The candidate’s work must demonstrate skills consistent with high standards, care and attention to details. The candidate must be familiar with overcutting, undercutting, shaping, etching and ladders. No glue must be visible from the sides. Candidate must be able to execute simple cutting guides. (25 pieces min.)
The candidate must submit two works for judging. One must be simple flowers, (not a single flower), and the second work can be one of the candidate’s choice.
Level II certification (Feathering and Furring)
The candidate must show proficiency in feathering and furring, and must be able to execute intricate work. Candidate must produce two sets of cutting guides including written instructions. (50 pieces min.) Candidate must supply five letters attesting to teaching experiences within the past three years.
The candidate must submit two works for judging. The first work must show a scene that includes animals. The second work must use the feathering technique. If one of the works includes both animals and birds, the second work can be of the candidate’s choice.
Level III certification (Vue d’optique)
The candidate must be capable of producing multi-level works. This can be an elaborate scene, with or without animals, with or without people. Candidate must supply five letters attesting to teaching experiences within the past three years. Candidate must produce two sets of cutting guides including written instructions. (75 pieces min.)
The candidate must submit two works for judging. The first work can be an Anton Pieck or a Kim Jacobs picture, or any other picture of similar complexity. If you are not sure if your picture would qualify, contact PTI for clarification. The second piece can be of the candidate’s choice, but must use advanced level techniques.
Certification Fees
The fees listed below are for the certification process only. They do not include seminar or workshop fees. Please note that Paper Tole Institute members can apply a 10% discount to all fees listed below.
For projects that do not pass the judging process, you will receive detailed explanations from the three judges, and suggestions on how to improve the piece so that it can pass at the next judging session. If the same work is resubmitted, there is no additional judging fee. However if a different work is submitted a judging fee will apply to the new work. The work will pass with two out of three judges’ agreement.
Level I Certification (Basic)
Application fee: $50 Judging fees for two pictures $60 Evaluation of 2 cutting guides. $40 Total: $150
Level II Certification (Feathering and Furring)
Application fee $50 Judging fees for two pictures $60 Evaluation of 2 cutting guides $60 Total: $170
Level III Certification (Vue d’optique)
Application fee $50 Judging fees for two pictures $60 Evaluation of 2 cutting guides $70 Total: $180
Web Certification
The Institute recognizes that many paper tole artists around the world are not able to attend the training seminars and workshops offered in the U.S.A. and is therefore offering certification through the Web. The web certification will require the same high standards for teacher certification.
Projects must be shipped to PTI for judging at pre-determined times of the year. Please give yourself enough time for shipping your projects. Shipping costs to and from the Institute are the responsibility of the applicant. Please note that the judges are not judging the size of the project but the complexity and execution of the work.The project doesn't have to be framed, but should be in a shadowbox, for the protection of the picture when mailing.
Web applicants can prepare themselves by practicing the standards of paper tole as outlined by PTI. Applying standards will help the applicant to submit projects acceptable to the judges.
Application for Teacher Certification
Applications for teacher certification can be made by mail, email, or fax. All applications must be accompanied by the application fee. Please complete all areas of the application form for quicker processing.
Mrs. Marit Gabler Jernbanegt.14 N-1706 Sarpsborg, Norway Phone: +47 907 90 847 E-mail:
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APPLICATION FORM