Last minute recycling ideas !

Running behind..busy week..no more wrapping paper!
Here's two ideas using a handled paper handbag, and handmade paper;-)
Have fun and be creative..
A personal touch always feel so good and satisfying, and also ooak.;-)
~~~~~~~~
The first one I simply made a collage on the front, used tissue paper ,golden snowflakes, silver stars, stamping, decorating until I was happy  for an xmas theme.
I also wrapped a decorative ribbon around the handles, and tied at the base of handle.
Bought some gorgeous tissue paper at one of my favorite store here in Vancouver called 'Urban Source', an Alternative art material store.http://www.urbansource.bc.ca/ (a place to surely visit if your in Vancouver;-))
~~~~~~~~
For the second one I used some handmade paper (which I had), folded in half to length. I wanted  re: gift then sewed it .Once done , I opened it so the seam would be in middle. Folded the bottom, approx. an inch, than sewed across.
For the top I used little red mini eyelets all around, and laced a golden ribbon thru it and voila..now time to fill it with your gifts
As an alternative you could use regular packaging paper, and also decorate it ;-)
 ~~~~~~
These two are for my sister and niece ;-)

Custom Coloring Book

I have a pile of old folders , which has been sitting around for awhile.
My mom is in a senior home now, and she likes coloring.
My sister and I had been talking about xmas gifts, and she had initially suggested a coloring book for mom. Well this idea was brewing in my mind ..and yes, making her a home made coloring book, and using the folder as a cover.
It was an overnight project,and finished the cover this morning.
I initially gessoed the folders, and created layers upon layers until I was happy.
My mom loves happy things so I made a landscape with peace doves, stars and heart. The flowers were made with recycled cardboard.  I did a lot of glazing  to make the layers shine thru.
The inside was glued with beautiful paper, and I added a big piece of clear contact sheet (which is a plastic you lined your kitchen cupboard with) as an added protective layer for the paper.
Ribbons adorns the edges.
I found some coloring pages to d/l  in google, and printed those on 80 lb paper, which was just perfect, and some which I thought my mom would love. I found 2 special one , which I put as the last page. It says "I love You Mom".. I wrote a french caption underneath each photo, as we are french, so it would connect more with her.
Here are some photos:

I didn't spend much for creating this artwork; but I feel very fullfilled with
the love I felt  for my mom when creating it. It's also mostly all recycled objects, and that is
bonus. This,handmade,and love mix together makes a great 'melange' for artistic creativity;-)
Sometimes with little , it says so much, and the reward is so satisfying!

xox