These days my mind’s been possessed with ideas to upcycle and transform paper bags into something artful and radical. And, I must confess, it’s a wonderful visual world to be in – especially before drifting off to sleep at bed time. As such, it takes much tossing and turning before I can go to sleep. Hence, rather than letting the To Do lists (I always have long ones!) crowd my brain, I switch my mind and let it float in the dreamy, blissful world of art and colours.
And, must I tell you – it lightens up my mind and soul! I go to sleep much peacefully.
Check out what I made with those paper bags – inspired by the eternal beauty of the Taj Mahal!
So, going back to the paper bags – I’ve got plenty of them – saved over time.
Last week, when Pari and I decided to make something for my bro’s birthday, I started off with making a greeting card. But – it led me into something that I hadn’t comprehended.
Mid-way into the card, an image flashed my mind.
A paper bag was lying on the floor right next to the table and I picked it up – hoping to fit the card on the front of the paper bag.
Inspiration can strike anytime and from anywhere – I tell you. I’d seen a hole-punched luminary on pinterest and wanted to try something more elaborate and artful.
I outlined the heart card on the paper bag and cut out that portion.
Now, I slid the card into the bag to cover the cut-out portion. It fitted almost fine but not perfectly. For, it should have been either smaller than the card to place on top. Or, the card should have had extra margin to be able to cover precisely when slid from inside.
But, never mind, I managed it by doing some taping from inside.
Now, I had to do something about the area of the bag outside the heart.
Decided to paint it with acrylic colours. Any other paint would not have worked due to the coarse texture of the paper bag.
Pari suggested I used deep blue/ink blue to make it look like night sky. I thought it was a brilliant idea for it was anyways going to be used at night by switching off lights.
The night sky theme would blend perfectly with the glowing heart lights!
I painted the outside and also embellished the heart with golden puffy paint.
There was a picture playing in my mind – the picture of Taj Mahal – the eternal symbol of love and a breathtaking sight under the moon-lit sky.
The Taj Mahal’s interiors are an exquisite blend of the Indian and Mughal marble art. Here’s a picture from our visit in 2011 – around this time of the year.
My heart luminary vaguely reflected some of those memories and pictures etched in my mind. (smiles)
For the other side of the bag, I decided to paint dense greens in acrylic – those forest walks never cease to fascinate and inspire me.
Satisfied with how the paper bag turned out, and how it looked with the candles (inside a glass votive), I presented it to my brother the next day – for his birthday.
And if you have not seen what Pari made for him – have a look at her heart bok with poetry – conceptualized and created – all by herself!
So, what do you think? And, what else can I make with paper bags? Do share your ideas!
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Update on Feb 7, 2012
Some more related projects that you can try yourself or with your child
I’m submitting this to ‘The Heart Project’
I’m taking this opportunity to announce that I’m participating in a fundraiser – called The heart Project – for the American Heart Association. This is being organized by my blogger friend Jamie from hands on: as we grow. As part of this project, 70 bloggers (including Mommy Labs) from around the world have submitted more than 100 creative heart projects for a book, which is named – the Heart Book. It’ll be avaiable in e-book format as well as in print form for you to purchase. The proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the American Heart Association. Stay tuned for more on this – very soon!
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Breathtaking Rashmie…absolutely gorgeous.
Angelique Felix’s recent fabulous post..Fine Motor Skills for older toddler / Fijne motoriek voor de oudere kleuter
Angie – thank you my dear
and thanks for tweeting this!
Rashmie’s recent fabulous post..The Heart Project: An Art/Craft Book Gift for YOU and a Fundraiser for the American Heart Association
Very beautiful front and back – you and Pari have a gift for color! What a great fundraiser too!!!
Ann – so glad you liked. The Heart Book (for the fundraiser) is live today
Rashmie’s recent fabulous post..The Heart Project: An Art/Craft Book Gift for YOU and a Fundraiser for the American Heart Association
Hey Rashmie,
This is one really creative and beautiful. If this is the only one in a room with no other lights on, it takes you to a different world altogether! I am so touched by this thoughful gesture of all you bloggers. When we say that we really want to do something for society then we ourselves have to find ways and means to do so, there is always an easier route of saying that “we really want to do but we dont get any time for it” ! Isn’t it?
Srishti,
Glad you liked the paper bag luminary!
About the Heart Book project – yes – this was a shining example of collaboration for a cause.
You’re right that we often want to do but are not able to due to lack of time (we think!) and our own engagements. I think that – without being judgemental – people ARE probably wanting to make a change but often they lack initiative. And, they are not to be blamed because having an idea or intention is easy – the toughest part is executing it.
Even if a few people are able to kickstart a change and take more people along to form a collaboration, it can bring about massive change. We need a few initiative takers and others will follow suit….
Rashmie’s recent fabulous post..Paper Bag Puppets: Using Art to Inspire Story-writing and Puppetry
Oh my Rashmie, these look great !! So colorful and gorgeous:) You brother is lucky ot get them:)
Roopa’s recent fabulous post..The Heart Book !!!
Thank you, Roopa! And yeah – the bro did feel lucky I guess – he says it in the comment next to yours… LOL
Rashmie’s recent fabulous post..Paper Bag Puppets: Using Art to Inspire Story-writing and Puppetry
This one was super creative! There was somehow some nawabi /mughlai andaaz to it! Like you said it reflected memories of your trip to the Taj.. On a different note, this one and the gift by Pari lighted up my b’ day in a very special way!
It’s even more amazing to know that you are participating for such a noble cause, through your blog. Let me know when the book gets published..
Mannu – thank you, thank you
Handmade gifts are so cherish-able, aren’t they!
About the cause – the book has been published!
Check it out here:
http://www.mommy-labs.com/holistic_living/the-heart-project-an-artcraft-book-gift-for-you-and-a-fundraiser-for-the-american-heart-association/
Rashmie’s recent fabulous post..Paper Bag Puppets: Using Art to Inspire Story-writing and Puppetry