Craft Challenge

Right, most of you who read this know that I am more of an illustrator than a craft person. But I have unearthed some (read: a large roll of many sheets) handmade paper from thailand, and it would be a shame to let it go to waste.

Here is the paper, airing under the sun..

I consulted my crafty friends who have more knowhow than I do. Some suggestions included: covering plain boxes, notebook covers/handmade notebooks, bunting… A pinterest consultation led to a few more ideas: leaf dangles for windchimes, bottle wraps, paper bags..

Having said that, I still haven’t come to a solid conclusion on what I want to do with the paper.

Here are some of my restraints:

1. I don’t want to buy anymore material to make these items

2. I already have mod podge, white glue, yarn, other kinds of paper, ribbon. (Unfortunately the rest of my craft materials such as beads, wire, charms, and most of my origami paper are still in transit so I don’t have as much flexibility as I would like). Having said that, as I mentioned earlier in my entry about Mobile Art, having fewer materials shouldn’t be a negative thing. So I will try and live up to this little challenge.

EDIT – just as I was writing this, I got a phone call telling me that my stuff is going to be delivered on Wednesday. in two days time. YIPPEE! which means unpacking rather than crafting. (sadness)

3. I’d like, as far as possible, for these items to be useful rather than items that just gather dust. Which means that decor is not an ideal use for the paper. (having said that, a notebook that remains empty is also useless). Packaging is a great idea as presents for close friends who appreciate packaging…..

4. The paper is quite thick, but rather floppy and has a tissue like texture  – you know what handmade paper looks like. This restricts its use a little bit as well. I can’t help but wonder if the thickness might be a barrier for decoupage…

Still, I think it will be good to use the paper instead of letting it go to waste – so I will continue to think of things that will appeal. There is quite a lot of paper, so there is a lot of scope for usage!

I was thinking I might be able to commandeer a cardboard box and turn it into a doll’s house. but i’ll keep that project for another day. I have a few ideas for a house that has interesting architecture, and that needs a lot of planning and patience – which I do not have. So we will see.