emmetttill #mamietillmobley #bestbooksofthe21stcentury #civilrights

We made it to another list! Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the 21st century (So Far) .
Congrats to all those on the list!
.
Mamie and Emmett would be so proud!
Please continue to buy copies! Buy them for your family, schools, and public library! We can not allow Mamie's brave story to be forgotten.
.
If you haven't gotten a copy, get one now! Please and thank you
.
#emmetttill #mamietillmobley #bestbooksofthe21stcentury #civilrights

Yesterday was the start of Women's History Month, so I share this paper cut to show that women continue to grow and bloom even amid swirling wind and chaos.
.
For March, celebrate the women in your life by giving them their flowers while they are alive and celebrate the women in history by learning about their contributions to our world.
.
Sweetest Sonnet, 2021, 12 x 16 sold.

Yesterday was the start of Women's History Month, so I share this paper cut to show that women continue to grow and bloom even amid swirling wind and chaos.
.
For March, celebrate the women in your life by giving them their flowers while they are alive and celebrate the women in history by learning about their contributions to our world.
.
Sweetest Sonnet, 2021, 12 x 16 sold.

Working on adding texture

Working on adding texture

Almost done cutting....

Almost done cutting....

Great turn out Feb 1st! 35 people attended the artist talk and prayer walk at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. ( 3 photos courtesy of St. Paul's)
.
I am so honored that my friend @stacy.and.logan , my cousin Scherra, my coworker, and my supportive husband were able to attend. And it's cool to live next door to one of the committee members @anglicanmw.
.
It's great to have friends and family be able to take time out of their day to support and see my artwork. Thank you!
.

Great turn out Feb 1st! 35 people attended the artist talk and prayer walk at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. ( 3 photos courtesy of St. Paul's)
.
I am so honored that my friend @stacy.and.logan , my cousin Scherra, my coworker, and my supportive husband were able to attend. And it's cool to live next door to one of the committee members @anglicanmw.
.
It's great to have friends and family be able to take time out of their day to support and see my artwork. Thank you!
.

A good snow day equals productivity! If work is canceled tomorrow, this piece will be totally cut out!

A good snow day equals productivity! If work is canceled tomorrow, this piece will be totally cut out!

Early sketches for The Stations of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Early sketches for The Stations of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

As Trump dredges up eugenics in his speeches, I am reminded of the glaring contradiction in that ideology. Black people were never inferior—if we were, we would not have been stolen from our homelands, forced into labor, and relied upon to build, clean, farm, and sustain entire economies for others.
.
This design comes from Station One at St. Paul's and stands as a testament to that truth. The chained hands symbolize the Black bodies that built St. Paul’s Church—yet were denied the right to worship there.
.
Our strength, intelligence, and resilience were seen, recognized, and exploited in the making of this country. We are a GREAT people, and history itself proves it. Included in post are some inspiration photos . I'll be talking about all 14 works of art tomorrow- Join me at 10am

As Trump dredges up eugenics in his speeches, I am reminded of the glaring contradiction in that ideology. Black people were never inferior—if we were, we would not have been stolen from our homelands, forced into labor, and relied upon to build, clean, farm, and sustain entire economies for others.
.
This design comes from Station One at St. Paul's and stands as a testament to that truth. The chained hands symbolize the Black bodies that built St. Paul’s Church—yet were denied the right to worship there.
.
Our strength, intelligence, and resilience were seen, recognized, and exploited in the making of this country. We are a GREAT people, and history itself proves it. Included in post are some inspiration photos . I'll be talking about all 14 works of art tomorrow- Join me at 10am

It's the year of the Snake. Under Chinese astrology, I am considered a snake.. lol which isn't as bad as it sounds!
.
The snake sign is commonly associated with intelligence, resilience, and love.
.
So, Happy Lunar New Year to all my friends and followers who celebrate!
.
Photo of "Coiled" from my Quiet Terrors, Quiet Joys collection.

It's the year of the Snake. Under Chinese astrology, I am considered a snake.. lol which isn't as bad as it sounds!
.
The snake sign is commonly associated with intelligence, resilience, and love.
.
So, Happy Lunar New Year to all my friends and followers who celebrate!
.
Photo of "Coiled" from my Quiet Terrors, Quiet Joys collection.

Station 1: Slavery Takes Root in Virginia. Here are some of my inspiration photos for the 24" x 48" Handcut Tyvek art installations found at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
.
The last two slides are close up of the actual design, top and bottom.
.
Come out next Sat and listen to me lead a walking tour of all 14 of The Stations.

