Heart of Dinner Painted Paper Bags (II)

A few weeks ago, I had so much fun painting paper bags for Heart of Dinner, a New York City based organization that feeds Asian elders. I was eager to get more bags, but was also reluctant as illustrating fifty felt quite daunting. I asked the volunteer coordinator if I could take less, but understandably she said fifty was the minimum due to their packing process.

I hesitated, but I had a quick conversation with myself that went something like this: “Rose, if you have time to watch hours of YouTube videos, you have time to paint these bags. Just take them.”

I am so glad I did as Heart of Dinner is doing such amazing work and I am so grateful I can help contribute in some way.

Heart Of Dinner Painted Paper Bags (I)

Early on in the pandemic, I saw a news feature of Yin Chang and Moonlynn Tsai rallying with their community to provide hot meals to Asian elders throughout the New York City area through their Heart of Dinner organization. Months later, my friend and I were talking over dinner about how I yearned to get back into doing creative projects and she reminded me of Heart of Dinner and suggested I illustrate the paper bags they use to package their food. The stresses of the pandemic and work felt me feeling drained, and also not in the headspace to craft and create, which in turn left my creative bucket feeling very empty. I was so motivated by Julie’s suggestion that I emailed the organization the very next day.

At first, I was taken aback by the fifty bag minimum, but I had the best time brainstorming what to paint. With things feeling so out of control in my life and in the world, each brush stroke felt so therapeutic and relaxing. It also warmed my heart knowing I was creating something for such a worthy cause.

Attaching illustrated notes cards that were so beautifully done by another volunteer.

Contemporary Holiday Wreath

My friend Melissa was feeling in a crafty mood and wanted to make something similar to this lovely wreaths. I never seen wreaths interpreted in such a modern and minimalist way and was excited to try making one.

I have not crafted in awhile, so it felt so good to get my hands dirty and try to figure out the exact placement of each greenery piece. I love how it turned out!

DIY Polaroid Ornaments

My friend and her fiancé recently opened a super cute doggy care shop in Downtown Brooklyn. To get into the holiday spirit and showcase all their dog clients, Geraldine asked me make some ornaments for the store’s Christmas tree. She had taken polaroids of all the pups and we brainstormed how to spruce them up with some holiday cheer.

We wrote down each dog’s name on the polaroids and embellished them with red ribbons, fuzzy balls, stickers, and mini clothes pins. The evening was exactly what I needed – girl chat, crafts and delicious Thai food. A much needed distraction from all the woes of the pandemic.

Koa, Geraldine’s dog, pooped from the evening. ♥️

Pop Art Illustration Class (Apex For Youth)