Last summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a few days in Barcelona on a mother-daughter trip. Having visited the city years before, I already knew how enchanting it was, but this recent visit rekindled my love for it in new ways. Barcelona is a city best experienced on foot—every corner holds something magical. As you walk, the cityscape unfolds with its stunning stone buildings, intricate wrought-iron balconies overflowing with plants, and the flowing, organic curves of Gaudí’s La Pedrera.
After walking for hours we were so happy to sit down for lunch at La Balabusta, where we savoured roasted eggplants and eggs on a bed of hummus—delicious! We meandered through La Rambla, explored the bustling Boqueria market, and ended the day at the Picasso Museum. I couldn’t help but sketch as I wandered the streets, knowing instantly that Barcelona would be a joy to illustrate.
Back in Famille Summerbelle studio in Amsterdam, I immersed myself in the design process. I filled my sketchbook with drawings of Barcelona’s vibrant neighborhoods, studied the intricate details of La Sagrada Familia, and captured scenes of people soaking in the city's unique atmosphere. The initial research and sketching phase is always the most meticulous part of the process, and it took hours to layer the map in pencil before I could begin the next step.
The cutting phase, though long and demanding, is where the magic happens. Over 20 hours of detailed, delicate cutting bring the map to life. From the expansive Camp Nou to the heights of Montjuïc and the flowing lines of La Pedrera, each cut captures a piece of the city’s spirit.
I hope that when you look at this Barcelona paper cut map, you can feel the energy of Barcelona—its culture, its architecture, and its vibrant streets—all coming to life.
