I had 2 projects lined up for the first 2 days of February — decorate the office’s bulletin board and prepare prizes for a friend’s bridal shower. I had ample time to prepare, and I even put together inspiration boards on Pinterest. But the last two weeks of January were surprisingly busy, and I was only able to prepare for these projects 2 days before they were due.
Enter Adobe Illustrator, aka my dirty little “crafting” secret. I use this program to brainstorm layouts and draw templates that can be printed out and cut.
PROJECT #1: BULLETIN BOARD
I work at a reading clinic, and we take turns in decorating the bulletin board in the waiting area. My colleague and I wanted to combine the ideas of LOVE because it’s February and READING because we’re reading clinicians. Also: research shows that children who read with parents get better grades.
Bulletin board concept that I laid out in between classes
The words “someone you” and “LOVE” are reflected in their mirror image to hide the outlines from the front.
bulletin board templates
My co-teacher Nat helped me in cutting the words and hearts. Thanks, Nat!
The finished product:
The children put heart-shaped PostIts over the books they wanted to read with a loved one.
PROJECT #2: BRIDAL SHOWER
My husband and I made a poster for Mara and Sheng‘s underwear drive for monsoon flood victims. I used the panties I drew to make panty buntings for a friend’s bridal shower.
The panties spelled out “HERE COMES THE BRIDE” and were printed on sea foam green, lilac, and powder blue papers.
I also traced the template over wrapping paper to make “lacy” panties.
Finished product:
I hung the panties on lilac-colored yarn using wooden clothespins. The panty buntings went well with the existing decor of the venue.
I was also able to design and print labels for the prizes and favors.
Anti-dengue citronella sprays and soaps never looked so classy.
Thanks to my best friend AI, these projects each took just under 2 hours to complete.
What do you do to make arts and crafts projects easier?
crafter eight 