Station 1: Slavery Takes Root in Virginia. Here are some of my inspiration photos for the 24" x 48" Handcut Tyvek art installations found at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
.
The last two slides are close up of the actual design, top and bottom.
.
Come out next Sat and listen to me lead a walking tour of all 14 of The Stations.

Join me and the St. Paul Episcopal Church as I give an artist tour on the creation of The Stations of St. Paul. I will discuss my creative process, the artwork, and other important info! This is the 4th year this art has been hung! February 1, 2025 10 am - 12pm in the sanctuary. Hope to see you there!

Join me and the St. Paul Episcopal Church as I give an artist tour on the creation of The Stations of St. Paul. I will discuss my creative process, the artwork, and other important info! This is the 4th year this art has been hung! February 1, 2025 10 am - 12pm in the sanctuary. Hope to see you there!

Finally, got around to finish cutting this piece out. Will add color later.

Finally, got around to finish cutting this piece out. Will add color later.

Even Mamie knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. words could instill courage, confidence, and promote community. Happy MLK Day!

Rest in Power! May your actions and words never die but live on in our hearts.
.
Illustration from Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement
.
@angelajoybooks @macmillanusa @berniceaking @mamietillmobleymemorial

Even Mamie knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. words could instill courage, confidence, and promote community. Happy MLK Day!

Rest in Power! May your actions and words never die but live on in our hearts.
.
Illustration from Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement
.
@angelajoybooks @macmillanusa @berniceaking @mamietillmobleymemorial

I'm so glad to finally get this piece (Line This Track) in a show!
.
I created this paper cut in 2017, early in my career, for a show in Atlanta. After getting it professionally framed and seeing how much shipping $$$ was, I was like, "I'm good!" So, I sent the show a smaller paper cut, lol! That piece ended up winning an award in the show, but I was never able to find another show to submit this piece to. (Another reason I am not a huge fan of themed exhibits.)
.
Line This Track was based on researching Black railroad porters and track workers. I looked at patterns from the trains, railroad tracks, and bridges to pull this design together. I also found call-and-response chants that the workers sang while working. I decided to show women working because it probably wasn't a known fact that they also worked on the tracks.
.
Anywho, I am excited to see the response to this paper cut, and I have my fingers crossed for a sale.
.
More info soon!

I'm so glad to finally get this piece (Line This Track) in a show!
.
I created this paper cut in 2017, early in my career, for a show in Atlanta. After getting it professionally framed and seeing how much shipping $$$ was, I was like, "I'm good!" So, I sent the show a smaller paper cut, lol! That piece ended up winning an award in the show, but I was never able to find another show to submit this piece to. (Another reason I am not a huge fan of themed exhibits.)
.
Line This Track was based on researching Black railroad porters and track workers. I looked at patterns from the trains, railroad tracks, and bridges to pull this design together. I also found call-and-response chants that the workers sang while working. I decided to show women working because it probably wasn't a known fact that they also worked on the tracks.
.
Anywho, I am excited to see the response to this paper cut, and I have my fingers crossed for a sale.
.
More info soon!

This week has been a week! I've been home with no water in the tap since coming back from my holiday break.. where my flight was canceled, and we ended up renting a car and driving back home..
.
but in the end.. God is good! All the time, God is good. Why? Because I am safe, I am loved, and I have heat,😆. But most importantly cause I am shipping off 15 paper cut illustrations for my second BOOK! Chile, all done!
.
So let's say a prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me this opportunity to showcase the talents you have bestowed upon me. I am appreciative of all that you are and all that you have done. I pray that this package gets to its destination safely and without any problems. All of my hard work and prayers will not be destroyed by this winter weather or UPS neglect. May the art team have no troubles with scanning and color fixing. May this book be just as beautiful as the first! Amen🙏🏾 and asante.
.
So proud of myself!! ❤️🎉
Special shout out to @adrianadominguez1 @missconnieh @sharismardesign

This week has been a week! I've been home with no water in the tap since coming back from my holiday break.. where my flight was canceled, and we ended up renting a car and driving back home..
.
but in the end.. God is good! All the time, God is good. Why? Because I am safe, I am loved, and I have heat,😆. But most importantly cause I am shipping off 15 paper cut illustrations for my second BOOK! Chile, all done!
.
So let's say a prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me this opportunity to showcase the talents you have bestowed upon me. I am appreciative of all that you are and all that you have done. I pray that this package gets to its destination safely and without any problems. All of my hard work and prayers will not be destroyed by this winter weather or UPS neglect. May the art team have no troubles with scanning and color fixing. May this book be just as beautiful as the first! Amen🙏🏾 and asante.
.
So proud of myself!! ❤️🎉
Special shout out to @adrianadominguez1 @missconnieh @sharismardesign

