Designer Crafts Connection - Crafting with School Supplies

Hi Crafters!

This month on the Designer Crafts Connection, we're crafting with school supplies.  I decided to make a craft with a paper bag.  After all, you can carry your lunch to school in them or cover your books with one, so I think they are definitely a school supply.  And, they are such a fun material with which to craft!  I like to layer the paper bags with glue and then shape them.  My project this month is a Leaf Bowl.

For this project, you'll need one large paper bag, tacky glue and paint. 

Cut the two sides from the bag. 

Draw a large leaf on one side and cut out the leaf shape.  Trace this leaf on the other side and cut out the second shape.

Place one leaf down on your work surface and add a blob of glue. Spread the glue out to the edges with your fingers or the side of a craft stick.   Place the second leaf on top of the glue.  Press the layers together.  The glue may ooze out the edges.  Just wipe it off with a damp paper towel.  Now, wrinkle up the layered leaf.  This will give it some texture. 

Curve the edges of the leaf upward to create a bowl in the middle of the leaf.  You may have to do this more than once to get the edges to stay in place.  You'll be able to play with the shape for awhile as the glue dries.  To help, you can lay the leaf over a bowl.

Now let the leaf bowl dry.  Once it is dry, you can paint it in colors of your choice using a brush or small piece of sponge. Then, you can use it to hold some fall items like nuts or other small items.




Paper Bag Leaf Bowl

If you don't want to use it as a bowl, you can hang it on your wall.  Or, make several and hang them from a branch for a fall mobile!

Happy Crafting!

Terry