Snowflake artist to help others gain cutting edge

These are just two of the ornate paper snowflakes created by artist Mary Gaynier of Point Place. Enlarge

What draws Mary Gaynier into spending hours, even up to six months, cutting out a single ornate paper snowflake is the mystery behind it.

"I don't know what they're going to look like until I cut them out. It's a big surprise for me," Ms. Gaynier said. "That's what keeps me doing it is that surprise element. … Each piece has its own feel to it."

The self-taught snowflake artist is willing to show others her craft.

From 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, she will lead a workshop at the Rossford Library, 720 Dixie Hwy.

She is also scheduled to be the artist-in-residence and work with students at Ottawa Hills High School from Monday to March 2.

Ms. Gaynier, 47, of Point Place started her hobby about 11 years ago, cutting snowflakes into the shapes of reindeer and other animals, for Christmas.

She has even cut a snowflake to look like the shape of a Toledo neighborhood. The trick is fighting hand cramps or squeezing in time in between her full-time job as a utility worker, she said.