Happy 2025! May this New Year be filled with positive and lucrative opportunities, even in the face of new obstacles. As a community of artists, may our art speak volumes in a world that is getting darker and more negative and bring awareness and light to those who view it.
.
Thank you for being on this journey with me here on Instagram. Your support and every kind and supportive comment that I have received from you all have been a source of inspiration. I am excited to see the art we create together this year!
.
What was cursed, we will cure.
What was plagued, we will prove pure.
Where we tend to argue, we will try to agree,
Those fortunes we forswore, now the future we foresee,
Where we weren't aware, we're now awake;
Those moments we missed
Are now these moments we make,
The moments we meet,
And our hearts, once altogether beaten,
Now all together beat.
.
*Amanda Gordan, part of - New Day's Lyric, 2021

Happy 2025! May this New Year be filled with positive and lucrative opportunities, even in the face of new obstacles. As a community of artists, may our art speak volumes in a world that is getting darker and more negative and bring awareness and light to those who view it.
.
Thank you for being on this journey with me here on Instagram. Your support and every kind and supportive comment that I have received from you all have been a source of inspiration. I am excited to see the art we create together this year!
.
What was cursed, we will cure.
What was plagued, we will prove pure.
Where we tend to argue, we will try to agree,
Those fortunes we forswore, now the future we foresee,
Where we weren't aware, we're now awake;
Those moments we missed
Are now these moments we make,
The moments we meet,
And our hearts, once altogether beaten,
Now all together beat.
.
*Amanda Gordan, part of - New Day's Lyric, 2021

If you are in Fremont, CA, take some time to visit the Connecting Cuts a Papercut exhibit.
.
Exhibit runs from 11/7 - 12/1
Virtual exhibit runs from 10/31 -12/14
.
Virtual artist talk 12/2 6pm -7pm.
.
@olivehydeartguild
123 Washington Blvd
.
.
#paperartist #cutpaper #vaartist
#artexhbition

If you are in Fremont, CA, take some time to visit the Connecting Cuts a Papercut exhibit.
.
Exhibit runs from 11/7 - 12/1
Virtual exhibit runs from 10/31 -12/14
.
Virtual artist talk 12/2 6pm -7pm.
.
@olivehydeartguild
123 Washington Blvd
.
.
#paperartist #cutpaper #vaartist
#artexhbition

Catch two of my paper-cut pieces in this show, Connecting Cuts! If you are in the area, come out and see all the paper art in person, and sign up to listen to the virtual artist talk! @olivehydeartguild

Catch two of my paper-cut pieces in this show, Connecting Cuts! If you are in the area, come out and see all the paper art in person, and sign up to listen to the virtual artist talk! @olivehydeartguild

#cutober2024 Day 20 - Globe
.
Thanks again to @knotyourgrammasknits for sending a photo of this little girl (niece?) with so much personality.
.
Now, truthfully, I don't know why I put her on top of the globe.. but I did, and it works!
.
I've also been watching the show Choas on Netflix, and this somehow reminds me of the show.

#cutober2024 Day 20 - Globe
.
Thanks again to @knotyourgrammasknits for sending a photo of this little girl (niece?) with so much personality.
.
Now, truthfully, I don't know why I put her on top of the globe.. but I did, and it works!
.
I've also been watching the show Choas on Netflix, and this somehow reminds me of the show.

#cutober2024 Day 19 - Fortune
.
Thanks to @knotyourgrammasknits for the photos! This one fit well for the prompt Fortune.
.
I have this song, Que Sera Sera, stuck in my head from the show FROM, so I thought it would fit nicely as someone's fortune - What will be will be. Have you been watching?

#cutober2024 Day 19 - Fortune
.
Thanks to @knotyourgrammasknits for the photos! This one fit well for the prompt Fortune.
.
I have this song, Que Sera Sera, stuck in my head from the show FROM, so I thought it would fit nicely as someone's fortune - What will be will be. Have you been watching?

#cutober2024 Day 16 - Seahorse
.
Thanks for the photo! @emily_guinn

#cutober2024 Day 16 - Seahorse
.
Thanks for the photo! @emily_guinn

#cutober2024 Day15 - Checkerboard
.
Thanks to this cutie for being perfect for this prompt. Crown me, please!
.

#cutober2024 Day15 - Checkerboard
.
Thanks to this cutie for being perfect for this prompt. Crown me, please!
.

#cutober2024 Day 12 Map
.
Thank you, @emily_guinn, for participating again! I know you will get all the map references. I used photos from your IG.
.
@papercaperco

#cutober2024 Day 12 Map
.
Thank you, @emily_guinn, for participating again! I know you will get all the map references. I used photos from your IG.
.
@papercaperco

#cutober2024 Day 11 - Cowgirl
.
Thanks to @just_another_mother_with_books for participating again!
.

