This Floral Tree of Life was inspired by the tradition of Polish paper cutouts (Wycinanki) and designed by the talented Emma Carlow. 

This Tree of Life comes packed flat and is made of unpainted plywood. Enjoy it as is, or paint your very own (painted set shown here is for inspiration only). You will also need paint, markers, or crayons of your choosing. Finished tree is 10.75 x 8 inches.

Why we love this: 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.