At the Swiss Historical Village and Museum’s Harvest Fest on Oct. 11, children sat down with scissors and paper to try an art form that has been part of New Glarus’ Swiss heritage for decades. Some were making their first cuts. One young participant enjoyed it so much he returned to make a second piece.

Their teacher was Kirsten Dobson of Waukesha, whose own introduction to scherenschnitte — the Swiss tradition of intricate paper cutting — came through two celebrated New Glarus artists, Linda Schiesser and her mother, Elda.

For Dobson, a retired teacher with deep family ties to New Glarus, the demonstration was about more than a craft project. It was a chance to pass along something she learned from Linda, who died Feb. 11, 2025, at age 80.

“It connects me with my Swiss background,” Dobson said. “Every time I cut, I think of Linda and my grandparents and how proud they would be that I’m carrying on this tradition.”