#cutober2024 Day 11 - Cowgirl
.
Thanks to @just_another_mother_with_books for participating again!
.

Playing catch up.
Here is #cutober24, day 7 Flower
.
Decided to be inspired by art nouveau for the flower design.
Thank you to @azarine.designs for participating again!
.
@papercaperco

Playing catch up.
Here is #cutober24, day 7 Flower
.
Decided to be inspired by art nouveau for the flower design.
Thank you to @azarine.designs for participating again!
.
@papercaperco

I am so happy to have been able to celebrate 20 years of marriage to my hubby on 10/9/24.
.
Finding him made moving to NYC worth it after college. We have weathered a multitude of storms and enjoyed our blessed years of sun shine 🌞. I am glad to have him on my side and in my life. Here's to 20 more!.. 😘🥳🍾

I am so happy to have been able to celebrate 20 years of marriage to my hubby on 10/9/24.
.
Finding him made moving to NYC worth it after college. We have weathered a multitude of storms and enjoyed our blessed years of sun shine 🌞. I am glad to have him on my side and in my life. Here's to 20 more!.. 😘🥳🍾

Well, here is my first #cutober2024 design.
.
Day 4 - Owl
.
Thank you to @artistvirginiarcoleman for her photo!

Well, here is my first #cutober2024 design.
.
Day 4 - Owl
.
Thank you to @artistvirginiarcoleman for her photo!

#Cutober 2024 is coming up soon!! Created by the talented @papercaperco
.
I am a little late posting this since I've been off IG for a while, but I would love to participate and do as many as I can. I was on a roll last year!
.
Sorry to those I was not able to cut last year. Sometimes, the photo you send doesn't fit well with the prompts.
If I have cut you before, you can do it again.
.
I have participated for three years and have decided to give it a go again! For those who are new to following me, I need your help to make this a successful Cutober for me!
.
I like to cut portraits using the prompts. All I need from you is a photo: A CLEAR... CLOSE UP...photo. We are on IG, so we all post photos! Don't be shy! A photo that shows your personality! If you are silly, show your silly side; serious-minded, well, show me! A bit mischievous, well, it is for October! The more interesting details in your photo, the cooler it will be.
.
Also last year I received a lot of photos of 2 people.. they take longer to cut, so I have to limit it to ONE person only, and this also include animals. I can cut animals, but the photo has to be of one subject matter. Thank you!
.
Send your photos to washingtoncuts@gmail.com or DM me here on IG
.
Take a look at some of my past cuts! I like to choose which prompt works well for your photo - a fun surprise...
.
Now, another plus! NOT only are you being cut by ME... you have the chance to own your paper cut... Just pay for shipping and handling, and it is yours after Cutober is over! Thanks for participating .
.
.
Also, I don't know why I need to say this, but ALL races/genders, etc, can participate. Everyone!!! I have love for all.. 😘 I would like to have more men participate!!!
.
#cutober2024

#Cutober 2024 is coming up soon!! Created by the talented @papercaperco
.
I am a little late posting this since I've been off IG for a while, but I would love to participate and do as many as I can. I was on a roll last year!
.
Sorry to those I was not able to cut last year. Sometimes, the photo you send doesn't fit well with the prompts.
If I have cut you before, you can do it again.
.
I have participated for three years and have decided to give it a go again! For those who are new to following me, I need your help to make this a successful Cutober for me!
.
I like to cut portraits using the prompts. All I need from you is a photo: A CLEAR... CLOSE UP...photo. We are on IG, so we all post photos! Don't be shy! A photo that shows your personality! If you are silly, show your silly side; serious-minded, well, show me! A bit mischievous, well, it is for October! The more interesting details in your photo, the cooler it will be.
.
Also last year I received a lot of photos of 2 people.. they take longer to cut, so I have to limit it to ONE person only, and this also include animals. I can cut animals, but the photo has to be of one subject matter. Thank you!
.
Send your photos to washingtoncuts@gmail.com or DM me here on IG
.
Take a look at some of my past cuts! I like to choose which prompt works well for your photo - a fun surprise...
.
Now, another plus! NOT only are you being cut by ME... you have the chance to own your paper cut... Just pay for shipping and handling, and it is yours after Cutober is over! Thanks for participating .
.
.
Also, I don't know why I need to say this, but ALL races/genders, etc, can participate. Everyone!!! I have love for all.. 😘 I would like to have more men participate!!!
.
#cutober2024

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

bottom of page