Sometimes we all need a little inspiration. What am I going to wear today? What am I going to make for dinner? What am I going to blog about this week? What is my next collage going to be about? The list goes on…and on…and on. Well, I hit the jackpot yesterday with a paper bag. But wait, this is not any ordinary paper bag, it’s a Trader Joe’s paper bag!!!

Sad to say this bag did not come to me filled with Trader Joe goodies. Anyway, it was laying around the floor after I unpacked it and lo and behold, who took up residence in said bag?

None other than Miss Holly Golightly! Well, when she was finished playing house with it I was going to throw it away. It was too torn to put newspapers in for recycling which is what we do with paper bags. But no, I noticed it had some really cool graphics on it. Hmmmm, what to do, what to do?

First I covered a piece of heavy cardboard with different pieces of text and then tore some of it away with masking tape to create this wonderful background. I just noticed the word “girdle” sticking right out in front. I can tell you, that was not planned!

Then I got out some acrylic paints and got messy!!!

After the initial background painting was done, I added some dimension by dabbing paint on bubble wrap, burlap and that rubbery stuff you put on shelves to keep your dishes from moving.

Next came the graphics from the bags and some additional ephemera I had within reach carefully chosen. We’re getting there, but not done quite yet.

Some stamping came next, followed by outlining certain objects to make them stand out more. So here are the finished projects.

I think they turned out really well. Of course the only thing better to do with a Trader Joe’s bag than collage, is to actually carry some of their goodies home in one. I hope they consider my art a creative way to recycle!